The Best Daycare Centers in Daviston, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Daviston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Daviston
Alexander City KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Alexander City KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Their educational approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, science exploration, and social-emotional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with learning centers. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintain excellent health and safety protocols with regular sanitation procedures.
Daycare Services:
First United Methodist Church Weekday Ministries
First United Methodist Church of Alexander City
This church-based childcare program combines Christian values with high-quality early education in a nurturing environment. The center features experienced educators with background-checked staff and ongoing professional development. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with character development, incorporating hands-on learning activities, music, art, and physical education. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playground equipment, and dedicated nap areas. They maintain excellent safety records with comprehensive emergency procedures and regular safety drills. Parent communication is emphasized through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Dadeville Head Start Center
Community Action Agency of East Alabama
Dadeville Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness for children from diverse backgrounds. The program employs certified early childhood educators and follows the Creative Curriculum system, emphasizing literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Services include health screenings, dental care, nutritional meals, and family support services. The facility features developmentally appropriate learning environments, secure outdoor play areas, and specialized learning centers. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide individualized learning plans with ongoing assessment tracking. The program emphasizes parent involvement through regular workshops and family activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Daviston, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Daviston, Alabama?
In Daviston, as in all of Alabama, daycare providers must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) if they care for more than six unrelated children. Licensed centers and homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety inspections, and staff training in areas like CPR and First Aid. For smaller in-home care (six or fewer children), providers can operate as a "License-Exempt" or "Religious Exempt" facility, but parents should still verify their chosen provider's compliance with basic safety rules. It's always recommended to ask any potential daycare for their license number and you can verify their status and any history of complaints through the Alabama DHR website or by contacting the local Tallapoosa County DHR office.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Daviston?
Childcare costs in Daviston are generally more affordable than in larger Alabama cities, but they vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, full-time care for an infant can range from approximately $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers, the cost might be slightly lower, around $110 to $140 per week. Licensed family childcare homes often offer competitive rates, sometimes $10-$20 less per week. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can vary. Many providers in the area may also offer discounted rates for multiple children. For financial assistance, Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program is available for qualifying families, and you can apply through the Tallapoosa County DHR office.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Daviston, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to Daviston's smaller, rural nature, the number of licensed daycare facilities is limited compared to urban areas. While massive city-style waitlists are less common, popular and highly-regarded centers and home-based providers can fill their available slots quickly, especially for infants. It is strongly advised to begin your search and make inquiries at least 3-6 months before you need care. For infant spots, starting even earlier is wise. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist process. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot in your preferred facility.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Daviston?
Parents in Daviston typically have a few primary options. The most formal are **licensed daycare centers**, which are often affiliated with churches or community organizations. **Licensed family childcare homes** are another popular choice, offering a home-like environment with a smaller group of children. For more flexible or part-time needs, you might find **registered ministry-based programs** (often preschool-focused) or **small, license-exempt in-home providers** caring for a handful of children. Due to the rural setting, organized nanny shares or large corporate centers are less common. Many families also rely on informal networks of trusted relatives or neighbors, which is a traditional childcare solution in close-knit communities like Daviston.
What local resources or organizations in Daviston can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary official resource is the **Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources (DHR)** office, which maintains the list of licensed providers and can offer guidance. For a broader search, you can use the statewide referral service **Alabama Child Care Resources (1-866-528-1694)**. Locally, connecting with other parents at places like the Daviston Town Hall community events, the Daviston Baptist Church, or the local school (Daviston Elementary) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations. The **East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission** may also have information on early childhood programs and resources serving the region, including Tallapoosa County. Always schedule a visit to any potential daycare to observe the environment and ask detailed questions.