The Best Daycare Centers in Hiawassee, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hiawassee. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hiawassee
Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center is Hiawassee's premier local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide individualized attention. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and a large, fenced outdoor playground. They emphasize character development, Christian values, and community involvement while maintaining strict safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Mountain Pathways Montessori School
Independent
Located in nearby Blairsville, Mountain Pathways Montessori serves families throughout the North Georgia mountains including Hiawassee. This AMI-recognized Montessori school offers authentic Montessori education with certified Montessori teachers guiding children through hands-on, self-directed learning. The school features beautifully prepared environments with Montessori materials, natural wooden furniture, and outdoor classrooms. Their curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language acquisition, and mathematical thinking. The school maintains small class sizes and focuses on developing independence, concentration, and respect for others in a nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Truett's Tender Care Learning Center
Independent
Serving the Hiawassee area from nearby Young Harris, Truett's Tender Care provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness. Their comprehensive curriculum includes phonics-based reading instruction, hands-on math activities, science exploration, and creative arts. The center features modern security systems including keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pick-up authorization procedures. Their experienced teaching staff participates in ongoing professional development and maintains CPR/first aid certification. The facility includes separate age-appropriate playgrounds, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and bright, well-equipped classrooms designed to stimulate learning and development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hiawassee, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hiawassee, GA, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Hiawassee, as in all of Georgia, daycare facilities must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This includes family daycare homes serving more than six children and all childcare learning centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and staff qualifications. To verify a facility's license and compliance history, you can use the free "Quality Rated" search tool on DECAL's website or call their office. It's highly recommended to look for providers who are also part of Georgia's "Quality Rated" system, a voluntary star-rating program that indicates a higher level of quality. You can also contact the local Mountain Regional Child Care Resource & Referral agency, which serves Towns County, for assistance and information on licensed providers in the Hiawassee area.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Hiawassee, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hiawassee and the surrounding Towns County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Georgia but can vary based on the provider's type and quality. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare may be slightly less. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, which is a subsidy managed by DECAL. Eligibility is based on income, work or school requirements, and family size. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's important to inquire directly with daycare centers about their specific rates and any available slots, as availability can be limited in this smaller community.
Given Hiawassee's rural location, what are the options for drop-in, part-time, or after-school childcare?
Due to Hiawassee's smaller, rural community, traditional drop-in childcare centers are very limited. Your most reliable options for non-full-time care are typically licensed family daycare homes, which may offer more flexible hours or part-time arrangements. For after-school care, the primary public school system, Towns County Schools, may offer or partner with local programs for school-age children. It is essential to contact the schools directly or inquire with community centers like the Towns County Recreation Department about any after-school programs. Planning ahead is crucial, as spots in flexible care arrangements fill quickly. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can also help identify home-based providers willing to accommodate part-time schedules.
Are there any daycare facilities in Hiawassee that offer specialized programs, such as outdoor/nature-based learning or care for children with special needs?
Hiawassee's natural setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains makes it conducive to outdoor learning, but formal, licensed "nature-based" preschools are uncommon. However, many local home-based providers and smaller centers incorporate ample outdoor playtime into their daily routines, taking advantage of the safe, rural environment. For specialized care for children with special needs, options within Hiawassee itself are limited. You would likely need to look toward larger nearby communities like Blairsville or Cleveland, or seek in-home specialists. It is vital to discuss your child's specific needs directly with any potential provider in Hiawassee to see if they can accommodate them. DECAL's inclusion specialists, accessible through the "Bright from the Start" helpline, can also offer guidance and referrals for inclusive care in the region.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Hiawassee, and when should I start looking for infant care?
In a small town like Hiawassee, there are fewer daycare providers, which can lead to significant waitlists, especially for infant care at the most sought-after licensed centers or highly-regarded family homes. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long for an infant spot. Therefore, we strongly recommend beginning your search and putting your name on lists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you should check in, and their estimated timeline. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists increases your chances of securing a spot. Don't hesitate to also consider licensed family daycare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more personalized setting.