The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Georges, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Georges. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Georges
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bear provides high-quality early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation and social development. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. Features include secure entry systems, daily communication with parents through an app, highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meals as part of their 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, STEM learning, and literacy. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry, live streaming for parents, and certified teachers trained in early childhood development. Their program includes music and movement, Spanish language exposure, and technology-integrated learning. The center emphasizes health and safety with strict cleaning protocols, nutritious meal programs, and regular safety drills.
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The Learning Experience - Bear
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Bear provides a comprehensive early education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that includes phonics, foreign language, manners and etiquette, and fitness. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including biometric entry, bright and modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their highly qualified staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The program includes enrichment activities like yoga, music, and STEM exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Georges, DE
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Georges, Delaware?
In Saint Georges and the surrounding New Castle County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family childcare providers in Saint Georges often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can be influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. Delaware offers financial assistance programs like the Purchase of Care (POC) subsidy for eligible families, which can help offset these costs.
How do I verify that a daycare in Saint Georges is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare providers in Delaware must be licensed by the **Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL)**. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) website. When touring a facility in Saint Georges, ask to see their current license. During the tour, look for clear evidence of safety (secured exits, outlet covers, clean spaces), ask about staff qualifications and turnover, observe how caregivers interact with children, check for age-appropriate toys and learning materials, and inquire about their emergency procedures and sick policies. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Saint Georges, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for daycare centers, especially for infant rooms, in Saint Georges and the broader northern Delaware region. Due to high demand and limited slots for younger children, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search **6 to 12 months** in advance of their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3 to 6-month lead time is more typical but not guaranteed. When contacting centers, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate availability, is a prudent strategy.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and licensed family childcare homes in Saint Georges?
The two main licensed options in Saint Georges offer distinct environments. **Daycare Centers** are typically larger facilities in commercial or dedicated buildings. They often have multiple classrooms divided by age, a larger staff with specialized roles, and may offer a structured educational curriculum. They generally have more rigid hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence. They usually care for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 9, including the provider's own), offering a more home-like, family-oriented atmosphere with potentially more flexible hours. They can be a great option for parents seeking consistency with a single caregiver. Both are regulated by the same OCCL standards for health, safety, and staff training, but the setting and group dynamics differ greatly.
Does Saint Georges have any unique childcare resources or programs that parents should be aware of?
While Saint Georges itself is a smaller community, it benefits from being part of New Castle County's network of resources. A key local resource is the **Delaware Stars for Early Success** program. Many quality providers in the area participate in this voluntary quality rating system. You can search for "Star-rated" programs nearby, which have met higher standards of quality. Furthermore, parents can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Delaware**, which serves the entire state, for free personalized referrals and guidance on choosing care, understanding subsidies, and navigating local options. For school-age care, many parents look to programs offered in conjunction with the local Colonial School District.
Nearby Cities
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