The Best Daycare Centers in Demorest, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Demorest. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Demorest
The Goddard School of Cornelia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cornelia serves the Demorest area with a nationally recognized early childhood education program. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum focuses on play-based learning while developing literacy, math, science, and social skills. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The program emphasizes STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app.
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Little Lambs Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Lambs has served Habersham County families for nearly two decades with a comprehensive early childhood program. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with Christian values, focusing on kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, commercial-grade playground equipment, and dedicated infant and toddler wings. Staff members maintain CPR and First Aid certifications, and the center participates in Georgia's Quality Rated program. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong communication about child development progress.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Cornelia
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Cornelia provides advanced educational programming with their proprietary Brain Development curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. The facility features secured entry systems, indoor and outdoor play areas, and classroom observation systems for parent monitoring. Their "Hug First, Then Teach" philosophy creates a nurturing environment while maintaining strong academic standards. The center offers nutritious meals prepared on-site and maintains state-mandated staff-to-child ratios with ongoing professional development for educators. Their School-Age program provides transportation to local elementary schools and homework assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Demorest, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Demorest, GA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Demorest, all childcare learning centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This involves rigorous background checks for all staff, regular health and safety inspections, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a facility's compliance and view its inspection history, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on DECAL's official website. This tool will show the facility's current license status, any recent violations, and its quality rating within Georgia's Quality Rated system, which is a voluntary star-rating program for exceeding minimum standards.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Demorest, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Demorest and the surrounding Habersham County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $120 to $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and Quality Rated status. For financial assistance, Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program is the primary resource for eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school enrollment. You can apply through the Georgia Gateway portal. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend availability in Demorest for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended-hour or weekend care in Demorest can be challenging, as most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, there are a few licensed family daycare homes in the area that may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift work. Your best strategy is to use DECAL's search tool and filter for "Program Type" to explore both centers and family homes, then call individually to inquire about their hours. For reliable weekend care, you may need to look into private nanny shares or babysitting networks within the local community or neighboring cities like Cornelia or Clarkesville.
What types of preschool or pre-K programs are integrated into daycare centers in Demorest, and how do they connect with Georgia's free Pre-K program?
Several daycare centers in Demorest offer integrated preschool curricula for children ages 3-5, often aligned with Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). Importantly, Georgia's state-funded Pre-K program is typically housed in standalone public schools or private centers that have been awarded a Pre-K contract by DECAL. In Demorest, the primary provider of the free, lottery-based Georgia Pre-K program is the Demorest Elementary School. Some local daycare centers may offer "wrap-around" care, providing before and after-school care for children attending the public Pre-K program, which is a crucial service for working parents.
How long are waitlists typically for infant daycare spots in Demorest, and what can I do to improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict staff-to-child ratios), waitlists for infant care at popular centers in Demorest can be 6 to 12 months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists during pregnancy. To improve your chances, be proactive: visit centers in person, complete all pre-registration paperwork promptly, and stay in periodic contact with the director to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Demorest and the nearby communities of Mt. Airy or Alto, as they may have smaller waitlists and offer a more home-like environment.