The Best Daycare Centers in Scottdale, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scottdale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scottdale
Bright Horizons at North Decatur
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at North Decatur offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Parents praise the consistent communication, developmental progress tracking, and nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Primrose School of North Decatur
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of North Decatur provides a balanced learning approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and STEM activities. The school features state-certified teachers, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. The campus includes dedicated music and art rooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong academic foundation, caring staff, and excellent communication about their child's daily activities and developmental milestones.
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The Children's Courtyard on North Druid Hills
The Children's Courtyard
The Children's Courtyard offers a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development through age-appropriate activities. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, technology integration, and hands-on science exploration. The center maintains small class sizes with degreed lead teachers and comprehensive staff training. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. The facility features modern classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and well-equipped outdoor play spaces. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment, nutritious meal program, and the center's focus on preparing children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scottdale, GA
What are the typical costs for daycare and preschool programs in Scottdale, GA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Scottdale, GA, daycare costs vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, full-time care typically ranges from $900 to $1,300 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $750 to $1,100 per month. Accredited centers and those with specialized curricula (like Montessori) tend to be at the higher end. To help with these expenses, Georgia offers the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, the Quality Rated system can help you identify high-quality programs that may offer better value. It's also worth checking with individual centers about sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
How do I verify that a daycare in Scottdale is properly licensed and what should I look for in terms of safety and quality?
All licensed childcare programs in Scottdale must comply with Georgia's Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) regulations. You can verify a facility's license and view any compliance history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the DECAL website. When visiting a potential daycare, look for their license displayed publicly. For quality, check if the center has a "Quality Rated" star rating (1, 2, or 3 stars), which is Georgia's voluntary quality rating system assessing curriculum, teacher qualifications, and environment. Locally, also ask about their emergency procedures for severe weather common to the area, staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:6 for infants), and the security of the facility, including check-in/out protocols.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Scottdale, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Scottdale, especially for infant rooms and highly-rated programs. Due to high demand in the metro Atlanta area, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 12 months before their needed start date. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is not uncommon. When contacting centers, always ask about their current waitlist length, any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot, and the estimated timeline. Exploring a mix of larger centers, smaller home-based programs (licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes), and newer facilities can increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Scottdale, beyond traditional full-time daycare?
Scottdale offers several alternatives to standard 5-day-a-week care. Many centers offer part-time schedules, such as 2 or 3 days a week, though these spots can be limited and may not be available for infants. Another popular option is utilizing licensed Family Child Care Learning Homes, which often provide more flexible hours and may accommodate non-traditional work schedules. For occasional or backup care, services like Care.com or local nanny shares organized through community groups (like Scottdale/Decatur parent Facebook groups) are useful. Additionally, some local churches and community centers offer mother's morning out programs or preschool programs that run for only a few hours a day, which can be ideal for parents with partial coverage needs.
As a parent in Scottdale, what local resources or networks can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Several local resources are invaluable for your search. First, use the official Georgia DECAL "Find Child Care" map to search by zip code (30079 for Scottdale) and filter by program type and Quality Rating. Second, join hyper-local online communities such as the "Scottdale, GA Community" or "Decatur Moms" Facebook groups, where parents frequently share firsthand recommendations and availability alerts. Third, consider contacting the Childcare Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region, which is 4C Quality Childcare, serving DeKalb County. They can provide personalized referrals. Finally, don't underestimate word-of-mouth; talk to neighbors at local parks like McKoy Park or other parents at the Scottdale Library's storytime for trusted, on-the-ground insights.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Scottdale: