The Best Daycare Centers in Nassau, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Nassau. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Nassau
The Learning Center at Seaford
The Learning Center
The Learning Center at Seaford is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. Features include secure keypad entry, certified early childhood educators, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate learning environments. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness with low teacher-to-child ratios and regular progress assessments. Their outdoor playground and indoor motor skills areas provide balanced physical development opportunities.
Daycare Services:
Children of America - Georgetown
Children of America
Children of America Georgetown provides a nationally-recognized curriculum with STEAM-focused learning activities and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, live streaming for parents, and USDA-approved meal programs. Their educated staff includes certified teachers with ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling and emphasizes literacy development, math readiness, and social skills through their proprietary COA curriculum. Safety protocols include regular drills and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
Little Lambs Christian Child Care
Little Lambs Early Learning Center offers a faith-based educational approach combined with comprehensive early childhood development programs. Their curriculum integrates Christian values with academic preparation, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure facilities, experienced certified teachers, and age-specific learning environments. They provide developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and structured learning activities that promote cognitive and emotional growth. The facility includes modern playground equipment and dedicated infant care areas with specialized caregivers.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Nassau, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Nassau, Delaware, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Delaware, all childcare providers caring for four or more children must be licensed by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). This includes family child care homes and centers in Nassau. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Check a Child Care Provider" search tool on the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) website. It's a critical first step for any parent in the Nassau area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under Delaware state regulations.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Nassau, DE area?
Childcare costs in the Nassau area are generally in line with statewide Delaware averages, which are moderately high. For infant care (under 18 months), you can expect to pay approximately $1,100 to $1,400 per month at a licensed center. Toddler care (18-36 months) typically ranges from $950 to $1,250 per month. Family child care homes may be slightly less expensive. Costs can vary based on the program's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). Parents in Delaware may also qualify for financial assistance through the Delaware Purchase of Care (POC) program, which helps eligible families pay for childcare.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Nassau, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, many quality daycare centers in and around Nassau maintain waitlists. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 12 months before their needed start date**, particularly for infant care. Some highly sought-after centers may have even longer waits. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist process, estimated timeline, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring options in nearby communities like Seaford or Laurel may provide more availability.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Nassau, Delaware?
Parents in Nassau typically have access to several types of licensed childcare options. These include: 1. **Child Care Centers:** Larger facilities, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms. 2. **Family Child Care Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings offering care for a mixed-age group, which can provide a more family-like environment. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Often part-day programs focused on school readiness for children ages 3-5, which may be housed in centers, churches, or community buildings. Given Nassau's more rural setting within Sussex County, family child care homes are a prevalent and valuable option. There are also licensed centers operating in the area. Using the state's online childcare search can help you filter by type and location.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Nassau, and are there any local resources to help me evaluate options?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, safety (secured exits, covered outlets, safe playgrounds), and how staff interact with children—look for engaged, responsive, and warm interactions. Ask about staff turnover, qualifications, daily schedules, and their policies on communication, illness, and discipline. In Delaware, you can also check the provider's **Quality Rating** through Delaware Stars for Early Success, a voluntary quality rating and improvement system. A higher Star rating (1-5) indicates a program that exceeds basic licensing standards. Additionally, the Delaware Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) agency, Child Care Connections, offers free referrals and a "Choosing Child Care" guide tailored to Delaware's standards to help parents in Nassau make an informed decision.