The Best Daycare Centers in Georgetown, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Georgetown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Georgetown
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. Their qualified teachers hold early childhood certifications and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Georgetown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Georgetown implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM education, and school readiness. Their highly trained staff includes teachers with degrees in early childhood education who participate in ongoing professional development. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and technology-integrated classrooms. They offer enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical fitness, along with a structured daily schedule that balances learning activities with creative play and outdoor time.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Georgetown provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that encourages children to explore and discover. Their faculty includes certified early childhood educators who create individualized learning plans for each child. The facility features secure entry systems, age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms with learning stations. They emphasize holistic development through activities that build cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher communications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Georgetown, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Georgetown, DE, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Georgetown, 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. For centers, staff must undergo background checks and complete training in areas like first aid/CPR and child abuse detection. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Check a Child Care Provider" search tool on the DSCYF website or by contacting the OCCL directly. This is a crucial first step for Georgetown parents to ensure a provider operates legally and safely.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Georgetown, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Georgetown and surrounding Sussex County, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $180 to $220 per week. Prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. To help manage these costs, Delaware offers several financial assistance programs. The most prominent is the Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) program, which provides subsidies to eligible low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (e.g., employment or education). Applications are processed through the Delaware Division of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Georgetown, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infant and toddler rooms, waitlists at well-regarded daycare centers in Georgetown can often be 6 to 12 months long. Some highly sought-after centers may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, it's recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize based on application date or other factors? Being proactive, flexible on start dates, and considering a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Georgetown that cater to the local agricultural or seasonal workforce?
Yes, Georgetown's location in an agricultural region means some childcare providers offer schedules tailored to non-traditional hours. While standard centers typically operate Monday-Friday from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible early morning, evening, or weekend care to accommodate shift workers. Furthermore, Delaware's Seasonal Child Care program can be a resource for families whose income fluctuates with seasonal work. It's important to communicate your specific scheduling needs directly with providers. The Sussex County Resource Center can also help connect families with providers who offer flexible care arrangements suited to the local economy.
What resources are available in Georgetown to help me evaluate and choose the right daycare for my child?
Georgetown parents have several local resources. First, the **Delaware Stars for Early Success** rating system is a key tool. This voluntary program rates licensed programs on a scale of 1 to 5 Stars based on quality standards. You can search for rated programs in your zip code on the Delaware Stars website. Second, the **Sussex County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR)** service, often accessed through the Delaware CCR&R Council, offers free personalized referrals, guidance on what to look for during a visit, and questions to ask providers. Finally, scheduling in-person tours is essential. Observe the environment, ask about staff turnover, curriculum, and safety protocols, and trust your instincts about the fit for your family.