The Best Daycare Centers in Austell, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Austell. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Austell
The Goddard School of Mableton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Mableton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with early childhood education backgrounds and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention.
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Primrose School of Mableton
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Mableton provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers. Their approach integrates character development and life skills with academic learning through programs like Harmony & Heart® for social-emotional development and Primrose Promise® for giving back to the community. The school features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music rooms. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive extensive training in the Primrose curriculum. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and family engagement events.
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The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Development Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a strong focus on school readiness and Christian values. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading instruction, hands-on math and science activities, and character education. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-segregated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, and lead teachers hold degrees or credentials in early childhood education. The center maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized attention, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences to track each child's development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Austell, GA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Austell, GA?
In Austell, GA, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For center-based care, parents can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $700 to $1,000 per month, for a toddler. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $600 to $900 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors such as the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals. It's important to note that costs in the greater Atlanta metro area, including Austell, have been rising, so early budgeting and inquiring about potential financial assistance through Georgia's CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services) program is advisable for eligible families.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare center in Austell?
All licensed childcare facilities in Austell must comply with Georgia state regulations. To verify a center's standing, you should use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) website. This portal provides detailed information, including the facility's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any compliance history or serious violations. You can also view their most recent inspection reports (called "monitoring reviews"). We recommend always checking this resource and asking the director for their state license number to cross-reference. Additionally, you can contact DECAL's Customer Service at 404-656-5957 for further assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Austell, and how early should I start looking?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, many reputable daycare centers in Austell and the surrounding Cobb County area do maintain waitlists. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant rooms. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some of the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Austell?
In Austell, parents typically choose between licensed childcare centers and licensed family childcare homes. Centers are usually larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They often have stricter state-mandated teacher-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:6 for infants). Family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They generally have more flexible hours but a smaller total capacity (max of 6 children under 13, with no more than 3 under 24 months, unless licensed for more). Your choice may depend on your child's need for socialization versus a family-style setting, your schedule, and your budget.
What local resources or programs in Austell can help me pay for childcare?
The primary resource for financial assistance is Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, administered by DECAL. CAPS provides subsidies to eligible low-income families, those in education/training programs, or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online via the Georgia Gateway portal. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For military families, there is also the Child Care Fee Assistance program. It's best to contact the Cobb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) or visit the DECAL website for the most current application information and eligibility requirements.