The Best Daycare Centers in Advance, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Advance. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Advance
The Goddard School of Mocksville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mocksville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. They provide nutritious meals and snacks while emphasizing STEM learning and developmental milestones tracking through regular parent communication.
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Clemmons KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Clemmons KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social skills development. Their qualified teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The center features secure keypad entry, fenced playgrounds, and age-appropriate learning centers. Their program includes healthy meals, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent partnerships through daily communication and family events. They offer flexible scheduling and prioritize social-emotional learning alongside academic preparation.
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Winston-Salem Children's Center
Winston-Salem Children's Center
Winston-Salem Children's Center offers a developmental, play-based curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and individualized instruction. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and specialized training in child development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, spacious classrooms, natural outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety protocols. They focus on whole-child development through creative arts, literacy enrichment, and social skills building, while maintaining strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and family involvement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Advance, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Advance, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Advance, NC, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler care is generally between $700 and $950 per month. These costs are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program (also known as the voucher program) through the Davie County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the Winston-Salem metro area, as some may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific providers.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a childcare center or home in Advance?
All licensed childcare providers in North Carolina are regulated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any violations, by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. Simply enter "Advance, NC" or the provider's name. This report will show the license status, capacity, star rating (from 1 to 5 stars), and details from recent monitoring visits. For an in-person perspective, you can also contact the Davie County Partnership for Children, a local resource organization that can provide guidance on evaluating quality and understanding state reports.
Are there many in-home daycare options (family childcare homes) in Advance, and what should I look for when considering one?
In-home family childcare homes are a popular option in Advance and surrounding Davie County, often offering a smaller, home-like setting. You can find licensed homes through the state's online search tool. When evaluating one, ensure they are licensed by the state, which requires background checks, health and safety training, and home inspections. Key things to ask about include their emergency preparedness plan, daily schedule, meal provisions, and their policy on sick children. Given Advance's more rural setting, also inquire about their drop-off and pick-up flexibility. A strong referral from other local parents is invaluable. The Davie County Partnership for Children can also provide a list of licensed family childcare homes.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in the Advance area, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to high demand and limited numbers of centers in Advance itself, waitlist times can vary significantly. For infant spots, it's common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months, especially at highly-rated centers. For toddler and preschool rooms, waitlists may be shorter, around 1 to 4 months. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy for infant care. Get on multiple waitlists at centers in Advance as well as in nearby communities like Mocksville, Clemmons, or Bermuda Run. Be proactive: follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider being flexible with your start date, as openings often align with the school year or summer transitions.
What are some key questions to ask a daycare provider in Advance about their outdoor play and safety, considering the local environment?
Given Advance's mix of rural and suburban settings, it's important to ask specific questions about outdoor play. First, inquire about the schedule and supervision: How much daily outdoor time is guaranteed, and what is the staff-to-child ratio during play? Ask about the play area's security—is it fully fenced and away from roads? Given the local presence of ticks and occasional extreme heat, ask about their policies for insect repellent, tick checks after play, and heat index protocols for modifying outdoor time. Also, since some centers may have access to more natural spaces, ask if children engage in nature-based learning. Finally, for infants, ask about their policy for outdoor time for non-walkers (e.g., are they taken out in strollers or kept indoors).