The Best Daycare Centers in Screven, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Screven. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Screven
Little People's Place
Independent
Little People's Place is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They utilize a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure facility access with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts, with nutritious meals provided daily. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment and strong communication.
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ABC Early Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Sylvania (serving Screven residents), ABC Early Learning Center provides a comprehensive early education program with a focus on developmental milestones. The center employs Georgia-certified teachers and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, cognitive skills, and physical coordination through hands-on learning activities. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and modern learning materials. The center is known for its structured daily routines, regular progress reports, and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
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The Learning Tree Preschool
Independent
Serving families throughout Wayne County and surrounding areas including Screven, The Learning Tree Preschool offers a research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. The center features experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development, utilizing Creative Curriculum with integrated technology. Their program includes phonics instruction, mathematics foundation, science exploration, and social studies. The facility boasts secure entry systems, modern classroom technology, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Parents appreciate the center's focus on individualized learning plans and regular communication about child progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Screven, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Screven, Georgia, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Screven, Georgia, all childcare learning centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This involves rigorous background checks for all staff, meeting specific health and safety standards (like child-to-staff ratios, safe sleep practices for infants, and facility safety), and ongoing training requirements. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, including any inspections or reports, 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 in Screven to ensure a baseline of safety and quality for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Screven, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Screven and the surrounding rural counties, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major Georgia metros but can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $110-$150 per week, while toddler care may range from $95-$130 per week. These are estimates, and prices depend on the center's amenities and age of the child. For financial assistance, Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program is the primary resource. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the Screven County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many options for drop-in or part-time childcare in Screven, or is full-time enrollment typically required?
Given Screven's smaller, rural community, most licensed daycare centers primarily structure their business around full-time weekly enrollment to maintain stable staffing and operations. Consistent drop-in or casual part-time care (like one or two random days a week) is quite rare. However, you may find more flexibility with registered family daycare homes, which sometimes can accommodate part-time schedules or shift workers. Your best approach is to call providers directly, explain your specific needs, and ask if they have any part-time slots available. Be prepared that there may be fewer options, and you might be placed on a waitlist for a non-standard schedule.
What are the typical waitlist times for daycare centers in Screven, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited capacity in a small town, popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Screven often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Wait times can range from a few months to over a year. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. For toddler or preschool-age openings, you should start looking at least 6-9 months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
Beyond basic daycare, what types of early learning or preschool programs are available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Screven?
Screven offers several options for early education. Many licensed daycare centers incorporate Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) into their curriculum for preschool-aged children. Additionally, Screven County hosts the state-funded Pre-K program, which is free for eligible 4-year-olds. This program is typically housed within the public school system (like at Screven County Elementary School) or at a private childcare center that is a DECAL-approved Pre-K provider. These programs focus on school readiness. For 3-year-olds, structured preschool programs are usually offered through private daycare centers or churches. It's important to inquire about a program's curriculum, teacher qualifications, and how they prepare children for kindergarten.