The Best Daycare Centers in Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scottsdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scottsdale
The Goddard School of Scottsdale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Scottsdale offers a premier early childhood education program with their proprietary FLEX Learning Program that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms with advanced learning materials. What sets this center apart is their comprehensive approach that includes yoga, Spanish exposure, and technology integration while maintaining a nurturing environment that prioritizes each child's individual development.
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Scottsdale Montessori School
Independent
Scottsdale Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education guided by AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) certified teachers in carefully prepared environments. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years with a focus on fostering independence, concentration, and natural curiosity. Classrooms feature genuine Montessori materials that encourage hands-on learning across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The school maintains small class sizes with mixed-age groupings that allow for peer learning and individualized pacing. Their beautiful campus includes organic gardens, natural playgrounds, and peaceful learning spaces that create an ideal environment for child development. The school is particularly noted for its highly qualified staff and commitment to the pure Montessori method.
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The Learning Experience - Scottsdale
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Scottsdale combines early academic preparation with character development through their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center focuses on phonics, mathematics, science, and creative arts while incorporating their philanthropy-based curriculum that teaches children the importance of community and giving back. Their state-of-the-art facility includes interactive whiteboards, secure indoor and outdoor play areas, and specialized learning centers. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. What distinguishes this center is their emphasis on both cognitive development and social consciousness, along with their comprehensive enrichment programs that include music, yoga, and foreign language exposure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scottsdale, AZ
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Scottsdale, AZ?
In Scottsdale, childcare costs are generally higher than the Arizona state average due to the city's affluent demographics and high demand. For an infant in a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. In-home daycare options may be slightly less expensive, averaging $800 to $1,200 monthly. Prices can vary significantly based on the facility's amenities, curriculum (e.g., Montessori, language immersion), and location within Scottsdale. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about what is included in the tuition (meals, diapers, enrichment activities).
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in Scottsdale?
All childcare facilities in Scottsdale must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Office of Child Care Licensure. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any substantiated complaints through the ADHS online **Child Care Facility Search** portal. This public database is crucial for due diligence. Additionally, you can ask the provider for their license number and their most recent inspection report. When touring a facility, look for posted licenses, observe safety features like secured gates, clean environments, and ask about staff-to-child ratios, which in Arizona are 1:5 for infants and 1:6 for toddlers.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Scottsdale, and how should I plan for them?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality and well-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Scottsdale, especially for infant care. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. To plan effectively, start your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150). Follow up periodically to express your continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in your neighborhood, as they may have more immediate availability and shorter wait times.
What are some popular or highly-regarded types of preschool programs available in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale offers a diverse range of preschool philosophies to suit different learning styles. Popular options include: * **Montessori:** Several schools follow the Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning in a prepared environment. * **Reggio Emilia:** This approach, focusing on project-based learning and artistic expression, is available at select centers. * **Faith-Based:** Many churches and religious institutions offer preschool programs with integrated spiritual education. * **Academic/Play-Based:** Traditional programs that balance structured learning with social and free play. * **Language Immersion:** There are preschools offering Spanish or Mandarin immersion programs. Researching these philosophies and touring schools is key to finding the best fit. The City of Scottsdale's Community Services Division also offers popular public preschool programs at its recreation centers, which often have competitive enrollment.
What resources are available to help Scottsdale parents afford quality childcare?
Several financial assistance resources are available: * **Department of Economic Security (DES) Child Care Assistance:** Arizona's DES offers subsidies for eligible low-income families. You must apply and meet specific income and activity (work, school) requirements. * **Arizona School Readiness Tax Credit:** Arizona taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,000 (married filing jointly) or $500 (single) for contributions to a School Tuition Organization (STO) that funds qualifying preschools. * **Employer Benefits:** Check if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA), which allows you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. * **Military Families:** If you are affiliated with Luke Air Force Base or other installations, explore childcare options and subsidies through Military Child Care. * **Local Non-Profits:** Organizations like **First Things First** (Arizona's early childhood agency) provide grants and quality improvements to specific programs, which can help keep costs manageable.