The Best Daycare Centers in Felton, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Felton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Felton
Kidz Ink Felton
Kidz Ink Learning Centers
Kidz Ink Felton is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum focused on developmental milestones, with certified early childhood educators providing individualized attention. The facility includes secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Parents praise the center's communication, nurturing environment, and experienced teaching staff.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Dover
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Dover is a nationally recognized childcare provider serving the Felton area with their Balanced Learning® approach. This accredited facility combines academic learning with character development through hands-on activities and purposeful play. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and arts integration, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. Features include secure classrooms with observation windows, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meals. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry and regular health screenings.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Dover
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Dover provides educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on whole-child development. The program integrates character education, STEM activities, and literacy development through project-based learning. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility features secure, technology-enhanced classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Safety measures include electronic check-in/out systems, comprehensive staff training, and emergency preparedness protocols. Parents consistently praise the center's educational quality and caring staff.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Felton, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Felton, Delaware, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Felton, Delaware, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL), which operates under the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF). Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the DSCYF website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider in Felton, as this offers a baseline of regulatory oversight and safety for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Felton, DE?
The cost of daycare in Felton, DE, is generally more affordable than in larger Delaware cities like Wilmington or Dover, but it varies by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $180 to $250 per week for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the average weekly cost ranges from $160 to $220. Licensed family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, typically between $140 and $200 per week. It's important to inquire about what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, curriculum) and to ask about the Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) subsidy program if you need financial assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Felton, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to Felton's smaller size and limited number of dedicated childcare centers, popular and highly-rated facilities often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before you need care. For infants, starting your search during pregnancy is common. Be proactive by contacting multiple providers, touring facilities, and getting detailed information about their waitlist process, including any deposit requirements. Exploring options in nearby towns like Harrington or Frederica may also be necessary if local waitlists are extensive.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Felton, DE?
Parents in Felton typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare options. The first is **licensed childcare centers**, which are facility-based and often offer structured programs for multiple age groups. The second is **licensed family childcare homes**, where care is provided in a provider's residence, often offering a smaller, home-like setting. The third is **part-day preschool programs**, which may be affiliated with local churches or community organizations. Given Felton's rural character, family childcare homes are a significant part of the local landscape. There are fewer large centers compared to urban areas, so exploring both center-based and home-based options is key.
What resources are available in Felton or Kent County to help me find and evaluate childcare providers?
The primary resource for finding childcare in Felton is the **Delaware Stars for Early Success** program and its online search tool. Delaware Stars rates licensed programs on a scale of 1 to 5, providing insight into quality beyond basic licensing. You can also contact the **Kent County Resource Center** for referrals and information on local providers. Additionally, the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service** through the DSCYF can offer personalized assistance. For local insights, consider asking for recommendations in community spaces like the Felton Public Library or local Facebook parent groups specific to central Delaware.