The Best Daycare Centers in Frankford, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frankford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frankford
The Learning Experience - Millsboro
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Millsboro is a highly-rated early education center serving the Frankford area with a comprehensive curriculum that includes phonics, manners, and foreign language programs. Their L.E.A.P. curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and secure outdoor play areas. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and hold early childhood education certifications. The facility offers nutritious meals and snacks, age-appropriate classrooms, and emphasizes social-emotional development through their proprietary "Bubbles the Elephant" character program.
Daycare Services:
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Millsboro
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids in Millsboro provides advanced educational childcare with a STEAM-focused curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The facility features secure entry systems, live streaming cameras, and sanitization protocols. Their "Brain Development" curriculum emphasizes cognitive, physical, and social development through hands-on learning. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The center offers spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, nutritious chef-prepared meals, and extended hours to accommodate working families in the Frankford area.
Daycare Services:
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center
Little Sprouts Early Learning Center in Selbyville serves the Frankford community with a nature-inspired, play-based curriculum that emphasizes outdoor learning and environmental awareness. The center maintains small class sizes with certified early childhood educators who focus on developmental appropriate practices. Their facility includes secure outdoor classrooms, garden areas where children participate in growing vegetables, and age-specific learning environments. The curriculum incorporates literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills through project-based learning. Safety features include secured entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frankford, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Frankford, DE, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Frankford, 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). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's compliance and view their licensing history, including any non-compliance reports, you can use the "Check a Child Care Provider" search tool on the DSCYF website. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this online information with a direct conversation with the provider about their current license status and any recent inspection reports.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Frankford, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Frankford and greater Sussex County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $180 to $240 per week. Prices can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. in-home), the specific programs offered, and the provider's amenities. For financial assistance, Delaware's Purchase of Care (POC) program is the primary resource for eligible families. Administered by the Division of Social Services, POC helps low-income working families, those in training, or those receiving protective services pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Delaware ASSIST website or contact the local Sussex County Division of Social Services office in Georgetown for guidance.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care options in Frankford to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours or weekend care in Frankford itself are quite limited, as it is a smaller town. Most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family childcare homes in the area may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends. Your best strategy is to explicitly ask about flexibility during your search. You may also need to expand your search to nearby larger towns like Millsboro, Selbyville, or even into Ocean View, where the chances of finding a center or home with extended hours are slightly higher, though still not guaranteed.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Frankford, and when should I start looking for a spot?
For infant and toddler spots, especially in the more sought-after licensed centers in and around Frankford, waitlists can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, or even longer. Given this, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or as soon as you know you will need care. Be proactive: contact centers directly, ask about their specific waitlist process (e.g., if there's a fee to hold a spot), and check in periodically to keep your application active. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can sometimes yield shorter wait times.
What resources are available in Frankford to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
The primary local resource is Delaware's **Child Care Connection** (a program of DSCYF), which offers a free referral service. You can call their hotline or use their online search to find licensed providers in Frankford and Sussex County based on your specific needs (age of child, hours, location). They provide basic information but do not endorse providers. For in-person evaluation, always schedule tours. Additionally, the **Frankford Public Library** can be a community hub for connecting with other parents to get personal recommendations. Finally, the **Delaware Stars for Early Success** rating system is a crucial tool. Providers rated in Stars (Level 2-5) voluntarily meet higher quality standards beyond basic licensing. You can filter your Child Care Connection search to show only Star-rated programs.
Childcare Insights for Frankford
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire for a safe, nurturing environment for your child. If you're a parent in Frankford, Delaware, typing "day cares near me" into a search bar, you're likely navigating a mix of hope and urgency. The good news is that while Frankford offers a close-knit, community feel, you have several quality options and considerations unique to our area to help guide your search.
First, understanding the local landscape is key. Frankford, situated in Sussex County, provides a blend of smaller, home-based daycare providers and larger, licensed childcare centers in nearby towns like Millsboro, Dagsboro, and Selbyville. Many families find that the home-based options in Frankford itself offer a wonderful, family-like setting with smaller ratios, which can be ideal for infants and toddlers needing consistent, personalized care. These providers are often deeply embedded in the community, offering a real sense of connection. For more structured preschool curricula or extended hours, the centers in the surrounding towns are typically just a short, manageable commute away, making them a viable part of your Frankford-based search.
When beginning your visits and interviews, go beyond the basics. Ask about their policies for inclement weather, as our coastal region can experience its share of weather events. Inquire about their outdoor playtime philosophy—does the facility have secure, shaded outdoor space, or do they incorporate local outings? Given Frankford's proximity to natural areas, some providers may integrate simple nature-based learning, which is a wonderful bonus. Also, consider the daily rhythm in relation to your life. If you work in agriculture, tourism, or healthcare, common local industries, you may need earlier drop-offs or more flexible hours than a standard 9-to-5 schedule. Be upfront about these needs.
Don't underestimate the power of local networks. Talk to other parents at the Frankford Public Library during storytime or at community events. Personal recommendations in a town like ours carry immense weight and can lead you to hidden gems that may not have a robust online presence. Additionally, utilize the State of Delaware's Office of Child Care Licensing online search tool. This allows you to verify the licensing status of any provider and review their compliance history, giving you essential peace of mind. It’s a crucial step to ensure safety standards are met.
Finally, trust your instincts during a visit. Does the environment feel warm and engaging? Are the children you observe busy and content? How do the caregivers interact with them—are they down on the floor engaging, or distant? That feeling of "rightness" you get when you walk into a place that aligns with your family's values is invaluable. Choosing daycare in the Frankford area means investing in a partner who will help your child grow within the context of our friendly community. By taking a thoughtful, localized approach to your search, you can find a place where your child will thrive, and you can feel confident and reassured throughout your day.