The Best Daycare Centers in Fulton, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fulton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fulton
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Mobile serves the greater Fulton area with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. They emphasize STEAM learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills through hands-on activities and individualized attention.
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The Learning Experience - Mobile
The Learning Experience
This nationally recognized early education center serves the Fulton region with a comprehensive curriculum that includes phonics, foreign language, manners and etiquette, and fitness programs. Their L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum is research-based and focuses on academic, physical, and social development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and bright, engaging learning environments. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication about child progress and daily activities.
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Primrose School of Midtown Mobile
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Midtown Mobile provides high-quality early education and care for families in the Fulton area with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts in a safe, secure environment. The facility includes age-specific learning spaces, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their dedicated staff maintains low teacher-child ratios and provides regular updates to parents about developmental milestones and daily experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fulton, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fulton, Alabama, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Fulton, Alabama, all child care facilities must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). This includes family day care homes, group homes, and child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility'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 highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child, as it confirms the provider is operating legally and meeting state-mandated safety protocols.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Fulton area?
In Fulton and the surrounding Clarke County area, daycare costs are generally lower than state and national averages, reflecting the local cost of living. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed center. In-home family daycare may be slightly less, around $80 to $120 per week. Prices can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and educational materials.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Fulton, AL?
Yes, eligible families in Fulton can apply for assistance through Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Department of Human Resources. This program helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents attending school pay for licensed or license-exempt childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Clarke County DHR office. Additionally, it's worth inquiring directly with local daycare centers, as some may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts to help manage costs for local families.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Fulton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller number of licensed facilities in a rural town like Fulton, popular daycare centers and in-home providers often have limited slots, leading to waitlists that can range from a few weeks to several months, especially for infant care. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or at least 3-6 months before you need care. Contacting multiple providers increases your chances of securing a spot. Be prepared to pay a waitlist deposit, which is typically applied to your first week's tuition.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a daycare facility in Fulton to ensure quality and safety?
Beyond verifying the license, parents in Fulton should ask specific, local-relevant questions. Key inquiries include: "What is your staff turnover rate?" (consistency is crucial); "What is your protocol for severe weather, like tornadoes common to Alabama?"; "How do you handle communication with parents, especially for closures due to local events or weather?"; "Can you provide references from other Fulton/Clarke County parents?"; and "What is your sick child policy?" Also, observe the cleanliness, safety of outdoor play areas, and how staff interact with children. Trusting your instincts about the environment is essential.