The Best Daycare Centers in Camden, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Camden. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Camden
Camden Early Learning Center
Camden County Schools
Camden Early Learning Center operates as part of the Camden County Schools system, providing high-quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with North Carolina Early Learning Standards. Features include structured learning environments, literacy-rich classrooms, and comprehensive developmental assessments. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic preparation. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, safe environment, and effective transition to kindergarten preparation.
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Kids World Learning Center
Independent
Located just 15 minutes from Camden in nearby Moyock, Kids World Learning Center serves families throughout Camden County with comprehensive childcare services. The center features a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The facility boasts secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and large outdoor play areas. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center is particularly noted for its nutritious meal program, extended hours flexibility, and strong parent communication system through daily updates and progress reports.
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Albemarle Academy Child Development Center
Independent
Albemarle Academy serves the broader Camden County area from its Moyock location, offering a well-established childcare program with emphasis on whole-child development. The center implements a research-based curriculum that balances academic readiness with social skills development. Features include technology-integrated learning stations, dedicated infant care suites with live video monitoring for parents, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environments. The center maintains exceptional safety protocols including secure access systems and comprehensive staff background checks. Parent reviews consistently highlight the experienced teaching staff, clean facilities, and the center's ability to nurture children's individual strengths while preparing them for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Camden, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Camden, NC?
In Camden, NC, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $650 to $850 per month for an infant, and $600 to $750 per month for a toddler. Home-based family childcare is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $550 to $700 monthly. These rates are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas of North Carolina but are a significant household expense. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, parents in Camden may qualify for the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program, which can help offset costs based on income eligibility.
How can I verify if a daycare in Camden is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare facilities in Camden must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. When touring a facility in Camden, look for: a valid license posted visibly, clean and safe environments with secured exits, age-appropriate toys and learning materials, a low child-to-staff ratio (e.g., 1:5 for infants), and structured daily schedules. Ask about staff qualifications, background checks, emergency procedures, and their policy on parental visits. Observing how staff interact with children is crucial.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Camden, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a smaller community like Camden, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before you need care, particularly if you have an infant. Some popular centers may have even longer waits. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer priority for siblings or local residents. Exploring nearby family childcare homes in Camden or neighboring towns like Elizabeth City can provide alternative options with potentially shorter waits.
What part-day or preschool programs are available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Camden, NC?
Camden offers several options for part-day preschool programs, which are excellent for preparing children for kindergarten. The Camden County Schools system operates the NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) program, a free, high-quality preschool for eligible 4-year-olds. Eligibility is based on family income and other risk factors. There are also private preschool programs often housed within local daycare centers or churches, such as those at Camden United Methodist Church or other community faith-based organizations. These typically run 2-5 half-days per week and focus on social, emotional, and early academic skills. Contact the Camden County Schools administrative office or the Partnership for Children of the Albemarle for referral and application information.
What are the options for before- and after-school care for school-age children in Camden?
For school-age children attending Camden Intermediate or Camden Primary schools, the primary option for before- and after-school care is typically the school-based program, if available. You should contact the Camden County Schools district office to inquire about the "Tiger Club" or similar extended-day programs. These programs usually operate on school premises, providing supervision, homework help, and activities. Hours often run from 7:00 AM until school starts and from dismissal until 6:00 PM. Some local licensed family childcare homes may also offer transportation to/from school and care. Due to limited structured programs, securing a spot early is advised. Costs for these programs in Camden are generally more affordable than full-day daycare.
Childcare Insights for Camden
Finding the right part-time daycare in Camden, North Carolina, can feel like a significant step for any family. Whether you’re returning to work a few days a week, need care for a preschooler to socialize, or simply require a few hours of support each day, knowing your local options is key. The search for "part time daycare near me" here in Camden County often leads to discovering a community-oriented approach to childcare, where smaller settings and personalized attention are common treasures.
In our area, part-time care can take several forms. Many licensed home-based providers offer flexible schedules, which can be ideal for parents whose needs don’t fit a traditional Monday-through-Friday mold. There are also larger childcare centers in neighboring towns that may offer part-time slots, though availability can vary. A great first step is to connect with other parents at the Camden County Public Library or local parks; personal recommendations in a close-knit community like ours are invaluable. Remember to consider your daily route; with Camden’s rural landscape, factoring in travel time along routes like US-158 or NC-343 is a practical necessity when choosing a location.
When evaluating a part-time daycare in Camden, it’s important to ask specific questions. Inquire about their flexibility: can they accommodate a Tuesday-Thursday schedule, or are their part-time slots fixed? Discuss their curriculum and daily structure, even for part-day attendance, to ensure your child will be engaged. Given our proximity to the Albemarle Sound and rich local history, some providers may incorporate nature-based learning or local themes into their activities, which is a wonderful bonus. Always verify that the provider is licensed by the State of North Carolina and don’t hesitate to request a visit during operating hours to observe the environment and interactions.
Another local resource is the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education website, where you can search for licensed providers by zip code. This official list can help you confirm you’re considering all regulated options in the 27921 area and beyond. It’s also wise to plan ahead; while Camden offers a peaceful lifestyle, the number of dedicated part-time slots can be limited, so starting your search early is advantageous.
Ultimately, securing part-time daycare in Camden, NC, is about finding a balance that gives you peace of mind and your child a positive, stimulating experience. The right setting will feel like an extension of your family, where the caregivers understand the rhythms of our community. Trust your instincts as a parent, do your research, and know that finding this support is a wonderful investment in your child’s early development and your family’s well-being right here in our beautiful corner of northeastern North Carolina.