The Best Daycare Centers in Yorklyn, DE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Yorklyn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Yorklyn
The Goddard School of Hockessin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hockessin provides a premier early childhood education program with FLEX Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. Features state-licensed teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and USDA-approved meal programs. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art studios, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Particularly strong in preparing children for kindergarten with comprehensive academic foundations and social-emotional development.
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Chesterbrook Academy Preschool
Spring Education Group
Chesterbrook Academy offers a comprehensive Links to Learning curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The program includes foreign language exposure, technology integration, and hands-on science activities. Features low student-teacher ratios, degreed early childhood educators, and secure facility protocols. The center includes modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. Strong emphasis on character development and community involvement, with regular parent-teacher conferences and detailed progress reports.
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The Goddard School of Wilmington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
This Goddard School location serves the greater Yorklyn area with a play-based learning approach that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. Features a comprehensive safety system including secured entry, regular safety drills, and staff CPR/first aid certification. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills. Offers extended hours and flexible scheduling options. The facility includes multiple age-specific playgrounds, indoor gymnasium for active play, and dedicated learning centers in each classroom. Strong parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Yorklyn, DE
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Yorklyn, Delaware?
In Yorklyn and the surrounding New Castle County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home family childcare providers in the Yorklyn/Hockessin area may offer slightly lower rates, often between $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that Delaware offers the Purchase of Care (POC) subsidy program for eligible families to help offset these costs. Always ask providers if they are POC-approved.
How do I verify that a daycare in Yorklyn is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Delaware are regulated by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Check a License" search tool on the Delaware Division of Social Services website. When touring a facility in Yorklyn, ask to see their current license and look for it posted. During the tour, observe staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), check for cleanliness and safety measures like secured cabinets and outlet covers, ask about staff qualifications and ongoing training, and notice if the children seem engaged and happy. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Yorklyn, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the sought-after daycare centers and preschools in the Yorklyn area, particularly for infant spots. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their desired start date. For toddler or preschool openings, starting 3-6 months in advance is advisable. Some popular centers affiliated with local employers or community hubs may have even longer waits. Be sure to ask about the waitlist policy—whether there's a fee, how often you need to confirm your interest, and the typical turnover rate.
What unique childcare options or programs are available in Yorklyn compared to larger cities in Delaware?
Yorklyn offers a unique, community-oriented childcare environment. Given its location in the scenic Red Clay Valley, some programs incorporate nature-based learning, with outdoor play and exploration being a significant component. There are also home-based family childcare networks that provide a smaller, more personalized setting. Unlike Wilmington, you may find fewer large corporate chain centers and more locally owned operations or programs housed within community spaces. Additionally, due to Yorklyn's history and revitalization, some childcare providers may partner with local attractions like the Auburn Heights Preserve for educational outings, offering a distinctive local flavor to their curriculum.
What resources are available in Yorklyn for parents seeking part-time, drop-in, or backup childcare?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in Yorklyn can be challenging, as most licensed centers prioritize full-time enrollment. However, your best local resources include: 1) Registered family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible schedules. 2) The "Delaware Child Care Finder" online database, where you can filter searches for providers offering part-time care. 3) Local parent Facebook groups (e.g., "Hockessin/Yorklyn Area Moms") where parents often share recommendations for occasional babysitters or nanny shares. 4) For backup care, some regional centers in nearby Hockessin or Wilmington may offer sick-child care or occasional drop-in slots, but you must pre-register. Planning ahead and building a network with other local parents is key for these non-standard needs.