The Best Daycare Centers in Castleberry, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Castleberry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Castleberry
ABC Learning Center
Independent
ABC Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Castleberry area from nearby Evergreen. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum focused on early childhood education through play-based learning. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and modern educational materials. The center emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and cognitive growth through structured activities and free play. Parents consistently praise their strong communication, nutritious meal program, and the caring, experienced staff who create a nurturing environment for children's growth and development.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Evergreen
This church-affiliated center provides high-quality childcare with a Christian-based educational approach while serving families throughout Conecuh County, including Castleberry. The center features a balanced curriculum that integrates faith-based values with academic readiness skills. Their experienced teaching staff includes early childhood education specialists who focus on developing the whole child - spiritually, emotionally, socially, and academically. The facility offers secure, age-specific classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and a well-equipped learning environment. The center is noted for its strong safety protocols, individualized attention, and family-oriented atmosphere that makes both children and parents feel welcomed and valued.
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Kids Connection Learning Center
Independent
Kids Connection Learning Center serves the Castleberry community from their Evergreen location, offering a progressive educational program that combines traditional learning with modern teaching methods. The center specializes in age-appropriate curriculum development with emphasis on early literacy, mathematics readiness, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teaching staff maintains small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention. The facility features secure access systems, modern learning materials, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, developmental progress tracking, and the caring, professional approach of the staff in creating a stimulating and safe learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Castleberry, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Castleberry, Alabama, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Castleberry, Alabama, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). This includes family day care homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific child-to-staff ratios based on age (e.g., 1:6 for infants), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the Alabama DHR website or contact the DHR's Child Care Services Division directly. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider in Castleberry to ensure state-mandated safety and quality standards are met.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Castleberry, AL, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Castleberry area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $125 to $175 per week. For toddlers, the cost may be slightly lower, around $110 to $160 per week. Family daycare homes can sometimes be more affordable. These rates are generally lower than the state average for urban areas but can vary based on the program's amenities and hours. For financial assistance, Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "welfare daycare") helps eligible low-income families. You apply through the Conecuh County Department of Human Resources office in nearby Evergreen. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care available in Castleberry for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours or weekend care in Castleberry are quite limited due to the town's small size. Most licensed home-based providers and centers operate on a standard weekday schedule, typically from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For parents working nights, weekends, or rotating shifts, your best course of action is to inquire directly with individual providers about potential flexibility. Some in-home providers may accommodate occasional extended hours by private arrangement. You may also need to consider expanding your search to neighboring communities like Evergreen or Brewton, or explore the possibility of a private nanny or babysitter share with other local families.
What should I look for when touring a potential daycare in Castleberry, especially regarding safety and the local environment?
When touring a daycare in Castleberry, prioritize both universal safety standards and local considerations. First, confirm their Alabama DHR license is visibly posted. Observe the child-to-staff interactions and check for secure entrances/exits. Given Castleberry's rural setting, ask about their outdoor play area safety—is it fenced, free of hazards, and shaded? Inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Alabama, like tornadoes. Also, ask about their policy on transportation, especially if they take field trips on local rural roads. Notice the cleanliness of the facility and ask about their sick-child policy to prevent illness spread in a small community. Trust your instincts on the overall warmth and organization of the environment.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Castleberry, and when should I start looking for care before I need it?
While Castleberry is a small town and doesn't have the extensive waitlists of major cities, popular and highly-regarded providers—especially those offering infant care—can have limited spots that fill up quickly. It's not uncommon for there to be a 2 to 6 month wait, particularly at the licensed centers or the most established home daycares. To secure a spot, it is strongly advised to start your search and get on waitlists at least 3 to 4 months before you need care. If you are expecting a baby, begin contacting providers during your second trimester. Be proactive, get on multiple lists if possible, and check back periodically, as spots can occasionally open up unexpectedly.