The Best Daycare Centers in Eatonton, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Eatonton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Eatonton
Lake Oconee Academy Preschool
Lake Oconee Academy
Lake Oconee Academy Preschool serves the Eatonton area with a highly-regarded early childhood program focused on academic readiness and social development. The preschool features small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and enrichment programs. The program emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and character education, with strong parent communication and regular progress updates.
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Primrose School of Lake Oconee
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lake Oconee provides comprehensive childcare services to the Eatonton community with their nationally-recognized Balanced Learning® approach. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with character development and play-based learning. Staff includes degreed early childhood teachers who implement structured lesson plans while maintaining nurturing relationships. The school offers extended hours, nutritious meals, and enrichment programs including music and Spanish.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Madison
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House in Madison serves the Eatonton area with a comprehensive early learning program featuring their exclusive STEAM-focused curriculum. The center maintains high safety standards with secured access, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated infant care areas. The academy offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and regular parent communication through their mobile app.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Eatonton, GA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Eatonton, GA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Eatonton and the surrounding Putnam County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week, while toddler and preschool care often costs between $100 and $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger metro areas like Atlanta. 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 Putnam County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare center or home-based provider in Eatonton?
All licensed childcare providers in Georgia are regulated by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any citations, by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the **DECAL website**. Simply enter "Eatonton, GA" or the provider's name. This report will show their license status, capacity, and results of their last monitoring visit. For home-based programs (Family Child Care Learning Homes), this is especially important as they must meet specific safety and ratio standards. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure basic health, safety, and educational standards are met.
What is the availability and typical waitlist situation for infant care in Eatonton?
Infant care (for children under 12 months) often has the most limited availability in Eatonton due to stricter staff-to-child ratios required by Georgia law (1:6). It is common for the licensed centers and quality home-based providers in town to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. We recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 3-4 months before your needed start date. Be proactive by contacting multiple providers, such as the Eatonton Cooperative Ministry Preschool, local church-affiliated programs, and licensed family homes. Getting on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) can increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
Are there any childcare options in Eatonton that offer flexible hours for parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Finding childcare with extended evening, overnight, or weekend hours in a smaller community like Eatonton can be challenging. Most center-based programs operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for flexibility is to seek out licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes, as some in-home providers may accommodate earlier drop-offs or later pick-ups by private arrangement. Another option is to explore networks of certified babysitters or nanny shares through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Eatonton, GA Community" or "Putnam County Parents"). For reliable, occasional care, you might also inquire if any centers offer drop-in care, though this is less common.
What are some key local factors or amenities I should look for when touring a daycare in Eatonton?
When touring facilities in Eatonton, consider both universal standards and local context. First, ask about their outdoor play policy and space—given our warm climate and access to nature, a safe, shaded outdoor area is a big plus. Inquire about their plan for severe weather, including tornado warnings common in Middle Georgia. Nutrition is another key point; some centers participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, ensuring balanced meals. Also, ask about their community connections, such as visits to the Eatonton-Putnam Library or local parks. Finally, given our semi-rural setting, check their transportation policies if you need before/after-school care for older siblings attending Putnam County Charter School System.