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Preschool Information
Each fall the staff of the Merrimack Public Library solicits information from local preschools, kindergartens, and licensed childcare facilities to create this directory. The Library does not endorse any of the schools or programs, but collects and provides this information as a service to parents. The information listed below was provided by individual organizations that wished to be included in the directory. Specific questions about an organization or school should be directed to the contact person listed.

Apple Blossom Child Center
Children's Winter Garden, Inc.
Grace Christian Kindergarten
KinderCare Learning Centers
Lisa's Tippy Toes Inc. Daycare & Learning Ctr.
Little Einsteins Preschool Learning Ctr.
Merrimack Early Education Program (MEEP)
Merrimack PTA Kindergarten & Preschool
Merrimack School District

Merrimack YMCA
Perfect Balance Preschool
Pine Hill Waldorf School
Preschool in the Village
S. Merrimack Christian Academy
Southern NH Services Child Dev. Ctr.
St. Christopher School
St. James Preschool Learning Ctr.
Sunrise Center
Tollhouse Preschool
White Wing School

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APPLE BLOSSOM CHILD CENTER
628 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 424-6000

Contact: Laura Millett, Director
[email-masked]

Ages:6 weeks - 12 years

Hours:
6:30 am - 6 pm

Rates: (Full day unless noted)
6 weeks-18 months: $215/week
18-36 months: $210/week

3 year-old: $195/week
4 year-old: $190/week
Kindergarten 9-12:30 only: $125/week
Full time w/am class: $18/week
Ext. program: $165/week
School Age:
$70/week - am only
$90/week - pm only
$115/week - before and after school care
$150/full day

Class Size/Ratio:
4:1 for ages 6 weeks-18 months
8:1 for 3 years
12:4 for 4 years
15:1 for ages 5+

Before/after school & vacation programs: Yes.
Accreditation: None indicated.

Brief Description
Our goal is to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environmenet for your child. Qualified staff members strive to meet the needs of the children, as well as the wishes of the parents. As we are in a world that is constantly changing, we hope to provide children with a secure, consistent and loving community.
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CHILDREN'S WINTER GARDEN, INC.
121 Manchester Street
Nashua, NH 03064
(603) 882-9490

Contact:Chris Clanin | Ages:3-4 year old

Hours:
M/W/F 8:15 am - 3:30 pm
T/Th 8:15 am - Noon

Rates:
3 year old program: TBA
4 year old program: TBA

Class Size/Ratio:
3 year old 7:1
4 year old 8:1

Before/after school & vacation programs: No.
Accreditation: NAEYC since 1996.

Brief Description
Children’s Winter Garden is a developmental preschool that encourages children to develop to the best of their ability socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. In the classroom children have the opportunity to explore through hands-on activities in centers devoted to literature, art, science, math, blocks, dramatic play and language development.
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GRACE CHRISTIAN KINDERGARTEN
Grace Christian School
12 Station Road
Bedford, NH 03110
(603) 622-6336

Contact: School secretary
[email-masked]

Ages: Kindergarten - Grade 6
(Must be 5 years old by 12/15 of the year entering kindergarten.)

Hours:
Kindergarten: 8:30am-11:30am
Extended day option 11:30am-3pm

Rates:
2010 rates TBA

Class Size/Ratio: 12:2

Before/after school & vacation programs: None indicated.
Accreditation: None indicated
Brief Description:
Grace Christian Kindergarten was established in 1978 and provides an enjoyable educational program designed to give your child a firm foundation for a lifetime of learning. It includes beginning reading skills, phonics, math, art and music along with many hands-on learning activities. In November 2009 the school re-located to this Bedford address.
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KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER

4 Continental Boulevard
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 423-9779
Contact Person: Dawn Mayo
[email-masked]

325 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 424-0767
Contact Person: Suzanne Mailhiot
[email-masked]

Ages: Infants - Kindergarten | Hours:  6:30 am - 6:30 pm
Rates: Varies depending on age group and attendance. | Class Size/Ratio: Meets state requirements.

Before/after school & vacation programs: None.
Accreditation: NAEYC.
Brief Description:
We are committed to high-quality educational programs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Kindergarteners and School-Agers. We believe children should learn, grow, develop and play in a safe, nurturing environment and should be free to explore, discover and learn about the world. Our programs feature a full day of developmentally-appropriate lessons and activities – all planned with the specific age and interests of your child in mind. We also offer services for the entire family including family fun days, parent’s night out and much more.
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LISA'S TIPPY TOES INC. DAYCARE AND LEARNING CENTER, INC.
33 Baboosic Lake Road
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 423-0267

Contact: Lisa Bailey, Director
[email-masked]

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 6:30 am - 6 pm, M-F
Rates:
FT=Full Time PT=Part Time
Infants: 6 weeks to 12 months
FT: $225/week
PT: $50/day
Toddlers: 12 months to 24 months
FT: $205/week
PT: $45/day
PT: $25 - 4 hours or less
Toddlers: 25 months to 36 months
FT: $195/week
PT: $45/day
PT: $20 - 4 hours or less
Preschool: 36 to 48 months
FT: $185/week
PT full day: $40/day
AM or PM care up to 4 hours: $20/day
AM only: $100/week
PreK: 49 to 60 months
FT: $175/week
PT full day: $40/day
M-F 8:30-12: $100 or $18/day
Kindergarten: 60 to 72 months
$80/week (8:30-1:30)
$165/week (Full care with class)

Class Size/Ratio:
4:1 for infants
5:1 for 1 year
6:1 for 2 years
8:1 for 3 years
12:1 for 4 years
15:1 for Kindergarten

Before/after school & vacation programs:
Available for full and part time.
Accreditation: None indicated.
Brief Description:
Each child is treated as a special individual with his or her own growing and learning abilities. We believe that calm, nurturing experiences from the teacher to the child build that bond of trust between child, parent and teacher. Children learn through many ways of sharing, participating, cooperation and guidance. Keping the lines of communication open at all times will help foster your child's individual learning experience.
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LITTLE EINSTEINS PRESCHOOL LEARNING CENTER, LLC
The Meeting Place
199 Route 101
Amherst, NH 03031
(603) 673-3022
Mailing address: PO Box 904, Amherst, NH 03031

Contacts:
Darcie Sylvia
Monique Medeiros
[email-masked]

Ages: Preschool: 2.9-4 year olds
Pre-kindergarten: 4-5 year olds

Hours:
Morning session: 8:15-11:15am
Afternoon session: 12:45-3:45pm

Class Size/Ratio: AM Classes 16:2
PM Classes 12:2

Rates:
Preschool: $205/month
Pre-kindergarten: $260/month

Before/after school & vacation programs: 30 minutes before and after each session is free directed free play for all sessions. Four weeks summer camp is also offered.
Accreditation: NAEYC; our teachers hold State of NH TEAching Certifications.
Brief Description: Our mission is to create a learning environment for preschoolers which promotes educational values and advocates individuality in a safe atmosphere. Our program integrates Rigby’s Pebble Soup Explorations and Saxon Early Learning programs during instruction to create challenges to aid in the students’ mental, physical, academic, psychological and social growth.
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MERRIMACK EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM (M.E.E.P.)
Reeds Ferry Elementary School
(603) 424-6215
Mastricola Elementary School
(603) 424-6218

Contact: Sheila Demers, Preschool Coordinator
[email-masked]

Ages: 3-4 years

Hours:
8:45-11:15am
12noon-2:30pm

Class Size/Ratio: 5:1

Rates:
Call us for 2010-2011 rates.

Before/after school & vacation programs: No.

Accreditation: NH Department of Education

Brief Description:
The Merrimack Early Education Program is operated by the Merrimack School District as an inclusive preschool program. Children with and without disabilities are enrolled in most classes. Classroom activities developed by state certified teachers and therapists emphasize each child's strengths while addressing his/her individual needs within a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
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MERRIMACK PTA KINDERGARTEN AND PRESCHOOL
10 Depot Street, Box 203
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 424-3535
Mailing address:
PO Box 203
Merrimack, NH 03054

Contact: Patti Sexton, Director
[email-masked]

Ages:
3 years - Kindergarten

Hours:
3-year olds: T/Th, 9 am - 12 noon
4-year olds: M/W/F 9 am - 12 noon
w/Step Up in January 9 am - 1 pm
Kindergarten M-F 9 am - 1 pm

Rates:
3-year olds: $1,750/year
4-year olds: $2,450/year
Kindergarten $2,950/year

Class Size/Ratio:
3-year olds: 14:2
4-year olds: 20:2
Kindergarten 24:2

Before/after school & vacation programs: No.

