The Best Daycare Centers in Clarkston, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clarkston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clarkston
Primrose School of Decatur
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Decatur offers a balanced learning approach combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum focuses on academic readiness while nurturing creativity and character development. Features include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the structured yet nurturing environment and strong communication from staff.
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The Goddard School of Stone Mountain
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Stone Mountain provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. Features include secure keypad entry, daily cleanliness protocols, and degreed teachers implementing STEAM learning. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on activities. Parents highlight the caring staff, comprehensive safety measures, and excellent preparation for elementary school.
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La Petite Academy of Stone Mountain
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy in Stone Mountain offers comprehensive early childhood education with their proprietary Links to Learning® curriculum that focuses on school readiness skills. The center features secure entry systems, monitored classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The program includes technology integration, character development, and regular progress assessments. Parents appreciate the consistent communication, flexible scheduling options, and focus on individual child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clarkston, GA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clarkston, GA?
In Clarkston and the surrounding DeKalb County area, daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 monthly. Home-based family childcare providers in Clarkston often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $600 and $900 per month. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. Many facilities in Georgia participate in the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families, so be sure to inquire about subsidies and possible sliding scale fees.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Clarkston?
All childcare programs in Georgia, including those in Clarkston, must be licensed or registered by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is to use the "Find Child Care" search tool on DECAL's official website. This public portal allows you to search by provider name, city, or zip code (Clarkston's is 30021) and view detailed reports. These reports include the license status, capacity, any serious violations cited during inspections, and the dates of the last several visits. You can also call DECAL's Child Care Licensing Unit directly for information. Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted.
Are there many daycare centers in Clarkston that offer bilingual or multicultural programs?
Yes, Clarkston's reputation as a highly diverse and refugee-friendly community is reflected in its childcare options. Several daycare centers and home-based providers in the area offer bilingual programs or have staff fluent in languages such as Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Nepali, and French. These programs are valuable for both native speakers and families wanting their children exposed to other cultures. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their language policies, curriculum that incorporates global perspectives, and the cultural backgrounds of their staff. This focus on multiculturalism is a distinctive feature of the Clarkston childcare landscape and can be a major benefit for families seeking an inclusive environment.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycare centers in Clarkston, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to high demand for quality childcare, especially for infants and toddlers, many reputable daycare centers in Clarkston and the greater Atlanta area maintain waitlists. It is very common for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months, or even longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search and get on waitlists 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their status. Also consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in nearby neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate openings.
What resources are available in Clarkston to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
Clarkston parents have several excellent local resources. Your first stop should be **Quality Care for Children (QCC)**, a nonprofit that offers free referral services for all of Georgia. Their specialists can provide a customized list of licensed providers in the 30021 area based on your specific needs. Additionally, the **DeKalb County Board of Health** and community centers like the **Clarkston Community Center** often have bulletin boards with provider information and may host community resource fairs. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours and use a checklist that covers safety, cleanliness, caregiver-child interactions, and curriculum. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Clarkston parents in local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Clarkston: