The Best Daycare Centers in Jekyll Island, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jekyll Island. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jekyll Island
Primrose School of Brunswick
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Brunswick is a nationally accredited early education center located approximately 20 minutes from Jekyll Island. They follow the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, security cameras, and strict check-in procedures. All lead teachers have bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, music and movement rooms, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, and science. Parents consistently praise the structured yet nurturing environment and comprehensive communication through the Primrose app.
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Kiddie Academy of Brunswick
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Brunswick provides educational childcare for children from infancy through school age, serving families in the Golden Isles region including Jekyll Island. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on social, emotional, physical, and academic development through hands-on learning experiences. The academy features secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and rigorous health and safety protocols. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration and independence. The facility includes outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment and dedicated spaces for STEM activities. Parents highlight the qualified teaching staff, clean facilities, and strong emphasis on school readiness skills in their reviews.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Brunswick
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House in Brunswick is part of a respected regional chain with over 45 years of experience in early childhood education. Located about 15-20 minutes from Jekyll Island, this center offers comprehensive early learning programs with a play-based curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The facility includes secure entry systems, video monitoring, and follows strict safety protocols. All teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold Child Development Associate credentials. The center features multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, spacious classrooms with natural lighting, and a dedicated art studio. Parent reviews frequently mention the caring staff, engaging learning activities, and excellent communication about children's daily progress and developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jekyll Island, GA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available on Jekyll Island, GA, and how do they differ?
On Jekyll Island, licensed childcare options are primarily limited due to the island's residential and resort nature. The most common type is family childcare learning homes (FCCLH), which are licensed, home-based programs typically caring for a smaller group of children (up to 6, or 8 with an assistant). There are no large childcare centers on the island itself. For more extensive center-based programs, parents often look to the nearby mainland in the Brunswick or St. Simons Island area. Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) licenses and regulates all providers. A key difference is the environment: island-based homes may offer more nature-focused, intimate settings, while off-island centers might provide more structured curricula and larger peer groups.
Are there any childcare providers on Jekyll Island that offer flexible or drop-in care for tourists or part-time residents?
Yes, but options are very limited and require advance planning. Given Jekyll Island's status as a resort destination, some licensed family childcare homes may offer short-term or drop-in care, but this is not the norm and is subject to availability. It is crucial to contact providers weeks or even months in advance to inquire about temporary care arrangements. There are no dedicated, advertised "drop-in daycare centers" on the island. An alternative for visitors is to seek babysitting services through reputable agencies serving the Golden Isles area or through concierge services at larger resorts/hotels, though these are not state-licensed childcare and require thorough vetting by parents.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare on Jekyll Island, and how does it compare to the surrounding Glynn County area?
For the few licensed family childcare homes on Jekyll Island, weekly rates for full-time infant care can range from approximately $180 to $225 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, rates may be slightly lower, around $160 to $200 per week. These costs are generally in line with or slightly higher than averages for family homes in mainland Brunswick due to the island's higher cost of living and limited supply. Center-based care on the mainland in Glynn County can vary more widely, from about $150 to over $250 per week. It's important to note that availability on-island is extremely limited, and waitlists are common, which can influence pricing.
How can I verify the license and quality of a childcare provider in Jekyll Island, and what are Georgia's key regulations for safety?
All licensed childcare providers in Georgia, including those on Jekyll Island, are regulated by DECAL. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check any compliance history for free through the "Bright from the Start" DECAL website search tool. Key state regulations include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:6 for children under 18 months in a family home), required health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and annual licensing visits. For Jekyll Island specifically, also inquire about their emergency preparedness plans for weather events like hurricanes, given the coastal location.
Given the limited on-island options, what resources are available to help Jekyll Island residents find childcare on the mainland in Brunswick or St. Simons?
Jekyll Island residents frequently utilize resources that serve the broader Glynn County area. The primary resource is the **Georgia Childcare Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region**, which can be accessed via the Quality Care for Children website or helpline. They maintain a database of all licensed providers in Brunswick, St. Simons Island, and other nearby communities. Additionally, local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Glynn County/Brunswick parents) are invaluable for personal recommendations and learning about waitlist statuses. When considering mainland options, factor in the commute time across the Jekyll Island Causeway, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Jekyll Island: