Serving Portsmouth Families

Where Every Child's Journey Begins with Confidence, Curiosity & Care

For over two decades, The Island Child Care Center & Day School has been the trusted choice for families in Portsmouth who want more than childcare — they want a foundation. Our expert educators nurture intellectual growth, emotional resilience, and the joy of discovery in a setting as warm as it is rigorous.

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20+ Years of Service
A+ Rated Quality Standards
15:1 Teacher-to-Child Ratio
Discover more
Children learning in a bright, welcoming classroom at The Island Child Care Center
Happy children engaged in creative activities
20+ Years
Nurturing
About Us

A Tradition of Excellence in Early Childhood Education

Founded on the belief that the earliest years shape a lifetime of learning, The Island Child Care Center & Day School has been a cornerstone of Portsmouth's educational landscape since our founding. We are not a daycare that happens to teach — we are a day school that happens to care with extraordinary warmth.

Our campus, nestled along East Main Road, offers a safe, stimulating environment where children ages 6 weeks to 12 years develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Every program is thoughtfully designed by certified early childhood educators who understand that play is the highest form of research — and that structure and freedom are not opposites, but partners.

Academic Rigor

Research-based curricula that challenge and inspire

Nurturing Environment

Every child is seen, heard, and valued

Family Partnership

Open communication and shared goals with parents

Our Programs

Age-Appropriate Learning at Every Stage

From your child's first steps to their transition into elementary school, we offer comprehensive programs tailored to each developmental phase.

Ages 6 weeks – 18 months

Infant Care

A gentle, responsive environment where infants build trust and attachment. Our trained caregivers follow each child's rhythm — feeding, sleeping, and playing on schedules that honor individual needs.

  • Individualized care plans
  • Sensory-rich activities
  • Secure, clean facilities
  • Daily progress reports
Most Popular
Ages 18 months – 3 years

Toddler Program

Toddlers explore, question, and build independence. Our program channels their natural curiosity into structured play, language development, and early social skills in a nurturing group setting.

  • Language-rich environment
  • Motor skill development
  • Social-emotional learning
  • Outdoor exploration time
Ages 3 – 5 years

Preschool

Our preschool program prepares children for kindergarten and beyond through play-based academics, creative arts, and structured social experiences. We build the foundational skills that last a lifetime.

  • Pre-reading & math readiness
  • Creative arts & music
  • Science exploration
  • Kindergarten readiness
Ages 5 – 12 years

School Age Care

Before and after-school care that extends learning beyond the classroom. Homework support, enrichment activities, and supervised outdoor play keep school-age children engaged and growing.

  • Homework assistance
  • STEM & literacy enrichment
  • Recess & outdoor games
  • Flexible scheduling
Why Choose Us

What Makes the Island Child Care Difference

In a community where families choose carefully, we earn trust through consistency, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Here's what sets us apart.

01

Certified Educators

Every teacher holds credentials in early childhood education, with ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices.

02

Small Group Sizes

We maintain low teacher-to-child ratios so every child receives individual attention and their unique needs are met.

03

Safe, Modern Facilities

Our campus features secure entry, age-appropriate classrooms, a dedicated outdoor play area, and state-of-the-art safety systems.

04

Nutritious Meals

We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared fresh daily, accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies with care.

05

Transparent Communication

Parents receive daily updates, regular conferences, and open-door policies. We believe partnership is essential to your child's success.

Our bright, modern classroom environment at The Island Child Care Center

"The Island Child Care Center gave our daughter the confidence and skills to thrive in kindergarten. We couldn't have asked for a better beginning."

— A Proud Portsmouth Parent
Get Started

Give Your Child the Gift of a Strong Beginning

Enrollment is open now. Whether you're a first-time parent or looking to transition your child to a new program, we'd love to welcome you and your family to the Island Child Care community.

Call (401) 683-7777 Request Information
Contact Us

We'd Love to Hear from You

Have questions about enrollment, programs, or scheduling a tour? Reach out — we're here to help.

Address

278 E Main Rd
Portsmouth, RI 02871-2113

Hours

Monday – Friday
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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