The Best Daycare Centers in Hazelwood, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hazelwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hazelwood
KinderCare Learning Center at Hazelwood
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Hazelwood provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a balanced learning approach that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features a research-based curriculum with Learning Adventures enrichment programs in music, phonics, and STEM. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, fenced outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate classrooms with modern learning materials. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on individualized attention with low teacher-to-child ratios.
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The Goddard School of Florissant
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Florissant serves the Hazelwood area with a premier play-based learning environment through their F.L.E.X. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. The program focuses on developing social, emotional, academic, and physical skills through structured play and hands-on activities. All faculty members meet or exceed state qualifications with degrees in early childhood education. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, daily sanitation protocols, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Parents consistently highlight the excellent teacher-child interactions, robust parent communication portal, and focus on school readiness skills.
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La Petite Academy of Bridgeton
Learning Care Group, Inc.
La Petite Academy in Bridgeton offers a well-rounded early education program through their Links to Learning curriculum, which integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center emphasizes character development and school readiness with age-appropriate learning centers and technology integration. Staff members maintain CPR/first aid certification and participate in continuous training. The facility includes secured entrances, monitored playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents appreciate the consistent developmental progress updates, flexible scheduling options, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment for all children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hazelwood, MO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hazelwood, MO?
In Hazelwood, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $225 and $350 per week for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, around $200 to $300 per week. In-home daycare providers often charge $150 to $250 per week. These rates are generally in line with the St. Louis County average. It's important to note that costs can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. Many facilities in Hazelwood offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families.
How can I verify that a daycare in Hazelwood is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All licensed childcare facilities in Hazelwood must be regulated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any past violations, for free on the DESE Child Care Provider Search website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. Additionally, you can contact the local St. Louis County Public Health department for any health code inspections. We strongly recommend visiting any potential daycare in person, asking about staff-to-child ratios (which in Missouri are 1:4 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, and 1:10 for 4-year-olds), checking for secure entrances, and observing the overall cleanliness and safety of the environment.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hazelwood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers in Hazelwood, especially for those affiliated with employers, churches, or with strong educational programs. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. We recommend starting your search during your second trimester of pregnancy if possible. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, their policy for moving up the list (some require a deposit), and if they offer priority for siblings of current students.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Hazelwood, MO?
Hazelwood offers a range of childcare options to fit different family needs. These include: 1. **Licensed Childcare Centers:** Often located in commercial buildings or churches (e.g., First Baptist Church of Hazelwood Child Development Center), offering structured programs for various age groups. 2. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Smaller, home-based settings that often provide a more familial atmosphere, typically caring for a smaller group of mixed-age children. 3. **Faith-Based Preschools:** Many local churches offer part-day preschool programs for ages 3-5, which may be a more affordable option for parents who don't need full-day care. 4. **Corporate/On-Site Care:** Some major employers in the broader North St. Louis County area may offer on-site or partnership daycare benefits; it's worth checking with your HR department. For school-age children, the Hazelwood School District also offers before and after-school care programs at many of its elementary schools.
What resources are available in Hazelwood to help me find and compare local daycare providers?
The primary local resource is the **Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network**, specifically the agency serving St. Louis County. You can contact them online or by phone for a free, personalized list of licensed providers in Hazelwood that match your needs (hours, age of child, budget). Another excellent tool is the online **DESE Child Care Provider Search**, which allows you to filter by zip code (e.g., 63042) and review licensing details. For community insights, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Hazelwood, MO Community" or "North County Moms" to ask for personal recommendations and experiences from other parents. The Hazelwood Public Library may also have community bulletin boards with information on local providers.