The Best Daycare Centers in Carrollton, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carrollton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carrollton
Little Explorers Learning Center
Independent
Little Explorers Learning Center is Carrollton's premier locally-owned childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs from infancy through pre-K. The center features a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes literacy, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios in bright, modern classrooms equipped with age-appropriate learning materials. The facility includes secure indoor play areas and a fenced outdoor playground with safety surfaces. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere, nutritious meal program, and strong communication about child development milestones. The center maintains state licensing compliance with excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
Aliceville Head Start Center
Community Service Programs of West Alabama
Serving Pickens County families including Carrollton residents, Aliceville Head Start Center provides high-quality early childhood education through federally-funded programs. The center employs degreed early childhood specialists who implement research-based curriculum focusing on school readiness, literacy development, and social skills. Comprehensive services include health screenings, dental care, nutritional support, and family engagement programs. The facility features modern classrooms with learning centers, a commercial kitchen providing USDA-approved meals, and secure outdoor learning environments. With strong parent involvement components and wrap-around family services, this center has earned excellent ratings for educational quality and child development outcomes while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Daycare Services:
Aliceville Child Development Center
Independent
Located just 8 miles from Carrollton, Aliceville Child Development Center serves Pickens County families with comprehensive childcare services. The center offers age-appropriate learning programs that balance structured academic preparation with play-based exploration. Qualified early childhood teachers implement Creative Curriculum with focus on language development, early math concepts, and creative expression. The facility includes separate nurseries for infants, dedicated toddler classrooms, and preschool learning centers with technology integration. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents appreciate the center's consistent communication, experienced teaching staff, and commitment to individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carrollton, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carrollton, Alabama, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Carrollton and throughout Alabama, daycare facilities are licensed and regulated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). There are different license types: Day Care Centers, Nighttime Centers, and Family Day Care Homes. All licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status in Carrollton, you can use the DHR's online "Child Care Search" tool or contact the West Central Alabama Regional DHR office, which oversees Pickens County. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider to ensure a baseline of safety and quality.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Carrollton, AL?
Childcare costs in Carrollton are generally more affordable compared to larger Alabama cities, but they vary based on the child's age and the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$100 to $150 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family daycare homes may be slightly less, typically ranging from **$80 to $120 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can differ. It's important to ask what the weekly fee includes (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). For financial assistance, Alabama offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through DHR for eligible families in Pickens County.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Carrollton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While Carrollton is a smaller community, quality licensed daycare slots, especially for infants, can be limited due to strict staff-to-child ratios. It is common for the most sought-after centers and reputable home providers to have waitlists. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search **at least 3 to 6 months** before they need care. Contact providers directly to inquire about current availability and waitlist procedures. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists can increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What are my options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Carrollton?
Regular part-time or drop-in daycare options are limited in Carrollton compared to full-time programs. Most licensed centers prioritize full-time enrollments. Your best bets are to: 1) Inquire directly with local family daycare home providers, as they may have more flexibility to accommodate part-time schedules. 2) Explore registered church-affiliated preschool programs, which often offer half-day programs that could fit a part-time need. 3) Consider building a network with other local parents for occasional babysitting swaps. There are no large, chain-based drop-in childcare centers in Carrollton, so planning ahead and building relationships with smaller providers is key.
What resources are available in Carrollton to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare?
Beyond verifying a license, parents in Carrollton have several local resources. First, you can request a copy of a provider's most recent DHR monitoring report, which details any compliance issues. Second, utilize word-of-mouth by asking for recommendations in local community groups, such as the "Carrollton, AL Community" Facebook page or from your pediatrician's office. Third, the **Pickens County Family Resource Center** can be a valuable hub for information on early childhood programs and support services. Finally, always schedule an in-person tour, observe interactions, and ask providers about their curriculum, daily routines, and staff tenure to assess quality firsthand.
Childcare Insights for Carrollton
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with deep emotional trust. For parents in Carrollton, Alabama, searching for "private daycares near me" means looking for a nurturing environment close to home, where your child can thrive and you can have peace of mind. The journey here involves considering the unique rhythm of our small-town community while evaluating what each private program offers for your little one's growth and development.
Carrollton’s charm lies in its close-knit feel, and this often extends to its childcare options. Private daycares in our area typically offer smaller group sizes and more personalized attention than larger, corporate centers you might find in bigger cities. This can be a tremendous benefit, allowing caregivers to truly know your child and your family. As you begin your search, a great first step is to tap into local networks. Ask for recommendations from other parents at the Pickens County Farmers Market, your place of worship, or community events. Personal experiences from neighbors can provide honest insights you won't find online. Additionally, consider the daily logistics. Given Carrollton's layout, you'll want to think about proximity to your home or workplace, perhaps near the square or along familiar routes like Highway 86, ensuring drop-off and pick-up are a manageable part of your day.
When you contact or visit a private daycare in Carrollton, come prepared with questions that go beyond the basics. Inquire about the daily structure—how do they balance playtime, learning activities, and rest? Ask about their policies on communication; a good center will provide regular updates about your child's day. Given our Alabama climate, find out about their outdoor play area and how often children get to enjoy fresh air in a safe, shaded space. It’s also wise to discuss their approach to early learning. Many private daycares here incorporate foundational skills through play, preparing children for the transition to local schools like Carrollton Elementary. Don’t hesitate to ask about staff qualifications, tenure, and the all-important child-to-teacher ratios, which are crucial for individual care.
Finally, trust your instincts during a tour. Observe if the children seem happily engaged and if the environment feels warm, clean, and secure. Notice how the staff interacts with the kids—are they down on the floor playing, responding with patience, and creating a joyful atmosphere? In a town like Carrollton, you’re not just choosing a service; you’re choosing a partner in your child’s early years. The right private daycare will feel like an extension of your own care, a place where your child is known by name and can build their first friendships within our community. Taking the time to find this fit is an investment in your child's happiness and your own confidence as you navigate the working day, knowing they are in capable and caring hands right here at home.