The Best Daycare Centers in Laurel, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Laurel. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Laurel
Sunshine Early Learning Center
Sunshine Early Learning Centers
Sunshine Early Learning Center is a highly-rated facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. Features include secure entry systems, certified early childhood educators, age-appropriate learning centers, and nutritious meal programs. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness with low teacher-to-child ratios and regular parent communication through digital platforms.
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Kiddie Academy of Seaford
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Seaford serves the Laurel area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education and play. The center features state-certified teachers, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-specific learning environments. Their program includes character development, STEM activities, and literacy focus. The academy maintains high safety standards with strict health protocols and offers flexible scheduling options for working families in the Laurel region.
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The Goddard School of Salisbury
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Salisbury serves families from the Laurel, DE area with their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. This nationally accredited program focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Features include degreed teachers, secure facilities with keypad entry, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and technology-integrated learning. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Laurel, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Laurel, Delaware, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Laurel, 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 groups, 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 violations, you can use the "Check a Child Care Provider" search tool on the DSCYF website. It's also advisable to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license, which must be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Laurel, DE, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Laurel area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $180 to $230 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $160 and $210 per week. Family childcare homes may offer lower rates. These costs are generally below the state average for Delaware, reflecting the area's cost of living. For financial assistance, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) administers the Purchase of Care (POC) subsidy program for eligible families based on income, employment, or education/training status. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's best to contact the Delaware ASSIST program or the individual provider to discuss options.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Laurel, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in and around Laurel can be several months long, especially for infants due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 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 siblings or local residents? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Laurel, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Laurel, besides traditional daycare centers?
Parents in Laurel have several options beyond large centers. Licensed Family Childcare Homes are popular, where a provider cares for a smaller group of children in their own residence, often offering more flexible hours. Another key resource is the Laurel School District's pre-kindergarten programs for eligible 4-year-olds, which provide part-day educational care. For before and after-school care, the Laurel Boys & Girls Club and some school-based programs serve school-age children. Additionally, in-home nannies or shared nanny arrangements with other local families are an option, though parents are responsible for verifying background checks and compliance with employment laws.
How does Delaware's "Stars for Early Success" quality rating system work, and are there highly-rated programs near Laurel?
Delaware's "Stars for Early Success" is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) for licensed childcare programs. Ratings range from Level 1 (Meeting Licensing Standards) to Level 5 (Excellence in Early Care and Education). Higher star levels indicate programs that exceed basic requirements in areas like curriculum, staff qualifications, family engagement, and learning environment. While Laurel itself has a limited number of centers, parents can find programs rated Level 3 or higher in nearby towns like Seaford, Delmar, and Georgetown. Using the OCCL provider search, you can filter by Star rating. Visiting a center and asking about their Star level and improvement goals is a great way to gauge their commitment to quality.