The Best Daycare Centers in Hockessin, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hockessin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hockessin
The Goddard School of Hockessin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Hockessin offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with keypad entry. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education in bright, modern classrooms. The school provides nutritious meals and snacks, extensive outdoor play areas, and regular parent communication through daily reports and an interactive mobile app.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy in Hockessin provides a research-based curriculum that combines academic excellence with character development. Their proprietary Links to Learning program focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating Spanish language exposure and technology integration. The center features highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure single-entry access with comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily updates, regular parent-teacher conferences, and portfolio assessments tracking developmental milestones.
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Tender Hearts Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Hockessin in Wilmington, Tender Hearts Child Care & Learning Center has served families throughout northern Delaware for nearly two decades. The center offers a comprehensive early childhood program emphasizing whole-child development through play-based learning and structured academic preparation. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The facility features secure access systems, regularly updated safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. With experienced lead teachers holding early childhood credentials and low child-to-staff ratios, Tender Hearts maintains a nurturing environment that promotes social skills, independence, and school readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hockessin, DE
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in Hockessin, DE, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hockessin, the cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, placing it among the higher-priced areas in Delaware due to its affluent community and high-quality program offerings. Costs can vary based on the type of center (corporate chain vs. private, faith-based, or in-home licensed facility). For financial assistance, Delaware's **Purchase of Care (POC)** program is the primary state-subsidized option for eligible families based on income, employment, or education requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's highly recommended to contact the Delaware Division of Social Services or individual providers in Hockessin to discuss specific eligibility and application processes for aid.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Hockessin, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Hockessin can be substantial, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for premier facilities. Given this competitive landscape, parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the first trimester of pregnancy or even before conception if planning ahead. Many centers allow you to join a waitlist with a nominal, often refundable, deposit. Proactive and early registration significantly increases your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What are the key differences between Delaware-licensed family childcare homes and larger childcare centers in Hockessin?
In Hockessin, parents can choose between Delaware-licensed **Family Child Care Homes** (caring for up to 9 children in a residential setting) and **Child Care Centers** (larger, commercial facilities). Family homes often offer a more intimate, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, potentially providing more flexible hours and lower child-to-staff ratios for younger children. Centers typically have more structured curricula, larger peer groups of the same age, and more extensive facilities (like dedicated playgrounds and multiple classrooms). Both are regulated by the **Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL)** but have different licensing standards. Your choice may depend on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for environment.
Are there daycare options in Hockessin that offer specialized early childhood education approaches, like Montessori or Reggio Emilia?
Yes, Hockessin offers several daycare and preschool options with specialized educational philosophies. Notably, there are established **Montessori** schools in and near Hockessin that serve children starting in toddler programs, emphasizing self-directed learning. While a pure **Reggio Emilia** approach is less common, several high-quality centers in the area incorporate Reggio-inspired elements, such as project-based learning and environments that act as a "third teacher." When researching, ask specific questions about curriculum, teacher training in the philosophy, and how the approach is implemented daily. Visiting these programs is essential to see if their educational style aligns with your family's values.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to Delaware's licensing and Hockessin's community standards?
During a tour in Hockessin, go beyond basics. First, verify the provider's current **Delaware OCCL license** is visibly posted and ask about any recent violations (you can also check online). Observe staff-child interactions: Delaware requires specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), so ensure the rooms feel calm and adequately staffed. Inquire about staff qualifications and turnover rates—low turnover indicates a stable environment. Ask about their safety protocols for playgrounds and pick-up/drop-off, especially given Hockessin's suburban layout. Finally, discuss their community involvement; many Hockessin centers organize local field trips or incorporate nature from nearby parks like the Hockessin Athletic Club trails, which adds value to their program.