The Best Daycare Centers in Lilly, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lilly. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lilly
Primrose School of Valdosta
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Valdosta offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly qualified early childhood educators implement research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and character development. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through the Primrose Schools app. Their approach emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills.
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Kiddie Academy of Valdosta
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Valdosta provides comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education with academic readiness. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including coded entry, surveillance monitoring, and strict pick-up protocols. Certified early childhood teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios. The program includes STEM activities, literacy development, music and movement, and outdoor learning in secure playground environments. Parents receive daily electronic reports detailing their child's activities, meals, and developmental progress. The academy emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual growth and learning style.
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Little People's Learning Center
Independent
Little People's Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility serving the Valdosta area with a strong focus on individualized attention and developmental milestones. The center implements Creative Curriculum® with supplemental Montessori-inspired activities that encourage independence and exploration. Qualified teachers maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's progress across cognitive, physical, and social-emotional domains. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-specific outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness training. The center emphasizes family partnerships through regular parent-teacher conferences, classroom observations, and community events that build strong home-school connections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lilly, GA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lilly, Georgia?
In Lilly, Georgia, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from **$125 to $175 per week**. This is generally lower than the state average for more metropolitan areas like Atlanta. Costs can vary based on the type of facility; licensed in-home daycares often fall on the lower end of this range, while larger childcare centers or those offering specialized curricula may charge closer to the higher end. It's important to note that Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program offers financial assistance to eligible families in Crisp County, which can significantly offset these weekly costs.
How do I verify that a daycare in Lilly is properly licensed and what are the key state regulations I should know about?
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 compliance issues by using the **"Find Child Care" search tool** on DECAL's official website. Key state regulations for centers in Lilly include a staff-to-child ratio of 1:6 for infants (0-12 months) and 1:10 for two-year-olds. All staff must pass background checks and complete ongoing training in health, safety, and early childhood education. For smaller, in-home providers, a "Family Child Care Learning Home" license is required if they care for more than six children.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lilly, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Lilly's smaller, rural community size, the number of formal daycare centers is limited, which can sometimes lead to waitlists, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search **at least 3-6 months before they need care**. Popular local centers may have longer waits. A proactive step is to contact providers directly, get on multiple waitlists if possible, and also explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings. Networking with other parents in the Crisp County area can also provide leads on upcoming availability.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Lilly, GA?
Parents in Lilly have several primary options: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, of which there are a handful serving the Lilly and Cordele area, often following structured programs. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Learning Homes**: These are in-home providers, a common and valued option in rural communities like Lilly, offering a home-like setting with smaller groups. 3) **Georgia's Pre-K Program**: For children who are 4 years old by September 1, this state-funded, free pre-kindergarten program is available at select centers and public schools in Crisp County. 4) **Part-time or Drop-in Care**: This is less common in Lilly itself but may be found in nearby Cordele.
What local resources or organizations in Crisp County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Lilly?
The primary local resource is the **Crisp County Collaborative**, which often has information on community services, including early childhood programs. For direct childcare referral and parenting resources, parents should contact the **Southwest Georgia Regional Child Care Resource & Referral Agency**, which serves Crisp County. They can provide personalized lists of licensed providers in the Lilly area, information on quality ratings (through Georgia's Quality Rated system), and guidance on applying for financial aid like CAPS. Additionally, the **Crisp County School District** can provide information on public Pre-K locations that serve the area.