The Best Daycare Centers in Silverhill, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silverhill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silverhill
Silverhill Children's Center
Independent
Silverhill Children's Center is a locally-owned facility that provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. The center focuses on developmental milestones through structured activities and creative play. Features include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and a curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and are trained in CPR and first aid. The center offers nutritious meals and maintains strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Kottage of Robertsdale
Independent
Located just 5 miles from Silverhill, Kiddie Kottage of Robertsdale offers a comprehensive early learning program with a focus on school readiness. The center implements the Creative Curriculum system, blending structured academic preparation with hands-on learning experiences. Features include secure keypad entry, monitored playgrounds, and certified early childhood educators. The facility provides balanced meals and snacks, and maintains excellent staff retention with many teachers having 5+ years of experience. Parents praise the center's communication and individualized attention to each child's development.
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The Learning Tree of Foley
Independent
Serving the greater Baldwin County area including Silverhill, The Learning Tree of Foley provides a well-rounded educational experience with emphasis on literacy and STEM foundations. The center features purpose-built classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and a comprehensive security system. Their curriculum integrates Alabama's Early Learning Standards with project-based learning approaches. Staff include degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections, with regular family events and transparent communication practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silverhill, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Silverhill, AL, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Silverhill, Alabama, all childcare facilities, including daycares, preschools, and family daycare homes, must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific child-to-staff ratios based on age (e.g., 1:6 for infants), annual health and fire inspections, and staff training in CPR and First Aid. To verify a facility's compliance and view its inspection reports, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the Alabama DHR website. It's also wise to ask the provider directly for their license number and any recent inspection summaries. Given Silverhill's smaller size, many providers are known within the community, but official verification is crucial.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Silverhill, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Silverhill and broader Baldwin County area, average costs for full-time daycare range from approximately $135 to $185 per week. Infant care is typically at the higher end of this range due to lower staff-to-child ratios. While more affordable than larger Alabama cities, costs can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. For financial assistance, Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "Child Care Services") helps eligible low-income families. You apply through the Baldwin County Department of Human Resources office in Bay Minette. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Silverhill for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care are very limited in Silverhill itself due to its small, residential nature. Most home-based daycares and centers operate on a standard weekday schedule from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Parents with shift work, healthcare, or service industry jobs often need to look to nearby larger towns like Robertsdale, Foley, or Fairhope, which may have a few facilities offering extended hours. Your best bet locally is to network with other parents or inquire with individual home providers in Silverhill to see if they can offer flexible arrangements, but you should plan for this to be a challenge and explore backup care options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Silverhill, and when should I start looking for care?
For the popular and highly-rated daycare options in and around Silverhill, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months. Given the limited number of facilities in a small town, demand often exceeds immediate capacity. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Get on multiple waitlists even if you're unsure, as spots can open unexpectedly. Be proactive—check in with centers every few months to keep your application active. Also consider licensed family daycare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more immediate solution.
What are some unique features or programs offered by daycares in the Silverhill area that take advantage of the local community?
Several childcare providers in the Silverhill area incorporate local culture and resources into their programs. It's common to find centers with strong emphasis on outdoor play and nature exploration, taking advantage of Alabama's mild climate and rural setting. Some may have small gardens for children to tend. Given the agricultural surroundings, themes about farming, animals, and local produce are often integrated. Furthermore, many providers participate in community events like the Silverhill German-American Club's annual Oktoberfest or local library reading programs. When touring facilities, ask about field trips to places like the Robertsdale Public Library or local parks, and how they incorporate Alabama's state history and traditions into age-appropriate activities.