The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Albans, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Albans. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Albans
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Chesterfield offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and modern learning centers. Known for low student-teacher ratios and individualized learning plans.
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Learning Grove Child Development Center
Learning Grove
Learning Grove provides a nature-inspired, project-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and outdoor exploration. Their educational approach combines Creative Curriculum with Reggio Emilia principles, focusing on child-led discovery and inquiry-based learning. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Features secure facilities with surveillance systems, nutritious meal programs, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Strong emphasis on social-emotional development and school readiness skills. Parents praise the center's communication and individualized attention to each child's needs.
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Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool
Little Sunshine's Enterprises, LLC
Little Sunshine's Playhouse offers the exclusive Creatively Shine™ curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through themed monthly units. Features include Spanish language instruction, music enrichment, and character development programs. The facility boasts secure entry systems, webcam access for parents, and custom-designed learning environments with age-appropriate materials. Staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and includes certified early childhood educators. Known for their structured daily routines that balance academic instruction with creative play and physical activity. Strong focus on kindergarten readiness and developmental milestone tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Albans, MO
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Albans, MO?
In Saint Albans and the surrounding Franklin County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week. For toddlers, you can expect to pay slightly less, around $160 to $200 per week. Home-based daycare options (licensed family childcare homes) are often more affordable, averaging $130 to $175 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for the St. Louis metropolitan region, reflecting the more rural/suburban nature of Saint Albans. It's important to ask providers exactly what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
Are there many licensed daycare centers in Saint Albans, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
Saint Albans itself is a smaller, primarily residential community, so licensed daycare center options within the immediate city limits are limited. Most parents in Saint Albans find options in nearby towns such as Pacific, Eureka, or Washington, MO, which are within a 15-25 minute drive. There are, however, several licensed family childcare homes operating within Saint Albans. To find all licensed providers, you should use the State of Missouri's online "Child Care Search" tool, filtering by the 63073 zip code and surrounding areas. Planning for a commute is a common reality for Saint Albans parents seeking center-based care.
What are the Missouri state licensing requirements I should verify for a daycare serving Saint Albans?
All licensed providers in Missouri, including those serving Saint Albans, must meet state standards set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Office of Childhood. Key requirements to verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), background checks (FBI fingerprinting and child abuse/neglect screenings) for all employees, annual training in health/safety and child development, and compliance with health, safety, and immunization rules. You can view a provider's full licensing history, including any non-compliance reports, for free on the Missouri DESE website. Always confirm the license is current.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare programs in the Saint Albans area, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after centers and highly-rated home daycares in the Saint Albans/Pacific/Eureka corridor, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for a wait of 6 to 12 months for a newborn. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool openings, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to join? How often do they update families on their position? Do they guarantee a spot?
What local resources or organizations in Franklin County can help me find and evaluate childcare near Saint Albans?
The primary resource is the **Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network**, specifically their service for this region. You can contact them for free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in your preferred area (Saint Albans, Pacific, Washington). Another key local organization is **Franklin County Community Resource Guide**, which often lists family childcare providers. For evaluation, beyond checking the state license, consider contacting the **Franklin County Health Department** to inquire about a provider's health inspection record. Additionally, local parenting groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Franklin County MO Moms") can be invaluable for personal recommendations and experiences.