The Best Daycare Centers in Rockland, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rockland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rockland
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 development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM curriculum elements, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and nutritionally balanced meal programs make them a top choice for families in the Rockland area.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy provides a well-rounded educational experience with their Links to Learning curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development. The facility features secure, bright classrooms with dedicated learning centers, indoor gymnasium, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their team of degreed teachers creates individualized learning plans and maintains detailed developmental portfolios for each child. The academy offers extended hours and enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and technology. With comprehensive security systems and health protocols, they ensure a safe, nurturing environment that prepares children for elementary school success.
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The Pilot School
Independent Nonprofit
The Pilot School offers a unique educational approach specifically designed for children with language-based learning differences, providing exceptional early childhood programming alongside their elementary curriculum. Their multi-sensory teaching methods and small class sizes (typically 8:1 student-teacher ratio) ensure personalized attention. The campus features specialized learning spaces, occupational therapy rooms, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Their highly trained faculty includes specialists in reading, speech, and occupational therapy who collaborate to support each child's developmental needs. While not a traditional daycare, their early childhood program provides comprehensive care and education for young learners needing specialized support in the Rockland service area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rockland, DE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Rockland, Delaware, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
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 child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's compliance in the Rockland area, you can use the "Check a Child Care Provider" search tool on the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) website. You can also call the OCCL directly to ask about a provider's licensing status and any history of violations. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person to see the environment and ask for their most recent licensing report.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Rockland, DE, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Rockland and greater Wilmington area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. Delaware offers financial assistance through the Purchase of Care (POC) program, administered by the Division of Social Services. Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school/training requirements. Many local centers in Rockland accept POC subsidies. Additionally, you can inquire about sliding scale fees or sibling discounts directly with individual providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Rockland, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at quality daycare centers in the Rockland area can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infant rooms. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 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? Is the list prioritized for siblings? Being proactive and getting on multiple lists is a common strategy for parents in New Castle County.
Are there any unique local resources or referral services to help me find and evaluate childcare options in Rockland?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC)**, which operates the statewide Child Care Referral service. You can call their referral line or use their online search to find licensed providers in the Rockland zip code (19732) and surrounding areas. They can filter by age, type of care, and programs like the Delaware Stars quality rating system. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Wilmington/Newark parents) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into the reputations of specific centers and home-based providers in our community.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare center or home in Rockland, specifically regarding safety and outdoor play?
During a tour, prioritize both indoor and outdoor safety. Indoors, check for clean, child-proofed environments, secure storage of cleaning supplies, and clearly marked emergency exits. Ask about their sick policy and staff training in CPR/First Aid. For outdoor play, which is crucial for development, ensure the play area is fully fenced, has age-appropriate, well-maintained equipment, and safe, soft surfacing like mulch or rubber mats. Given Rockland's suburban/rural mix, also ask about their policies for weather (heat, cold, air quality) and insect protection (ticks). Observe if staff are actively engaged with children during play. Don't hesitate to ask for their OCCL licensing file, which is required to be on-site for your review.