The Best Daycare Centers in Benson, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Benson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Benson
The Learning Experience - Benson
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Benson offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, live-streaming cameras for parents, and secure playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their Bubbles the Elephant program teaches sign language to infants and toddlers, while philanthropy curriculum introduces community awareness.
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Rainbow Child Care Center
Rainbow Child Care Center
Rainbow Child Care Center in Benson provides a research-based curriculum emphasizing early literacy, STEM education, and character development. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including thorough cleaning procedures, secure entry systems, and staff trained in pediatric first aid/CPR. Their educational approach includes the Early Innovators program for infants and toddlers, and the Project-Based Learning curriculum for preschoolers. The facility features dedicated learning centers, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development.
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Kiddie Academy of Smithfield
Kiddie Academy
Located just 10 miles from Benson in Smithfield, Kiddie Academy offers Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character education and social development. The center features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, classroom observation windows, and fenced playgrounds. Their approach includes hands-on learning, technology integration, and community connection activities. The academy provides comprehensive infant care with detailed daily communication, preschool programs with kindergarten readiness focus, and flexible scheduling options. Staff maintain early childhood education credentials and receive continuous training in child development best practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Benson, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Benson, NC?
In Benson and the surrounding Johnston County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $700 and $950 per month for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare homes often offer a slightly lower rate, typically ranging from $550 to $800 per month. These costs are generally lower than the state average for North Carolina, reflecting the area's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and wipes, as policies differ. Financial assistance may be available through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) subsidy program for qualifying families.
How can I verify if a daycare in Benson is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in North Carolina must be licensed by the DCDEE. To verify a Benson daycare's license and review its history, you should visit the North Carolina Child Care Search website. This official state tool allows you to search by facility name, city, or zip code (27504 for Benson). The report will show the license status, star rating (on a 1 to 5 scale), capacity, ages served, and any recent compliance history, including violations and corrective actions. You can also contact the DCDEE's Raleigh regional office, which oversees Johnston County, for additional information. Always visit a facility in person to observe the environment and ask the director to see their current license.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours for parents working non-traditional shifts in Benson?
Finding daycare with extended hours (early mornings before 7:00 AM or evenings after 6:00 PM) can be a challenge in smaller communities like Benson. Most traditional centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for more flexible hours is to seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some providers may offer more personalized and extended care to accommodate shift workers. It is also worth inquiring at centers in nearby larger towns like Smithfield or Clayton, which may have more options, though this adds commute time. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront, as some providers may charge an additional fee for extended care.
What is the NC Pre-K program, and are there participating providers in Benson for my 4-year-old?
The NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) Program is a state-funded initiative to provide high-quality educational experiences to eligible four-year-olds to enhance school readiness. In Benson, the program is administered through the Johnston County Partnership for Children. Eligible children can attend the program at no cost to the family at participating sites, which may include licensed childcare centers and public schools. Benson Elementary School typically hosts an NC Pre-K classroom. Eligibility is based on age, family income, and other developmental or educational risk factors. You must apply through the Johnston County Partnership for Children, and spaces are limited, so early application is encouraged.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Benson, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlist times in Benson can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers or for infant rooms (which have strict teacher-to-child ratios), waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long. For toddler and preschool-age rooms, waitlists may be shorter, around 2 to 6 months. To improve your chances, it is recommended to get on multiple waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, even during pregnancy for an infant spot. When you join a list, ask specific questions: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? How are spots offered (first-come, first-served or priority to siblings)? Maintaining polite, periodic contact with the director can help keep your family top of mind. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings.