The Best Daycare Centers in Peoria, AZ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Peoria. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Peoria
The Learning Experience - Peoria
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Peoria offers a comprehensive early education curriculum with proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) and philanthropy-focused curriculum. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, age-appropriate learning environments, and nutrition programs. The center emphasizes both academic and character development through structured play-based learning, with dedicated spaces for different age groups and outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication.
Daycare Services:
Cadence Academy Preschool
Cadence Education
Cadence Academy Preschool provides a well-rounded curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social development. The center features secure entry systems, low student-teacher ratios, and degreed early childhood educators. Their approach combines structured learning with creative expression through art, music, and physical activities. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Notable for their comprehensive safety protocols, regular parent updates, and emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Peoria
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Peoria offers F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. Features include highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure facility with check-in systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning through play-based activities. Parents appreciate the structured daily routine, regular progress reports, and emphasis on building confidence and independence. The school maintains excellent teacher retention and strong community reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Peoria, AZ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Peoria, AZ?
In Peoria, AZ, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,500 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $950 to $1,300 monthly. Preschool programs (ages 3-5) often cost between $800 and $1,200 per month. Home-based daycare is generally more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like the provider's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and amenities. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about what's included (meals, diapers, enrichment activities) when comparing prices.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its compliance history in Arizona?
All childcare facilities in Peoria must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Office of Child Care Licensure. You can verify a provider's license and review its compliance history online through the ADHS CareCheck portal. This public database shows the license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and results of routine inspections, including citations for violations of state health and safety rules. It's a crucial step for parents. Additionally, you can contact the local ADHS office for the Phoenix/Peoria region to ask specific questions. Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license certificate posted on-site.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Peoria, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality and well-regarded daycare centers in Peoria, especially for infant rooms. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To navigate this, start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, even if they are your second choice. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100). Stay in regular, polite contact with the center director every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in your neighborhood, as they may have more immediate openings.
What are some local resources in Peoria to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Peoria parents have several valuable local resources. First, the **Arizona Early Childhood Development & Health Board (First Things First)** offers a regional partnership council for the Northwest Maricopa region, which includes Peoria. They fund quality improvement grants and you can find resources on their website. Second, the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service through Child Care Aware** can provide personalized referrals. You can also utilize the City of Peoria's Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities department, which operates licensed preschool programs at community centers like the Peoria Community Center. Finally, local parent groups on social media (e.g., Peoria, AZ Moms Facebook groups) are excellent for getting firsthand recommendations and reviews.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for daycare in Arizona, and how do they impact care in Peoria?
Arizona state law sets minimum staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and quality. For licensed centers, the ratios are: 1:5 for infants (0-12 months), 1:6 for toddlers (12-24 months), 1:8 for 2-year-olds, 1:13 for 3-year-olds, and 1:15 for 4-5 year-olds. Many high-quality centers in Peoria voluntarily maintain lower ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants) to provide more individualized attention. For licensed family childcare homes, the ratio is 1:6 with no more than two children under the age of one. These ratios directly impact the level of supervision and engagement your child receives. When touring facilities in Peoria, always ask about their specific ratios, as a center operating at the state minimum will feel very different from one with a lower ratio.