The Best Daycare Centers in Mathews, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mathews. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mathews
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree is a highly-regarded childcare center located just 15 minutes from Mathews, serving the broader Montgomery area. They offer a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. Teachers maintain low child-to-staff ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Primrose School of East Montgomery
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of East Montgomery is part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network, located approximately 20 minutes from Mathews. They implement the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The program focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts in a safe, secure environment. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play areas. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. Parents appreciate the structured yet flexible approach and the school's commitment to developing the whole child.
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Children's Harbor Early Learning Center
Children's Harbor
Children's Harbor Early Learning Center serves families throughout the Montgomery area, including Mathews, from their Pike Road location approximately 25 minutes away. This nonprofit center offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental appropriateness. Their program includes language development, mathematical thinking, scientific exploration, and social studies. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor and outdoor learning environments. Teachers are qualified early childhood professionals with background checks and continuous training. The center is particularly noted for its inclusive environment and strong parent partnership approach, with many families praising the caring staff and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mathews, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Mathews, Alabama, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Mathews, Alabama, all child care facilities must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). The licensing process involves rigorous inspections for health, safety, and sanitation, background checks for all staff, and requirements for staff-to-child ratios and caregiver qualifications. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the Alabama DHR website, which shows the license status, any recent inspection reports, and any regulatory actions. You can also ask the provider directly to see their current license certificate, which must be posted in a visible location. Given Mathews' more rural setting, ensuring a provider is properly licensed is a critical first step.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mathews, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Mathews and the surrounding Monroe County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $110 to $140 per week. These rates are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "Child Care Services") is available for eligible families. You can apply through the Monroe County Department of Human Resources office in Monroeville. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare centers in Mathews, or will I likely need to consider home-based daycares or providers in nearby towns?
As a small, unincorporated community, Mathews itself has very few, if any, dedicated daycare centers. Most parents in Mathews utilize licensed family child care homes (home-based daycares) within the community or commute to nearby towns for center-based care. Your primary options will be in Monroeville (the county seat, about a 15-20 minute drive), which offers several licensed centers and home providers, or in other surrounding communities like Frisco City or Excel. Building a network with other local parents is invaluable for finding trusted home-based providers in the Mathews area that may not be widely advertised online.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare openings in the Mathews area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers serving the Mathews community, waitlists can be unpredictable but are common, especially for infant spots. For popular centers in Monroeville, waitlists can be 3 to 6 months long. For in-demand home-based providers in Mathews itself, openings may arise less frequently. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 4-6 months before you need care. If you are expecting a child, start contacting providers during your second trimester. Be proactive—call providers, schedule tours, and get on multiple lists to increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What local resources or networks can help me find and evaluate childcare options in and around Mathews?
The best local resource is the Monroe County Department of Human Resources office in Monroeville. Their Child Care Services unit maintains referral lists of licensed providers. You can also contact the Alabama Partnership for Children, which supports the "Help Me Grow Alabama" hotline, a free referral service. For peer recommendations, consider joining community Facebook groups like "Mathews, AL Community" or "Monroe County, AL Talk." These groups are often where local home-based providers advertise openings and where parents share firsthand experiences. Finally, don't underestimate word-of-mouth; ask at local churches, the Mathews Post Office, or the Monroe County Health Department for trusted referrals.