The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin
First Baptist Church Weekday Education
First Baptist Church of Russellville
First Baptist Church Weekday Education is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare center serving the Franklin County area. With a strong educational foundation, the center provides age-appropriate curriculum that focuses on early childhood development through structured learning activities, creative play, and social interaction. The facility features secure classrooms, dedicated play areas, and experienced teaching staff with early childhood education certifications. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and spiritual growth in a nurturing environment. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and has established safety protocols including secure check-in systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Kiddie Kollege Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege Child Development Center is a well-established facility known for its comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center implements a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences. Their qualified teaching staff includes educators with degrees in early childhood development who create individualized learning plans for each child. The facility features modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, secure outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the genuine care shown by staff. The center maintains state licensing compliance and exceeds minimum safety standards.
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Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center provides quality early education services to Franklin County families with a focus on whole-child development. The center offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with social-emotional learning through structured activities and creative exploration. Their experienced teaching team includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed progress tracking. The facility features secure, well-maintained classrooms, dedicated nap areas, age-specific learning centers, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. The center is noted for its family-oriented atmosphere, regular parent communication, and commitment to creating a safe, stimulating environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Franklin, Alabama, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Alabama, all daycare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). This includes facilities in Franklin. Licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the Alabama DHR website or contact the DHR Child Care Services Division directly. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or probationary status. Given Franklin's smaller size, many local providers may be licensed family day care homes, which have different capacity rules than larger centers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin, AL?
In Franklin and the surrounding rural areas of Alabama, daycare costs are generally lower than the state or national average, but options are more limited. For a licensed daycare center, you might expect to pay between $400 to $550 per month for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Licensed family childcare homes can sometimes be slightly less expensive, ranging from $350 to $500 monthly. These estimates are for basic care; specialized programs or extended hours may cost more. It's important to note that due to limited supply, some providers may have waitlists, so budgeting early is key.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Franklin?
Yes, eligible families in Franklin can apply for assistance through Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Department of Human Resources (DHR). This program helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents attending school pay for licensed or exempt childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Macon County DHR office, which serves the Franklin area. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Franklin may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a potential daycare in Franklin?
When visiting a daycare in Franklin, go beyond the basics. First, confirm their Alabama DHR license is current and posted. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment—check for secure outdoor play areas, covered electrical outlets, and safe sleep practices for infants. Notice how staff interact with children; they should be engaged and responsive. Ask about staff turnover, as consistency is important. Inquire about their daily schedule, discipline policy, and emergency procedures for severe weather common to Alabama. Given the community's size, ask about their network for field trips or enrichment activities. Trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere.
How far in advance should I start looking for and securing a daycare spot in Franklin, and are waitlists common?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare options in a smaller city like Franklin, it is highly recommended to start your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, especially for infant spots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Waitlists are common for the most established and sought-after providers, both centers and home-based programs. Some popular providers may have waitlists a year long. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) and check in periodically. Exploring options in nearby towns like Tuskegee may be necessary if local waitlists are too long.