Home Daycares in Portland
Take our 5-minute survey to see 3 daycares that match your preferences, timeline, and what matters most to you.
Small-scale child care programs near you
When smaller is better, home daycare is the best. Find great options for infants & toddlers near you.
Ms. Amy
Academic PrepI started taking care of children when I was in high school and I got a job as a teacher’s assistant at a nearby daycare. After college, I got teacher certified and worked in daycare once again. After an interim period in the corporate and small business worlds, I returned to Early Childhood Education, this time directing a literacy program in public schools and then teaching in a local preschool. Opening a child care program in my own home gives me an opportunity to use my experience and my teaching skills in a new setting. I provide a safe and loving atmosphere, and I value every child’s uniqueness. I recognize that I’m a really important adult for kids who spend time with me every day, and I focus on making kids feel cared for and loved. I’m so excited about this new chapter!
Ms. Nilsa
Play-Based LearningI became a mother 13 years ago and I went to school to study early childhood to be a preschool teacher. My favorite thing about caring for children is watching them explore and discover. That has been a highlight for me throughout my7 years of experience. I have worked as an early childhood educator in daycare centers, and most recently I have been working in my own daycare program. People have said that I create an environment that is comfortable and happy. I focus on building independence, and I especially love to watch them express themselves. I’m proud when I think about all the children I've helped grow and learn. That's what makes this work so special.
Ms. Amanda
Baby Sign LanguageChildren are so curious and ready to learn! In my program, kids really grow a lot because they are in an environment where they feel at home and have plenty of activities to explore. My program is small enough that we really feel more like a family than a daycare – I treat the children the same way I treat my own kids, with love and plenty of attention! I began working with kids as a school bus driver and got to know so many families in my neighborhood in that role. Having my own daycare has only built up those special relationships and resulted in a wonderful community that I can’t wait to share with even more kids and families!
Ms. Vanessa
Bilingual DaycareEvery child is unique and needs a different type of care. I know this from personal and professional experience - I have four kids, each with their own personality, interests, and needs – and I’ve worked in childcare for the past fifteen years! I also have a degree in elementary education and a preschool certification. Between my education and my life experiences as a caretaker and mom, I really know how to interact with kids, bring out the best in them, and give them patience and care on days when they need it. Having my own home daycare is the perfect way for me to use all my skills and knowledge so that children can learn and grow!
Find out rates & availability for daycares in Portland
Portland
There are 10 licensed home daycares in Portland. Most parents don’t know that home daycare is regulated by the Office of Early Childhood, just like the big preschool centers.
For more daycare recommendations in Portland, take our 5-minute survey.
Other daycares near Portland
All of these nearby daycares are licensed by the Office of Early Childhood. While they don’t work with NeighborSchools, you can visit the government website here to try to contact them directly.
Dawn M Wadding
14 Covell Hill Rd, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.57116
Licensed for 6
Dawn M Wadding runs a licensed Family Child Care program in Portland. As with all home daycares in Connecticut, her program is licensed by the Office of Early Childhood, which ensures that she has completed trainings in childhood development, health & safety. Home daycares like this are a great option for parents looking for small-scale, personalized child care.
Deborah Dorsey
7 Dolores Rd, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.51758
Licensed for 6
This home daycare in Portland is led by Deborah Dorsey, a licensed Family Child Care educator. By choosing licensed child care, you can rest assured that the provider has passed a government-issued background record check, and that the home daycare environment has been inspected by the state licensing department. With a maximum of just 6 children, this program is a good option for parents close to home near Portland.
Arlene D Lastrina
19 Taylor Dr, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.48429
Licensed for 6
Home daycares like Arlene D Lastrina’s are a favorite with parents who want a small-scale child care program near Portland. All daycares on NeighborSchools are fully licensed, so you know they’ve passed a background record check and educators have completed trainings in childhood development, health & safety. This daycare takes just 6 children, so each child gets lots of individualized care while learning to socialize in a small group setting.
Ann Labby
28 Edgewood Rd, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.52758
Licensed for 6
Family child care provider Ms. Ann runs this daycare out of her home in Portland, Connecticut. She is licensed by the state to care for up to 6 children, which means she has completed required trainings and continuing education hours. Family child care programs can be a great fit for parents that want their child to get lots of individualized care and attention.
Donna M Godreau
14 Thompson Hill Road, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.51108
Licensed for 6
A small, local home daycare in nearby Portland, Connecticut led by Ms. Donna. Many parents choose home daycares because the small group sizes can be great for infant and toddler development, and they are often more affordable than preschool centers. This child care program takes just 6 kids.
Melissa Giantonio-Ferguson
9 Scenic Dr, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.23041
Licensed for 6
Parents looking for a small-scale child care often prefer home daycares, like this one with Ms. Melissa in Portland, Connecticut. Better ratios, more flexible schedules, and lots of love for the little ones are the keys. Most daycares take a mix of ages, which helps with childhood development as infants learn from toddlers, and the preschoolers act as role models for the babies. And this daycare takes a maximum of 6 kids total!
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Child care programs & philosophies for every family
Each daycare provider designs their program based on their unique background & child care experience.
Even more home daycares in Portland
You’d be surprised just how many small-scale child care programs there are in Portland. to find options that work for you.
Patricia Lehman
151 Penfield Hill Rd, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.35292
Licensed for 6
Shelli-Lynn Nolan
631 Main St, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.52877
Licensed for 6
Sarah Walden
53 Spring Street, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.57283
Licensed for 6
Diane Johnson
12 Burr St, Portland, Ct
License # DCFH.48491
Licensed for 6
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Get your own recommendations based on your preferences, daily routine, and what matters most to you.
FAQs
Your family is unique to you, but some of your questions might not be. 😉 Here’s what most parents want to know when starting out.
How’s it work?
Most first-time parents don’t know exactly what they’re looking for, so we created a simple survey that will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your daily routines, and your preferences for child care. We’ll then share 3 personalized recommendations that we think might be a good fit. We’ll also give you a timeline that maps out when we would suggest you start touring programs, choose a daycare, and pay a deposit to secure a spot. Your timeline is based on when you want to start care - so you set the pace, and you decide when you’ve found the right match.
Is there a cost?
Nope. Our daycare recommendation service is free for parents. The other half of our business is helping these small-scale daycares with software and services that handle all their administrative tasks, like online contracting, payment processing, and licensing requirements. Before NeighborSchools, services like these were only designed for large corporate child care centers, and part of our mission is to level the playing field for small, independent child care programs. That’s why we picked the name NeighborSchools - we’re all about making child care more personal, more human, and more equitable for the incredible individuals who do this work and care for our children.
How do I know if I’m ready to take the survey?
Generally, if you’re here, you’re ready. The survey lets us give you 3 recommendations to consider, but it’ll also help you better understand what factors to consider, and what questions to be asking right now. It’s simple things like where you live, your child’s date of birth, when you want to start care, and if you have any preferences around program philosophy or language of instruction. If you’re planning 6+ months ahead, it’s a great way to get started, and if you’re hoping to start daycare in the next 2-4 months, it’s definitely time to get started. Click here to start the survey.
How do I know if a daycare has openings?
Each program has a limited number of spots for each age range, so we need to know your schedule and child’s age before we can share availability. The survey covers these basics, as well as factors like drop-off and pick-up times to make sure that recommended programs fit your daily routine. Once we know your child’s age and schedule we can share rates and costs as well.
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