The Best Daycare Centers in Wray, GA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wray. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wray
Little People's Learning Center
Little People's Learning Center
Little People's Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility located approximately 15 miles from Wray. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and HighScope for preschool ages. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with surveillance systems. Their program emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning through structured play and hands-on activities. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines.
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Fitzgerald Child Development Center
Fitzgerald Child Development Center
Located about 12 miles from Wray, Fitzgerald Child Development Center provides quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) with emphasis on language development, cognitive skills, and physical development. The center maintains small class sizes with degreed lead teachers and assistant teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. The facility offers bright, stimulating classrooms, outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and a structured daily schedule that balances learning activities with creative play.
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Hazlehurst Learning Center
Hazlehurst Learning Center
Serving families in the broader Jeff Davis County area including Wray (approximately 8 miles away), Hazlehurst Learning Center has built a strong reputation for academic preparation and nurturing care. Their research-based curriculum focuses on developmental milestones with individualized learning plans. The center features certified early childhood educators, comprehensive security systems including fingerprint access, and modern facilities with dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and art. They emphasize character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured activities and play-based learning. The center maintains excellent health and safety standards with regular sanitation protocols and nutritious meal programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wray, GA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Wray, Georgia, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Georgia, all childcare learning centers and family daycare homes serving more than six children must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). This includes facilities in Wray. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the **DECAL website**. For very small, in-home care (6 or fewer children), providers may operate as a "Registered Family Child Care Learning Home," which has a different set of requirements. Always ask to see the current license or registration certificate when you tour a facility.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Wray, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the rural nature of Wray in Irwin County, there are a limited number of licensed daycare centers. This often leads to significant waitlists, especially for infant and toddler care, which can range from several months to over a year. To improve your chances, it's recommended to get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—even during pregnancy. Be proactive: call facilities regularly to check your status, ask about their enrollment cycles, and consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Ocilla or Fitzgerald. Additionally, exploring licensed family daycare homes in the community can provide more immediate, smaller-scale options with potentially shorter wait times.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Wray, GA?
Childcare costs in Wray and rural South Georgia are generally lower than the state average, but they still represent a significant portion of a family's budget. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$100 to $150 per week** for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Licensed family daycare homes may be slightly less, around **$80 to $120 per week**. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and hours of operation. It's crucial to ask exactly what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). Families with lower incomes may qualify for assistance through Georgia's **CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services)** program, which provides subsidies to help cover these costs.
Are there any state-funded Pre-K programs available for 4-year-olds in Wray, and how do I enroll?
Yes, Georgia's nationally recognized, free Pre-K program is available for eligible 4-year-olds. In Wray, this program is typically hosted within the local public school system or a private licensed childcare center that is a Pre-K provider. The program follows the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards and operates on a standard school-day schedule. Enrollment is managed through a lottery system, and you must apply during the open enrollment period (usually in early spring) for the following school year. Contact the **Irwin County School District** directly or check the DECAL website for a list of approved Pre-K providers in the 31798 zip code to get specific application dates and requirements.
What should I look for when touring a potential daycare in a small, rural community like Wray?
Beyond standard checks for cleanliness and safety, in a close-knit community like Wray, personal rapport and local reputation are paramount. Ask about staff longevity and turnover—consistent caregivers are crucial for child development. Inquire about their emergency plans for medical situations, given the distance to major hospitals. Observe how children interact with staff and if the environment feels nurturing. Ask specific questions about their daily routine, outdoor play space, and how they handle discipline. Importantly, ask for references from other local parents. Their firsthand experiences will give you invaluable insight into the provider's reliability, communication, and the quality of care your child will receive in this specific community setting.