Accreditation: NH Child Care Licensing Bureau

Brief Description:
The Merrimack PTA Kindergarten and Preschool staff believes that a child's self-confidence and self-esteen are fundamental to learning and typical development. As a school, we continue to strive for a nurturing, happy, academic yet developmental environment that allows time for a child to simply be a child. We have updated our playground to include new, CPSC approved structures to meet the developmental needs of our various age groups.
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MERRIMACK SCHOOL DISTRICT
36 McElwain Street
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 424-6200
Locations and Contacts:
Mastricola Elementary School
Principal John Fabrizio
(603) 424-6218
Reeds Ferry Elementary School
Principal Kimberly Yarlott
(603) 424-6215
Thorntons Ferry Elementary School
Principal Bridley Bellemare
(603) 889-1577

Ages: Kindergarten for children who are age 5 by September 30, 2008.

Hours of Operation: 8:30-11am or 12:15pm -2:45pm
Class Size/Ratio: 15/1

Rates: Free of charge to Merrimack residents

Before/after school & vacation programs: No.

Accreditation: NH Department of Education

Brief Description: The Merrimack School district recognizes its responsibility to develop pre-literacy skills in the areas of Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics. The kindergarten program will be aligned with the district’s elementary curriculum. Certified teachers will employ age appropriate methodologies and activities that will highlight hands-on, discovery learning and active engagement.
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MERRIMACK YMCA
6 Henry Clay Drive
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 881-7778

Contact: Elizabeth Witmer, Childcare Director
ewitmernmymca.org
Hours: 7am-6pm

Ages: 13 months-5 years, including Kindergarten extension with bus pickup at all three Merrimack elementary schools.
Class Size/Ratio:
13 mos-2 yrs: 5:1
3-year olds: 6:1
4-year olds: 7:1
5-year olds: 8:1

Rates: (Member - Non-member)
Toddlers: (M-F) $198-$225/week
3-year olds: (M-F) $178/-$205/week
4-year olds: (M-F) $165-$195/week
5-year olds: (M-F) $158-$185/week
Kindergarten: (M-F 9am-3pm) $113/$135/week
Kindergarten ext. w/childcare: (M-F) $125/$150/week
Kindergarten ext. only (M-F): $75/$95/week

Before/after school & vacation programs: Available for Kindergarten-Grade 6

Accreditation: NH Child Care Licensing Bureau

Brief Description:
We are a state-licensed program staffed by certified degreed teachers with a stimulating environment for the mental, emotional and physical development for your 3, 4 or 5 year old preschool child. Our teaching style is based on a multi-sensory, hands-on, play-to-learn approach. We offer the only Full Day Kindergarten (9 am – 3 pm) in the area. Children enrolled in full time programs have a swimming lesson, a creative movement class and a gym class each week at no extra charge.
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PERFECT BALANCE PRESCHOOL
416 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 429-8899

Contact: Tammy Mitrano, Director
[email-masked]

Ages:
3 - 6 years

Hours:
9 am - 2 pm

Rates:
Vary according to the program.

Class Size/Ratio:
6:1 Preschool
12:1 Kindergarten

Before/after school & vacation programs: No
Accreditation: NH Child Care Licensing Bureau

Brief Description:
We have designed our programs to encourage and reinforce shildren's curiosity and desire to learn by exploring their world. Our balanced curriculum and individual education plans reinforce that “Learning is fun!” Our materials and approach promote enthusiasm, provide discovery opportunities and develop critical thinking skills. We offer a variety programs for preschool and kindergarten children.
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THE PRESCHOOL IN THE VILLAGE
11 Church Street
Amherst, NH 03031
(603) 672-3168

Contact: Susan Drumm
[email-masked]

Ages:
3 - 5 years

Hours:
8 am - 3 pm

Rates:
Vary according to the program.

