The Best Daycare Centers in Leslie, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leslie. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leslie
Primrose School of Cordele
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Cordele offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Certified early childhood educators implement a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups and provides nutritious meals. Parents appreciate the regular communication through the Primrose Schools app and the strong focus on character development.
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Kiddie Academy of Cordele
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Cordele provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials curriculum that emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry, surveillance cameras, and strict check-in/check-out procedures. Highly qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. The academy emphasizes health and wellness with nutritious meal programs and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily updates and regular conferences.
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Little Lambs Learning Center
Independent
Little Lambs Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility serving the Cordele area and surrounding communities including Leslie. The center offers a faith-based educational approach combined with developmentally appropriate practices. Their curriculum focuses on early literacy, mathematical concepts, and social development through hands-on learning activities. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs experienced early childhood educators. Safety features include secure access control, fenced playgrounds, and comprehensive emergency protocols. Parents value the nurturing environment, consistent communication, and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leslie, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Leslie, GA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Leslie, Georgia, all childcare learning centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This includes rigorous standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, First Aid, and early childhood education), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and view any compliance reports or ratings, you can use the free "Quality Rated" search tool on DECAL's website or call their office. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a quality learning environment.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Leslie, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Leslie and the surrounding Sumter County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. Prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and whether it's a home-based or center-based facility. 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 requirements. You can apply through the Georgia Gateway portal. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Leslie for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Finding extended-hour or weekend care in a smaller city like Leslie can be challenging. Most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family daycare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift work. Your best strategy is to contact providers directly to inquire about potential flexibility. For reliable weekend or overnight care, you may need to look into registered in-home babysitters or nanny shares, which can be found through local community Facebook groups or word-of-mouth referrals in Sumter County.
What are the typical waitlist times for daycare centers in Leslie, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited capacity in a smaller community, popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Leslie often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It's common to encounter wait times of 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if expecting. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning programs or curricula are commonly offered by daycares in Leslie?
Many daycare centers in Leslie incorporate structured early learning curricula aligned with Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). You'll commonly find programs that use play-based learning, Creative Curriculum, or faith-based curricula in church-affiliated centers. Some centers may also emphasize school readiness, literacy, or STEM activities. For a quality benchmark, look for centers that are "Quality Rated" by DECAL—a voluntary star-rated system that evaluates the learning environment, teacher qualifications, and family engagement. Visiting the center and asking about their daily schedule and educational philosophy is the best way to see if it aligns with your goals for your child's development.