The Best Daycare Centers in Dacula, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dacula. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dacula
Primrose School of Dacula
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Dacula operates with a balanced learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed teachers. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. Their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, and science while maintaining low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with comprehensive safety protocols including secured access and emergency preparedness training.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Dacula
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Dacula provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features modern security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. The program includes STEAM learning, language development, and physical coordination activities, with nutritious meals prepared on-site and regular progress assessments shared with parents.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Lawrenceville (Hamilton Mill)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located in the Hamilton Mill community serving Dacula families, this Goddard School location maintains exceptional ratings for its comprehensive early childhood program. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, and advanced security systems. Their academic-focused approach includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, and science exploration, complemented by enrichment programs in music, art, and Spanish. The center is known for highly qualified teaching staff with low turnover rates and strong parent-teacher partnerships through regular communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dacula, GA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Dacula, GA, and what factors influence the price?
In Dacula, GA, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week, while toddler care is generally between $160 and $220 per week. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often cost $140 to $200 weekly. These prices are influenced by several local factors: the type of facility (a nationally accredited center vs. a licensed in-home provider), the age of the child (infant care is most expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratios), and included amenities like meals, curriculum (such as Montessori or faith-based programs), and webcam access. Facilities in newer subdivisions or those with extensive outdoor play spaces may also command higher rates. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about registration fees, which can be $75-$150 in the Dacula area.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a childcare facility in Dacula?
All legally operating childcare centers and group homes in Dacula must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history through the "Bright from the Start: Georgia DECAL" website using their "Child Care Finder" tool. This public portal shows the facility's license status, capacity, and any cited violations from their last three inspections. For a more detailed report, you can contact the DECAL Northeast Regional Office, which oversees Gwinnett County. We also recommend visiting the facility in person and asking the director to see their current license and any Quality Rated certificates—Georgia's voluntary quality rating system. Many top providers in Dacula participate in this program.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Dacula, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in Dacula's fast-growing communities. For infant care (6 weeks to 12 months), it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, as spots can fill up 6-9 months in advance. For toddler and preschool openings, starting your search 3-4 months before your needed start date is prudent. Many popular centers along the Hamilton Mill corridor or near Dacula High School have consistent demand. When touring, always ask about the specific waitlist for your child's age group, any associated fees (typically $25-$75, non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position.
What are some of the key differences between the larger daycare centers and the smaller, home-based programs available in Dacula?
Dacula offers both larger childcare centers and licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes (FCCLH). Centers, often located in commercial buildings, provide structured classrooms by age, multiple staff members, and may offer extras like summer camps for school-age children. They typically follow set hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM). In contrast, licensed in-home programs, limited to 6 children under 13 (including the provider's own), offer a more intimate, family-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often have more flexible hours but may have limited backup care if the provider is ill. Home-based providers in Dacula neighborhoods can offer a very localized, community-focused environment, but it's crucial to verify their state license, as some may operate legally as "relative" care without one.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment or educational programs are commonly offered by Dacula daycares and preschools?
Many Dacula childcare providers integrate structured educational curricula to prepare children for the local Gwinnett County Public Schools. Common approaches include Creative Curriculum and HighScope, focusing on school readiness skills. Enrichment activities often include on-site programs like soccer (Soccer Shots), music and movement classes, and introductory Spanish. Given Dacula's community spirit, many centers incorporate local themes, visits from the Dacula Fire Department, and outdoor nature exploration. Faith-based programs, common in the area, may include weekly chapel or biblical lessons. For preschoolers, look for programs emphasizing phonics, early math concepts, and social-emotional learning, which align with Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). Always ask for a sample weekly schedule to see how these elements are incorporated into the daily routine.