The Best Preschools in Cambridgeport, VT
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Cambridgeport. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Cambridge Early Childhood Center
Independent
Cambridge Early Childhood Center is a highly-regarded preschool serving the Cambridge area, including Cambridgeport. The center focuses on developmentally appropriate practices and play-based learning in a nurturing environment. With experienced early childhood educators and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten, the facility maintains excellent safety standards and strong parent-teacher communication. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and hands-on learning experiences.
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Smugglers' Notch Preschool
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Located just minutes from Cambridgeport in Jeffersonville, Smugglers' Notch Preschool offers exceptional early childhood education with a focus on outdoor learning and nature-based activities. The program combines structured academic preparation with ample play and exploration time. With highly qualified teachers and low student-to-teacher ratios, the preschool provides individualized attention and maintains outstanding safety records. Parents consistently praise the program's engaging curriculum and the development of independence and social skills in children.
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The Essex Children's Center
Independent
The Essex Children's Center serves families throughout Chittenden County, including Cambridgeport area residents. This NAEYC-accredited facility offers a comprehensive preschool program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features experienced early childhood educators with advanced degrees and maintains excellent staff retention rates. With a focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment and strong parent partnerships, the program has earned consistent high ratings for educational quality and child development outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Cambridgeport, VT:
What is the typical cost of preschool in Cambridgeport, VT, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Cambridgeport and the surrounding Lamoille County area, preschool tuition typically ranges from $150 to $250 per week for a part-time program. Vermont's Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) offers subsidies based on family income, and many local preschools are approved providers. It's also worth inquiring directly with preschools about potential sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How do I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Cambridgeport?
All licensed preschools in Vermont are regulated by the Child Development Division (CDD). You can verify a program's license status and review any compliance history through the Bright Futures Information System on the Vermont.gov website. Additionally, look for programs that are participating in Vermont's STARS (Step Ahead Recognition System), a voluntary quality rating and improvement system.
What are the enrollment timelines and waitlist situations like for Cambridgeport preschools?
Due to limited slots in this small community, enrollment for the fall often begins as early as January or February, with many popular programs having waitlists. It's highly recommended to contact preschools of interest 6-12 months in advance. Some programs may offer mid-year enrollment if space allows, but planning ahead is crucial in a rural area like Cambridgeport.
Are there preschools in Cambridgeport that offer outdoor or nature-based programs, given Vermont's landscape?
Yes, nature-based early education is a growing trend in Vermont. While Cambridgeport itself is a small village, several preschools in nearby towns like Cambridge or Jeffersonville offer forest school-style programs or have extensive outdoor classrooms. These programs emphasize outdoor play and exploration in all weather, leveraging Vermont's natural environment as a core part of the curriculum.
Given Cambridgeport's rural location, what should I consider regarding transportation and school hours?
Most preschools in the Cambridgeport area do not provide transportation, so parents should plan for drop-off and pick-up. Program hours can vary significantly; some offer core hours of 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while others provide extended care to better accommodate working parents commuting to jobs in St. Johnsbury or other regional hubs. Clarifying the exact schedule and any early/late care options is an essential first step.
Nearby Cities
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