The Best Daycare Centers in Marietta, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marietta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marietta
Primrose School of Marietta East
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Marietta East offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through the Primrose Schools app and the nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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The Goddard School of Marietta
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Marietta implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The school features secure keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, and modern classrooms with SMART Board technology. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and creative arts. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure.
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The Sunshine House of Marietta
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House in Marietta provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that aligns with Georgia Early Learning Standards. The center features secure electronic entry, video monitoring systems, and age-specific learning environments. Certified teachers implement Creative Curriculum® with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. The facility includes dedicated art and music rooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and provides healthy meals through their nutrition program. Parents value the consistent daily communication and the center's focus on school readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marietta, GA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marietta, GA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Marietta, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,500 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $900 to $1,300 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's accreditation, curriculum, and location within the city. For financial assistance, Georgia offers the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, which is administered through the Cobb County Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) or the Quality Care for Children referral line for the most current assistance information and to check with individual providers about their specific policies.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare center in Marietta is properly licensed and what should I look for in their state inspection reports?
All licensed childcare facilities in Georgia are regulated by the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). You can verify a center's license and view its compliance history, including any citations, through the DECAL "Bright from the Start" website's "Find Child Care" search tool. When reviewing a Marietta center's reports, pay close attention to the "Compliance History" section. Look for the date of the last inspection, the number of non-compliant items (especially any related to health, safety, or child-staff ratios), and whether violations were corrected. You can also check the center's Quality Rating (1-3 stars) in Georgia's Quality Rated system, which assesses environment, instruction, and operational practices. Always visit the facility in person to see if the environment matches the report.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Marietta, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child in a timely manner?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality and well-regarded daycare centers in Marietta, especially for infant rooms. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. To navigate this, start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Be proactive by contacting multiple centers to get on their lists, even if they are your second or third choice. Ask specific questions about the list: Is there a fee? How often is it updated? What is the typical movement? Consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare homes in Marietta neighborhoods, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a smaller setting. Being flexible with your start date by a few weeks can also help you secure an opening.
What are the key differences between a center-based daycare and a licensed family childcare home in Marietta, and how do I decide which is right for my family?
Center-based daycares in Marietta are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff. They often have stricter state-mandated child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 1:6 for infants) and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and dedicated outdoor play spaces. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (max of 6, including the provider's own children under certain conditions). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment and may have more consistent primary caregivers. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your priorities. Centers may offer more social interaction and structured learning, while homes may provide more personalized care and potentially fewer illnesses. Tour both types, check their DECAL licenses, and ask about daily routines, discipline policies, and emergency procedures.
Beyond basic licensing, what are some quality indicators or special programs I should look for when touring daycare centers in Marietta?
Look for centers that are "Quality Rated" by the state of Georgia—a voluntary program where centers earn 1, 2, or 3 stars based on rigorous standards for learning environment, professional development, and family engagement. A 3-star rating is the highest. Also, inquire about accreditation from national organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which signifies an extra layer of quality. For curriculum, many Marietta centers use research-based approaches like Creative Curriculum or Montessori. Ask about staff qualifications and turnover; low turnover and lead teachers with degrees in early childhood education are strong positives. Finally, consider practical aspects specific to your needs: do they provide meals/snacks (and are they nutritious), what is their sick policy, do they have secure entry systems, and do they offer enrichment programs like music, Spanish, or outdoor learning that align with Cobb County's educational community?