The Best Daycare Centers in Somerville, AL
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Somerville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Somerville
Primrose School of Decatur
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Decatur offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and preschool spaces. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, commercial-grade playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured learning environment, and caring staff who provide individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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The Learning Tree Montessori School
Independent
The Learning Tree Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared classroom environments. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years with mixed-age classrooms that encourage peer learning. Their curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language acquisition, mathematics, and cultural studies. The infant program maintains a 1:4 teacher-child ratio with primary caregivers, while toddler and primary classrooms feature Montessori materials that promote independence and self-directed learning. The facility includes natural outdoor play spaces, gardens, and purpose-built Montessori classrooms. Parents highlight the school's peaceful atmosphere, individualized learning pace, and strong community feel that extends beyond the classroom.
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KinderCare at Hartselle
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Hartselle offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum across all age groups. Their infant program focuses on sensory exploration and attachment, while toddler and preschool programs emphasize literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning centers. The center features secure keypad entry, fenced playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Teachers participate in ongoing training and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The program includes regular assessments and parent-teacher conferences to track developmental progress. Families appreciate the consistent routines, experienced staff, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore and learn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Somerville, AL
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Somerville, AL, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Somerville, Alabama, all childcare centers and family daycare homes serving more than six children 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 staff training. To verify a facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any past violations, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the Alabama DHR website. It's also a good practice to ask the provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report posted on-site, which is a state requirement.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Somerville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Somerville area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $130 to $180 per week. For toddlers, the cost may be slightly lower, around $120 to $160 per week. Family daycare homes can sometimes be more affordable. These rates are generally lower than in larger Alabama metro areas but can vary based on a center's amenities, curriculum, and hours. For financial assistance, eligible families can apply for Alabama's Child Care Subsidy Program through the Morgan County DHR office, which serves Somerville. 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 Somerville for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended-hour or weekend care in Somerville can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). However, some in-home family daycare providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers. Your best course of action is to contact providers directly to discuss your specific scheduling needs. For reliable options, you may need to expand your search to nearby larger towns like Decatur or Hartselle, which may have centers with extended hours. Networking with other local parents through community groups can also help identify flexible caregivers.
What resources are available in Somerville to help me find and compare different childcare providers?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Somerville is the Alabama DHR Child Care Search website. You can filter by location, age of child, and type of care. For more personalized assistance, you can contact the **Child Care Resources and Referral agency for North Alabama**, which serves Morgan County. They can provide free referrals, quality checklists, and guidance on choosing care. Locally, the Somerville Town Hall or the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce may have listings, and connecting with the Somerville Area Community Facebook page is an excellent way to get personal recommendations and reviews from other parents.
Given Somerville's more rural setting, what should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, especially for severe weather?
This is a crucial consideration for Somerville, which can experience severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional winter weather. When touring a daycare, ask specifically about their emergency preparedness plan. A high-quality provider should have a clearly documented plan that includes: a designated safe room (like an interior bathroom or basement) for tornadoes, procedures for sheltering in place, a reliable method for parent notification (like a phone tree or text alert system), and regular drills practiced with the children. Also, inquire about their policy for early closure or delayed opening due to inclement weather and how they ensure children's safety during pickup in such conditions. Providers should be able to show you their emergency supplies, such as water, first-aid kits, and weather radios.
Nearby Cities
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