Choosing childcare in Burlington, VT

Build a shortlist around your schedule

Write down your child’s age, start date, arrival and pickup times, and required days. Include school breaks and travel time between work and the provider. Give each candidate the same requirements so you can compare their answers.

Vermont’s Department for Children and Families directs families to Bright Futures and an interactive provider map. Bright Futures supports searches by town, program type, child age, accreditation and STARS participation. A local child care referral specialist can help you find options. [1]

Ask each provider to confirm whether they can accept your child for the requested schedule. Request the start date, attendance arrangement and waiting-list conditions in writing. If you consider care outside the city, check the trip at your expected pickup time before accepting a place.

Review the program and interview the caregiver

DCF recommends reviewing regulatory history, accreditation and STARS participation. You can review program information through Bright Futures, speak with a referral specialist or call the Child Care Consumer Line at 1-800-649-2642. DCF describes STARS participation as meeting quality standards and pursuing ongoing improvement. [1]

During a visit, ask who will care for your child, how staff cover absences, and how they communicate injuries or concerns. Discuss allergies, medication, meals, rest and authorized pickup. Ask the provider to explain any regulatory issue you found and what they changed afterward.

For a sitter or nanny, request references and discuss emergency preparation, first-aid training and backup arrangements. Agree on duties, transportation permission and payment terms before the first shift. Include references and an interview alongside identity checks in your screening.

Compare your cost after assistance

Request an itemized quote covering tuition, registration charges, deposits, meals, late pickup and cancellation terms. Ask whether you pay during holidays, provider closures or your child’s absence. Compare the cost of your required hours, including separate care for any uncovered time.

Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program requires an accepted service need, regulated care, Vermont residency, compliance with income guidelines and less than $1 million in assets. DCF lists income guidelines effective March 22, 2026. It waives those income guidelines for children with a DCF Adoption Assistance Agreement and legal guardians receiving a Reach Up Child Only grant. [2]

You can apply through the CDDIS Parent Portal or submit a paper application to your local community child care support agency. The agency determines eligibility; assistance may begin on the date it receives your completed application if you qualify. DCF specifies the approved payment amount, authorized hours and coverage period, pays the provider, and tells you about any required copayment. [2]

Arrange preschool and the remaining hours

Burlington School District’s published Act 166 guidance describes publicly funded preschool for eligible children ages three, four and five in prequalified programs: a minimum of 10 hours per week for 35 weeks annually. It states that a child must turn three by September 1 to qualify for that school year. [3]

For a community preschool, the district’s published sequence is to obtain acceptance and enroll with the prequalified program, then register with your home school district. Its Burlington instructions tell families to select Community Partner Program in online registration and identify their preschool. The district says it does not have to find an opening for each child seeking preschool. [3]

The FAQ also contains a tuition figure for 2024–2025 and a malformed provider-search address. Confirm registration instructions, age eligibility and funding for your intended school year with the Early Education Office at 802-864-8463. Use DCF’s Find Child Care page to reach its provider-search options. [1] [3]

Ask the preschool to identify the funded hours on its schedule and quote additional care separately. Plan coverage for the rest of your workday and weeks outside the preschool calendar. Ask how the provider handles a delayed start or a change in your required days.

Check city camp assistance before registration

Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront excludes licensed Champ Camp and Robert Miller Center school-break camps from recreation scholarship coverage. Families seeking financial assistance for licensed childcare programs must apply for Vermont child care assistance. If you do not qualify but need support, the city directs you to call 802-864-0123. [4]

After securing state assistance, call 802-864-0123 to request the CCR account flag that enables online Champ Camp enrollment, then email your certificate to [email protected]. The city asks families to discuss accommodation needs with program staff before registration. Check the program’s hours, age requirements and availability before relying on it for school-break coverage. [4]

Published Burlington preschool age eligibility

Match your care needs to the next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the required start date, days, arrival time and pickup time.
2. Ask each provider to confirm an opening for your child’s age and schedule.
3. Review program history and discuss concerns during a visit.
4. Request an itemized fee schedule and written closure, absence and cancellation terms.
5. Discuss allergies, medication, emergency contacts and authorized pickup.
6. Confirm your contribution, authorized hours and coverage dates with the funding agency and provider.
7. Confirm preschool registration requirements for your intended school year.
8. Identify hours and school breaks that require another care arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check a childcare program’s history?

DCF recommends reviewing regulatory history, STARS participation and accreditation through Bright Futures. A local referral specialist or the Child Care Consumer Line at 1-800-649-2642 can help you assess program information. [1]

Does preschool funding cover my full workday?

The district’s published guidance describes a minimum of 10 hours per week for 35 weeks annually. Confirm details for your intended school year, then ask the provider which hours it designates as funded preschool and request a quote for additional care. [3]

Can assistance cover time before the approval decision?

DCF says assistance may begin on the date the support agency receives your completed application if you qualify. Ask the agency to confirm your authorized dates and ask the provider how it handles payments while you await a decision. [2]

Can I use a city recreation scholarship for Champ Camp?

BPRW excludes licensed Champ Camp from recreation scholarship coverage. After securing state child care assistance, request the CCR account flag that enables online enrollment, then email your certificate. Call 802-864-0123 if you do not qualify for state assistance but need support. [4]