The Best Daycare Centers in Farmington, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farmington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farmington
The Goddard School of Watkinsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Watkinsville serves the Farmington area with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development with daily yoga, music, and Spanish enrichment. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and webcam access for parents. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. The school is known for its structured yet nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten through hands-on learning activities and developmental milestone tracking.
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Primrose School of Oconee County
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Oconee County provides balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school serves Farmington families with research-based programs that develop character, creativity, and critical thinking skills. Their facility includes secure keypad entry, age-separated playgrounds, and dedicated music and art rooms. The staff includes degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Primrose emphasizes health and safety with strict cleanliness protocols, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and comprehensive security systems. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular developmental updates.
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Kids 'R' Kids of Bogart
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Bogart offers advanced curriculum with STEM-focused learning labs and brain development programs for infants through school-age children. Their facility features secured entry systems, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and classroom webcams. The curriculum includes phonics-based literacy programs, hands-on science activities, and character development. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The center emphasizes safety with strict health protocols, secured perimeters, and regular safety drills. Their school-age program provides transportation to local elementary schools and homework assistance. The center is known for its warm, family-oriented environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farmington, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Farmington, GA, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Farmington, GA, 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 strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a provider's status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on DECAL's official website, which shows the facility's license status, any recent inspection reports, and compliance history. For in-home family daycare providers caring for fewer than seven children, registration with DECAL is required but is a different process than full licensure. Always ask to see a provider's current license or certificate during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Farmington, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Farmington and the surrounding Oconee County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $180 to $230 per week. Prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. For financial assistance, Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program is a primary resource for eligible families, helping to subsidize costs based on income, employment, or education status. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's also worth checking with local employers, as some companies in the Athens-adjacent region offer dependent care flexible spending accounts or partnerships with specific providers.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Farmington, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists for well-regarded daycare centers in Farmington and nearby communities like Watkinsville can be substantial. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for infant rooms. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Is the list prioritized for siblings or employees of local businesses? Being proactive is key in this market.
Are there daycare options in Farmington that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents with shift work?
While most traditional daycare centers in Farmington operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, options for evenings, overnight, or weekend care are very limited. For parents with shift work at local employers like the University of Georgia, Piedmont Athens Regional, or manufacturing facilities, your best bet is to explore registered family daycare homes, which may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. Alternatively, you may need to look toward larger providers in Athens (about a 20-minute drive) that specifically advertise extended hours. Using local parent Facebook groups for Farmington/Oconee County to seek recommendations for in-home caregivers willing to work atypical hours can also be a valuable strategy.
What unique enrichment or outdoor learning opportunities do daycare programs in Farmington offer, given its semi-rural setting?
Many daycare providers in Farmington leverage the area's semi-rural character to enhance their programs. It's common to find centers with larger, natural outdoor play spaces featuring gardens, nature trails, and areas for unstructured outdoor play that align with Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). Some programs incorporate farm-to-table concepts or partner with local farms for visits. Specific enrichment may include age-appropriate animal interactions, gardening projects, and emphasis on outdoor physical activity. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time policy, the nature of their playgrounds, and if they incorporate local field trips to places like the Farmington Community Center or nearby parks.