The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon
The Learning Tree Academy
Independent
The Learning Tree Academy is Sharon's premier early childhood education center, offering a comprehensive developmental curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Their play-based learning approach incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features certified early childhood educators with an average of 8 years experience, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, stimulating classrooms. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program. Parents praise the center's warm, family-like atmosphere and strong communication through daily reports and parent portals.
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Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Located just 15 minutes from Sharon in Crawfordville, Kiddie Kampus Learning Center serves families throughout Taliaferro County with exceptional early childhood education. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through hands-on learning centers and individualized instruction. The center employs degreed lead teachers and maintains state-exceeding safety standards with secure check-in systems and comprehensive background checks. Features include a large outdoor learning environment, technology-integrated classrooms for pre-K students, and a comprehensive kindergarten readiness assessment program. The center is noted for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and regular family engagement events.
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Little People's Learning Center
Independent
Serving the broader region including Sharon families, Little People's Learning Center in Washington has built an outstanding reputation over nearly two decades. Their Creative Curriculum system emphasizes whole-child development through project-based learning and developmental milestones tracking. The center features highly qualified staff with CDA credentials and ongoing professional development. Safety is paramount with keypad entry, comprehensive camera systems, and strict health protocols. The facility includes separate age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and a large indoor gross motor area. Parents consistently praise the center's engaging educational activities, transparent communication, and nurturing environment that fosters confidence and independence in children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharon, Georgia, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Sharon, 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, regular health and safety inspections, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios and curriculum standards. To verify a facility's compliance, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on DECAL's official website, which shows the facility's license status, inspection reports, and any history of serious violations. For smaller, in-home family daycare providers (caring for 6 or fewer children), registration with DECAL is required, which includes key safety standards but is less comprehensive than full licensure. Always ask to see the current license or registration certificate when visiting a provider in Sharon.
Given Sharon's rural location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
As a small, rural city in Taliaferro County, Sharon offers limited but essential childcare options. These typically include licensed family daycare homes, which are the most common, and potentially a small center-based program. There are no large commercial daycare chains in Sharon itself; parents often look to nearby towns like Washington or Crawfordville for additional center-based options. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists for infant and toddler care are very common and can be several months long. It's highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Networking with other local parents through community groups or churches can sometimes provide leads on smaller, unadvertised home-based care.
What is the average cost for full-time infant and preschool daycare in Sharon, GA, and are there financial assistance programs?
In Sharon and the surrounding Taliaferro County area, costs are generally lower than the Georgia state average but vary by provider type. For a licensed family daycare home, you might expect to pay approximately $100-$140 per week for full-time infant care and $90-$120 per week for preschool-age children. Center-based care in nearby towns may be slightly higher. Financial assistance is primarily available through Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families, those in job training, or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). You apply through the DECAL website or your local Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited sliding-scale spots.
How do state regulations for health, safety, and immunizations apply to daycares in Sharon?
All DECAL-licensed and registered providers in Sharon must follow Georgia's specific health and safety rules. This includes maintaining detailed immunization records for each child on Form 3231 (Georgia Immunization Certificate), which must be kept on file. Providers are required to have emergency plans, conduct safety drills, ensure safe sleep practices for infants (ABCs of Safe Sleep: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib), and follow strict procedures for medication administration and sanitation. Given the rural setting, parents should inquire about the provider's specific plan for emergencies and medical transportation, as response times may differ from urban areas. All staff must also be trained in CPR and First Aid specific to young children.
What local resources or organizations in Sharon can help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
While Sharon itself has limited dedicated agencies, several regional and state resources are crucial for local parents. Your primary resource is the **Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)** website and helpline. For hands-on assistance, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves your region; for Sharon, this is likely through a agency covering east-central Georgia. They can provide personalized referrals. Locally, the **Taliaferro County Family Connection Collaborative** is a key organization that may have information on community-based childcare initiatives. Also, check with the **Sharon Baptist Church** and other community churches, as they often have connections to reputable home-based providers and may host parent networks.