Class Size/Ratio:
12:2 or 12:14

Before/after school & vacation programs: Summer art programs for ages 4-13
Accreditation: Licensed Plus

Brief Description:
The Preschool in the Village is sponsored by the Congreational Church of Amherst to meet a community need for quality preschool education. It is incorporated as a non-profit institution governed by a board of trustees with parent representation on the Board. The Preschool's purpose is twofold:
To provide a developmentally appropriate program for young children that will stimulate physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth.
To provide support and assistance to parents as they guide their children's development as healthy, thoughtful, responsible individuals. The Preschool in the Village does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation in its educational policies, administrative policies or scholarships.
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SOUTH MERRIMACK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
517 Boston Post Road
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 880-6832

Contact: Mrs. Charlene Koontz
[email-masked]

Ages:
3 years to 12th grade

Hours:
7:45 am - 4:15 pm

Rates:
3 years (2 day, Th/F): 10 payments of $178.21
4 years (3 day, M/T/W): 10 payments of $220.65
4 years (5 days, M-F): 10 payments of $278.99
Kindergarten (5 days M-F): 10 payments of $279.19

Class Size/Ratio:
8 Students:1 Teacher

Before/after school & vacation programs: Early child care from 7:45-8:30am; Child care from 12:15-3:15 pm; After-school child care from 3:15-4:15 pm
Accreditation: A.A.C.S.

Brief Description:
Our teachers work very hard to provide a caring atmosphere in which your child can thrive and grow. Our classrooms are clean, safe, and offer many manipulatives to asist in the education process. We provide an academically challenging curriculum (ABeka) while helping each child to develop socially in a nurturing environment.
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PINE HILL WALDORF SCHOOL
77 Pine Hill Road
Wilton, NH 03086
(603) 654-6003

Contact:
Deb Abrahams-Dematte
Hours:
8am-12noon, with extended day possible

Afternoon kindergarten: 12noon-3pm

Aftercare program: 3-5pm
Nursery program: 2 or 3 consecutive days
Kindergarten: 4 or 5 consecutive days

Ages:
Children's Garden (Parent-Child, birth to 3)
Nursery (3 - 4-1/2 years)
Kindergarten (4-1/2 to 6 years)
Class Size/Ratio:
Nursery: 10:2
Kindergarten: 18:2

Rates:
2 day Nursery - TBA
3 day Nursery - TBA
4 day Kindergarten - TBA
5 day Kindergarten - TBA
Afternoon programs only available as an extended day
2 day pm kindergarten - TBA
3 day pm kindergarten - TBA
4 day pm kindergarten - TBA
5 day pm kindergarten - TBA
Aftercare program (3-5pm) TBA/hour per child

Before/after school & vacation programs: Not indicated
Accreditation: Assoc. of Waldorf Schools of N.A., Assoc. of Independent Schools of N.E.

Brief Description:
Part of a non-profit elementary school located on 50 wooded acres. We strive to create a nurturing environment with understanding, joy and the opportunity for each child to grow and develop in healthy ways. Developmentally-based activities include imaginative play, crafts, outdoor play, movement, drawing, painting, baking, storytime, circle time, singing and seasonal celebrations. We provide wholesome snacks. Kindergarten students participate in a weekly French lesson.
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SOUTHERN NH SERVICES CHILD DEV. CTR.
40 Pine Street
Manchester, NH 03103
Manchester phone: (603) 668-8010 ext.6021
Nashua phone: (603) 889-7812
Toll free: (800) 322-1073
Mailing address: PO Box 5040, Machester, NH 03108

Contact Person:
Jo Ann Boddy (Manchester)
[email-masked]
Kari Pantiskas (Nashua)
[email-masked]
Ages:
Infants - 5 years
Hours:
Nashua 6:30am - 5:30pm
Manchester 7am - 5pm

Rates: Varies with income
Class size/Ratio: Varies

Before/after school & vacation programs: No
Accreditation: US Dept. of Health and Human Services

Brief description:
Head Start services income-eligible pre-school children ages 3, 4 & 5 years old and their families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women, infants, toddlers and their families in center-based and home-based programs. The Head Start Program Performance Standards provide specific quality standards for the provision of EHS/HS services from prenatal to age 5. The Child Care Center provides flexible child care options to working parents.  Financial assistance is available to income-eligible families.
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ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL
20 Cushing Ave.
Nashua, NH 03064
603) 882-7442

Contact: Jackie Langenfeld
[email-masked]
Hours:
Pre-K half day 8:50-11:25 am or 12:20-2:55pm
Kindergarten fullday 8:50 am - 2:55 pm

Ages: 4-6 years
Class Size/Ratio:
Pre-K: 16:1 with an aide
Kindergarten: 15-20:1 with an aide

Rates:
Pre-K: TBA/year
Kindergarten: TBA/year

Before/after school & vacation programs: We offer before and after school care, but no vacation programs.
Accreditation: None indicated

Brief Description:
We take great care to offer an education that reflects both academic excellence and a Catholic identity. We utilize proven teaching methods and materials that challenge the children, yet provide a support system that allows each child to maximize his or her potential. Children are encouraged to participate and develop the confidence to speak in front of others. While homework is essential for the practicing of skills learned during the school day, we utilize this opportunity to develop research, critical thinking, and reporting skills.
St. Christopher is committed to the whole child, including academic preparation, self-discipline, moral values, and spiritual growth.
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ST. JAMES PRESCHOOL LEARNING CENTER
646 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 424-4243
Mailing address : PO Box 608, Merrimack, NH 03054

Contact: Carol Sylvia, Director
Hours:
Mommy & Me - Wed. 9-10:30am
Nursery M,W 8:30-11:30am, T,TH 8:30-11:30am
Pre-K: M,W,F 8:30-11:30am, T,TH,F 8:30-11:30am

Ages: 2 - 5 year olds
Class Size/Ratio:
Mommy and Me: 12:1 teacher
3 year olds: 16:1 teacher/1 assistant
4 year olds: 22:1 teacher/1 assistant

Rates:
Mommy and Me: 2010 rates TBA
Nursery: 2010 rates TBA
Pre-K: 2010 rates TBA

Before/after school & vacation programs: No
Accreditation: Licensed by the State of NH

Brief Description:
The guidance and learning of each child in the early years is of extreme importance for the rest of his/her life. The goal of St. James Preschool Learning Center is to help the 2-5 year old aged child to develop socially and emotionally, as well as intellectually and physically. Children are motivated to enjoy learning and to grow more confident in their own abilities.
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SUNRISE CHILDREN'S CENTER
94 Route 101A
P.O. Box 370
Amherst, NH 03031
(603) 886-0110

Contact: Nancy L. Gagnon, Director
[email-masked]
Ages: 12 months - 10 years

Hours: 7am-6pm, year-round
Rates:
1 year - $235/week
2 years - $225/week
3-5 years - $205/week
Kindergarten - $500/month
Part-time/morning rates also available

Class Size/Ratio:
1 year - 10:2
2 years - 15:3
3 years - 16:2
4 years - 18:2
K - 19:2
School age - 2:16

Before/after school & vacation programs: Summer camp for graduated kindergarten students through grade 3.
Accreditation: NH Dept. of Education, NH Childcare Licensing Plus

Brief Description:
Sunrise Children’s Center is an inclusive early-childhood education center. We believe that all children learn best by doing and that each child develops at their own pace. Sunrise offers full and part day programs for children ages 18 months – 10 years in a full year program. Full day kindergarten is also available.
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TOLLHOUSE PRESCHOOL
322 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, NH 03054
(603) 429-0337

Contact: Pam Meany

Ages:
6 weeks - 12 years

Hours:
Pre I, Pre II, Kindergargten
and School Age: 6:30am – 6pm
Toddlers: 7am – 6pm
Infants: 7:30am – 6pm

Rates: Varies per age

Class Size/Ratio:
Follow state ratios

Before/after school & vacation programs: Yes
Accreditation: None indicated

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WHITE WING SCHOOL
58 Lowell Street
Nashua, NH 03064
(603) 882-1041

Contact:Debra Castanguauy
[email-masked]

Ages:
2-6 years

Hours:
8:30-11:30pm (2 days/3 years; 3 days/4 years; 5 days/4-5 years)
8:30am-1:30pm (Extended-day Kindergarten)

Rates:
2-Day Nursery - $1,362
3-Day Nursery - $1,944
5-Day Nursery - $2,745
Ext-day Kindergarten - $3,714

Class Size/Ratio:
3 years: 7:1 (max 14)
4 years: 8:1 (max 16)
Kindergarten: 12:1 (max 20)

Before/after school & vacation programs: Stay & Play for ages 4-6 W/Th/F during October-april @ $15/day
Accreditation: NAEYC - Reaccredited July 2009

Brief Description:
White Wing offers a “hands on” approach of discovery and experimentation, promoting an interest in learning, laying the foundation for more abstract learning in later years. Activities are carefully selected to promote social, emotional, physical, creative and intellectual growth. White Wing addresses the needs of the whole child. Activities are open-ended and success oriented, facilitating growth for every ability level and fostering a positive self image.
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Merrimack Public Library
470 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack, NH 03054
603.424.5021
Janet Angus, Library Director
Joanne Marston, Web site coordinator