The Best Daycare Centers in Beaufort, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Beaufort. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Beaufort
Primrose School of Morehead City
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Morehead City offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, indoor and outdoor play spaces, and regular parent communication through an exclusive app.
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Carteret County Head Start & Early Head Start
Carteret County Public Schools
Carteret County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services with a focus on school readiness for income-eligible families. The program employs degreed early childhood educators and follows research-based curriculum aligned with state early learning standards. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and individualized learning plans. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and emphasizes social-emotional development through structured play and learning centers. Their facilities include modern classrooms, safe outdoor play areas, and family resource centers.
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Kids World Learning Center
Independent
Kids World Learning Center provides a nurturing educational environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. Their qualified teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with CPR and First Aid certification. The program emphasizes character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured activities and hands-on learning. Additional services include transportation for school-age children, summer enrichment programs, and regular developmental assessments shared with parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Beaufort, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Beaufort, NC, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Beaufort and the surrounding Carteret County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $700 to $950 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old averages $600 to $800 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Subsidized Child Care Program, which is income-based. Locally, the Carteret County Department of Social Services administers these funds. Additionally, some centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a childcare center in Beaufort?
All licensed childcare facilities in Beaufort, NC, are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a center's license and review its compliance history, including any violations, by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DCDEE website. This public database shows the star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on education standards and program standards), capacity, and results of recent monitoring visits. For a more personal touch, you can also contact the Carteret County Partnership for Children, a local resource organization that can provide guidance and information on licensed providers in the area.
Given Beaufort's seasonal tourism and military presence, how do waitlists for daycare typically work, and when should I apply?
Waitlists in Beaufort can be significant, often several months to over a year for infant spots, due to high demand from both year-round residents and incoming military families associated with nearby Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy for an infant spot. Many centers have a non-refundable waitlist fee. Be sure to ask each center how their list is prioritized (e.g., by application date, sibling priority, military status) and how often you should check in to keep your application active.
Are there childcare options that accommodate irregular or shift-work schedules common in Beaufort's fishing, tourism, and healthcare industries?
Yes, but they are limited and require proactive searching. While most traditional centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm schedule, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours or part-time arrangements. Your best resource is to contact the **Carteret County Partnership for Children's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R)** service. They maintain a database of all licensed providers and can help identify those offering evening, weekend, or drop-in care. Additionally, building a network with other local parents for potential nanny-sharing might be a viable solution for non-traditional schedules.
What are some key questions to ask during a tour of a daycare in Beaufort, specifically related to local weather and safety?
Beyond standard questions, Beaufort-specific concerns include hurricane preparedness and outdoor activity safety. Essential questions to ask are: 1) What is your emergency evacuation and shelter-in-place plan for hurricanes or severe flooding? 2) How are children kept safe and hydrated during hot, humid summer days, especially during outdoor play? 3) For centers near the water, what are the protocols for field trips or walks to ensure child safety near docks or busy coastal streets? 4) How do you handle communication and potential early closures due to bridge issues (like the Grayden Paul Bridge) or storm-related power outages? A center's detailed answers to these questions will demonstrate strong local preparedness and child safety prioritization.