The Best Daycare Centers in Burgaw, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burgaw. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burgaw
Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center is Burgaw's premier local childcare facility, offering a comprehensive educational program for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide individualized attention. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents praise the center's nurturing environment, consistent communication, and focus on developmental milestones. The center is known for its family-oriented approach and strong community reputation.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Wilmington (North)
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located approximately 20 minutes from Burgaw, The Goddard School serves families throughout Pender County with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This nationally accredited facility features a play-based curriculum developed by early childhood education experts. The school employs degreed teachers who create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The modern facility includes STEM labs, interactive smartboards, and well-equipped playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the school's educational quality and professional staff.
Daycare Services:
Childcare Network #108
Childcare Network
Childcare Network #108 is a well-established center in Burgaw offering the proprietary "Experience Early Learning" curriculum that focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years with age-appropriate classrooms and learning centers. Their NC Pre-K program is state-funded and provides high-quality pre-kindergarten education. The facility features secure access controls, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent-teacher conferences. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The center is praised for its structured learning environment and commitment to school readiness.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burgaw, NC
What are the typical costs for daycare or preschool in Burgaw, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Burgaw and the surrounding Pender County area, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, you can expect to pay approximately $700-$900 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $600-$800 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive. For financial assistance, North Carolina's primary program is the Subsidized Child Care Program, administered locally by the Pender County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, work, and/or school enrollment. Additionally, some local 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 daycare in Burgaw?
All licensed childcare facilities in North Carolina, including those in Burgaw, are regulated by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history online through the DCDEE's "Child Care Search" tool. This public database shows the facility's star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on education standards and program quality), its license status, and detailed summaries of any past violations or complaints. You can also contact the DCDEE's Eastern Regional Office, which oversees Pender County, for additional information. Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license posted on-site.
Are there many options for infant childcare in Burgaw, and should I expect long waitlists?
Options for infant care (children under 12 months) in Burgaw itself are limited, as it is a smaller town. There are a few licensed family childcare homes and potentially one or two centers that accept infants. Due to the lower caregiver-to-infant ratio required by state law (1:5), spots are highly sought after. It is very common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months for infant care in the Burgaw area. Many families expand their search to nearby towns like Wallace, Wilmington, or even Rocky Point. We strongly recommend contacting providers as early as possible during pregnancy to secure a spot.
What are the main differences between a childcare center and a family childcare home in Burgaw?
In Burgaw, your two primary licensed options are childcare centers and family childcare homes. Centers are usually located in commercial buildings, have multiple staff and classrooms, and may offer structured curricula for various age groups. Family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Both are licensed by the state, but their regulations differ slightly (e.g., group sizes). Centers might have more resources and extended hours, while homes often provide more flexible schedules and a personalized setting. The best choice depends on your child's temperament and your family's needs for location, hours, and environment.
What part-time or non-traditional hour childcare options are available for parents in Burgaw?
Finding part-time, drop-in, or evening/weekend care in Burgaw can be challenging, as most licensed facilities operate on a standard full-time, weekday schedule. Your best bets are to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some may offer more flexible arrangements. For occasional or emergency care, you may need to look toward larger providers in Wilmington, about a 30-minute drive away, which have more robust drop-in programs. For parents working non-traditional shifts, networking within local community groups (like Burgaw/Pender County Facebook parenting groups) to find recommended in-home sitters or nanny shares is a common strategy. There are currently no 24-hour licensed centers in the immediate Burgaw area.
Childcare Insights for Burgaw
Finding the right childcare arrangement is one of the most significant decisions a parent makes. For many families in Burgaw, North Carolina, a full-time schedule doesn't always align with work, school, or personal needs, making the search for "part time daycare near me" both common and crucial. The good news is that the Burgaw community, with its strong sense of local connection, offers several avenues to explore for flexible, quality care that can provide your child with socialization and learning while giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
When beginning your search in the Burgaw area, it's helpful to understand the types of part-time care typically available. Many licensed home daycares in and around Pender County often have more flexibility with schedules than larger centers, potentially offering care for just a few days a week or even half-days. These smaller settings can provide a cozy, family-like atmosphere that many parents appreciate. Additionally, some established childcare centers in nearby Wilmington or even within Burgaw itself may have part-time slots for preschoolers or offer specific programs like a two or three-day-a-week preschool curriculum. Don't hesitate to call and ask; even if a center primarily advertises full-time care, they may have openings or a waiting list for part-time arrangements.
A key local consideration for Burgaw parents is transportation and proximity. Given our town's layout and the rural nature of much of Pender County, the commute to and from daycare is an important factor. A part-time schedule is most sustainable when the drive is manageable. Start your search by asking for recommendations from other parents at the Burgaw Public Library's story time, at the Blueberry Festival, or within local community groups on social media. Personal referrals in a close-knit town like ours are invaluable. You'll want to visit any potential provider to get a feel for their environment. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children, ask about their daily routines, and inquire about their policies for things like meals, naps, and outdoor playtime, which is so wonderful in our Carolina climate.
Finally, securing part-time care often requires a bit of proactive planning. Spaces, especially for desirable, flexible schedules, can fill quickly. It's advisable to start your search well before you need the care to begin. Be prepared to be clear about your exact needed days and hours, as consistency helps providers plan their staffing and enrollment. Remember to verify that any provider is properly licensed with the State of North Carolina, which ensures they meet health, safety, and educational standards. Finding the right part-time daycare in Burgaw is about matching your family's unique rhythm with a caring, safe, and stimulating environment for your child. By tapping into the local network and asking the right questions, you can find a supportive setup that feels less like a service and more like an extension of your own community.