The Best Daycare Centers in Kirkwood, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kirkwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kirkwood
The Goddard School of Bear
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bear provides a premier early childhood education program serving the Kirkwood area with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive security systems including keypad entry and surveillance. Curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Offers nutritious meals and snacks through their meal program.
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Kiddie Academy of Bear
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bear offers comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. Features highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development, secure facility with electronic entry systems, and real-time parent communication through mobile app. Curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through project-based learning. Includes outdoor learning environments, multimedia resource centers, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. Provides healthy meals and emphasizes physical activity and wellness education.
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The Learning Experience - Bear
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Bear provides a nationally-recognized early education program with proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, and manners/values. Features degreed early childhood educators, advanced security systems including fingerprint access, and clean, modern facilities. Specializes in infant sign language, philanthropy curriculum, and technology integration. Includes indoor and outdoor play areas, dedicated learning centers, and age-appropriate learning materials. Offers flexible scheduling options and comprehensive enrichment programs including soccer, yoga, and dance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kirkwood, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kirkwood, Delaware, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Delaware, all childcare providers caring for four or more children unrelated to the operator must be licensed by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). This includes family child care homes, child care centers, and preschools. Licensed facilities in Kirkwood must meet strict standards for staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), child-to-staff ratios, health and safety protocols, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) website. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kirkwood, DE?
The cost of childcare in Kirkwood and surrounding New Castle County is moderately high, reflecting statewide trends. For a licensed child care center, parents can expect to pay an average of $1,200 to $1,500 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per month. Family child care homes may offer slightly lower rates, often between $900 and $1,200 monthly. Costs can vary based on the program's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. To help with expenses, Delaware offers the Purchase of Care (POC) subsidy program for eligible families. You can apply through the Delaware Division of Social Services to see if you qualify for financial assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Kirkwood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many quality daycare centers and licensed family homes in the Kirkwood area have significant waitlists. It is very common for popular providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer, for infant rooms. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist policy, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their status.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Kirkwood, DE?
Kirkwood, being an unincorporated community within the larger Newark area, offers a mix of childcare options that serve local families. The most common types include: 1. **Child Care Centers:** Larger facilities, often located in commercial areas or affiliated with churches, offering structured programs for various age groups. 2. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed providers operating out of their private residences, offering a smaller, home-like setting, which can be popular for infants and toddlers. 3. **Preschools:** Programs typically for children ages 3-5, often with part-day or full-day options, focusing on school readiness. 4. **Before/After-School Care:** Many local elementary schools and community centers offer programs for school-age children. Given Kirkwood's proximity to the University of Delaware, some campus-affiliated programs may also be accessible to community members.
What are some key local resources for parents searching for and evaluating childcare in Kirkwood?
Parents in Kirkwood have several excellent local and state resources: * **Delaware Stars for Early Success:** This state quality rating system helps you identify programs that exceed basic licensing standards. Looking for a "Star-rated" program is a great way to find high-quality care. * **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Agency:** The Delaware CCRR, operated by Children & Families First, offers free referrals, parenting resources, and guidance on choosing care. You can call their referral line or use their online search. * **Local School Districts (Christina or Colonial):** Contact your district's family services office; they often have information on before/after-school care and community preschool partnerships. * **Community Networks:** Check local Facebook groups (e.g., "Kirkwood/Newark DE Parents") and community boards for personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations, which are invaluable in a close-knit area.