The Best Daycare Centers in Rome, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rome. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rome
The Goddard School of Rome
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Rome offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and implemented by qualified teachers with degrees in education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. They emphasize STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center has been serving Rome families since 2006 with a comprehensive early education program. Their curriculum balances structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center features experienced lead teachers with early childhood credentials and ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with secure access controls, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, spacious preschool classrooms, and large outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents appreciate the strong communication and individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Cartersville
Kids 'R' Kids International
Located in nearby Cartersville and serving the greater Rome area, Kids 'R' Kids offers a nationally accredited early education program with their exclusive Brain Development curriculum. The facility features secure entry systems, live streaming video for parents, and advanced sanitization protocols. Their STEAM-focused approach incorporates technology, engineering concepts, and hands-on science activities alongside traditional academic preparation. The center boasts state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety training. Their "Whole Child" philosophy addresses cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development through age-appropriate activities and specialized learning centers. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, a splash pad for summer fun, and dedicated rooms for each age group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rome, GA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Rome, GA?
In Rome, GA, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $130 and $180 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $120 to $160. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $100 to $140 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Georgia, reflecting Rome's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials, as this can affect the overall value.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Rome?
All childcare providers in Rome must be licensed or registered with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is to use the "Find Child Care" search tool on DECAL's official website. You can search by provider name, city (Rome), or zip code. This portal provides critical information, including the license type, capacity, any serious violations (called "Sanctions"), and the dates of their last inspections. You can also contact DECAL's Customer Service at 404-657-5562 for assistance. Always visit a facility in person to observe the environment and ask the director for their most recent inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Rome, and how can I navigate them?
Waitlists are common for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in Rome, especially at facilities affiliated with major employers like Floyd Medical Center or nearby universities. Wait times can range from a few weeks to several months. To navigate this, start your search at least 4-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists, and ask specific questions: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often is it updated? Do they offer part-time spots that might open sooner? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Garden Lakes, North Rome, or West Rome, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
What local resources or programs in Rome help parents afford quality childcare?
Rome and Floyd County offer several resources to help with childcare costs. The primary program is Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) subsidy, which provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families, essential workers, and those in education or training. You can apply through the Georgia Gateway website or contact the local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in Rome. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For early education, the federally-funded Head Start and Georgia's Pre-K programs, available at select locations like the Rome-Floyd YMCA or Floyd County Schools, provide free, high-quality preschool for eligible 4-year-olds.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Rome, beyond the basics?
When touring a daycare in Rome, look for local-specific and quality indicators. First, ask about their emergency preparedness for local weather, such as tornado drills and safe room protocols. Observe the outdoor play areas—are they shaded and secure? Given Rome's community feel, ask how they incorporate local culture, like visits from the Rome Fire Department or storytimes at the Sara Hightower Regional Library. Inquire about staff longevity; low turnover indicates a stable environment. Check for accreditation beyond state licensing, such as from Quality Rated (Georgia's tiered quality system). Finally, talk to other parents at local spots like Oakdene Square or Riverside Park to get unfiltered feedback on their experiences with specific centers.
Childcare Insights for Rome
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a parent in Rome, Georgia, will make. It’s more than just a service; it’s a partnership in your child’s early development and a cornerstone of your family’s daily routine. If you’re typing “day cares near me” into your search bar, you’re likely seeking a place that feels safe, nurturing, and conveniently located within our community. The good news is that Rome offers a variety of wonderful childcare options, from established centers to intimate home-based programs, each with its own unique character.
A great first step is to consider what “near me” truly means for your family’s flow. Rome’s layout, with its distinct neighborhoods and commuter routes, makes location a practical priority. A daycare close to your home in North Rome or West Rome might simplify morning routines, while a center near the Redmond Regional medical campus or the downtown business district could better suit your work commute. Factor in Rome’s predictable traffic patterns, like those along the Martha Berry Highway or Turner McCall Boulevard, when planning your potential drop-off and pick-up times. Once you have a geographical focus, you can start exploring the specific philosophies and programs available. You’ll find centers in Rome that embrace play-based learning, others with more structured academic preparatory curriculums, and many that incorporate the rich local culture and history of our area into their activities.
Beyond curriculum, the personal connection is paramount. We are fortunate in Rome to have a strong sense of community, and this extends to childcare. When you visit a potential daycare, pay close attention to the interactions between the staff and children. Do the caregivers engage warmly and at the child’s level? Is the environment clean, secure, and filled with stimulating, age-appropriate materials? Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other Rome parents; personal recommendations carry significant weight here. Inquire about staff tenure and training, as low turnover is a key indicator of a stable, happy environment. Practical considerations like operating hours, holiday schedules, and policies on sick children are also crucial for maintaining your own work commitments in Rome.
Finally, trust your instincts during a tour. You know your child best. Does the center feel like a place where they would thrive? Can you picture them playing on the playground, creating art, or listening to a story here? The state of Georgia maintains licensing records and inspection reports online, which you should absolutely review, but the feeling you get on-site is irreplaceable. Finding the right daycare in Rome is about discovering an extension of your village—a place where your child is known, valued, and encouraged to grow. By taking the time to research, visit, and ask thoughtful questions, you can find a wonderful partner in childcare right here in our own community, providing you with peace of mind and your child with a joyful start.