The Best Daycare Centers in Girard, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Girard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Girard
Primrose School of Augusta
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Augusta offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured environment, and the developmental progress they observe in their children. Located approximately 25 minutes from Girard, this school serves families throughout the Augusta metropolitan area.
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Kiddie Academy of Evans
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Evans provides comprehensive educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum, which emphasizes character development, STEM learning, and school readiness skills. The academy features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pick-up authorization protocols. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes dedicated music and movement areas, technology-enhanced classrooms, and secure outdoor play spaces. Parents frequently commend the attentive staff, clean environment, and the academic preparation children receive. Serving the greater Augusta region, this academy is approximately 20-25 minutes from Girard.
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Westminster Schools of Augusta - Weekday School
Westminster Schools of Augusta
Westminster Weekday School offers a developmental, play-based curriculum rooted in Christian values while welcoming children of all faiths. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and hands-on learning through centers and project-based activities. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous professional development. The campus features secure facilities with controlled access, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Parents consistently highlight the nurturing atmosphere, experienced staff, and strong sense of community. Located approximately 30 minutes from Girard, this school has served families in the CSRA region for nearly two decades with an excellent reputation for quality early childhood education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Girard, GA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Girard, GA?
In Girard and the surrounding rural areas of Burke County, daycare costs are generally more affordable compared to larger Georgia cities. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately **$120 to $175 per week** for an infant or toddler. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds may range from **$100 to $150 per week**. These rates are for licensed family childcare homes or smaller local centers. It's important to note that options within the immediate Girard area are limited, so some parents commute to nearby Waynesboro, where prices can be slightly higher. Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program offers financial assistance to eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare in Girard is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare facilities in Georgia are regulated by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the **"Find Child Care"** search tool on DECAL's official website. When touring a facility in Girard, given the smaller, community-focused settings, pay special attention to: 1) The provider-to-child ratio (e.g., 1:6 for children under 18 months), 2) Cleanliness and safety of both indoor spaces and outdoor play areas, 3) Proof of current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification for staff, and 4) Ask about their plan for emergencies, including severe weather common to rural Georgia. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other local parents.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Girard that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Due to Girard's small size and rural nature, traditional daycare centers with extended evening or weekend hours are extremely rare. Most in-home providers and local programs operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For parents working shift work in agriculture, manufacturing, or at the nearby Plant Vogtle, finding flexible care is a common challenge. Your best options are to: 1) Inquire directly with licensed family childcare homes, as some may offer limited flexibility for an adjusted rate, 2) Explore shared nanny arrangements with other families in the community, or 3) Look for providers in the larger town of Waynesboro (about a 15-20 minute drive), which may have more varied options.
What is the waitlist situation like for childcare in Girard, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of licensed providers in Girard itself, securing a spot can be competitive, especially for infants. It is strongly recommended to **begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care**, and if you are pregnant, to get on waitlists during your second trimester. Many popular in-home providers have small, consistent groups and may only have openings when an older child ages out. Be proactive: call every listed provider, ask to be placed on their waitlist, and check back in periodically. Expanding your search to include Sylvania, Millen, or Waynesboro can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
Are there any state-funded pre-K programs available for 4-year-olds in the Girard area?
Yes. Georgia's nationally recognized **Pre-K Program** is available for eligible 4-year-olds at no cost to families. While Girard may not host a site itself, several public schools and private providers in Burke County participate. The closest sites are typically located in Waynesboro. The program follows the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) and operates on a standard school day calendar. Enrollment is lottery-based and opens in the spring for the following fall semester. You must apply through the Burke County School District or a participating private provider. Contact the Burke County Board of Education or visit DECAL's website for the most current list of Pre-K providers serving your zip code.