The Best Daycare Centers in Candler, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Candler. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Candler
KinderCare at Asheville
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Asheville provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social-emotional, and physical development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Their curriculum incorporates STEM learning, literacy development, and creative arts. The center serves families throughout the Asheville metro area including Candler residents, offering flexible scheduling and nutritious meal programs.
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The Goddard School of Asheville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Asheville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The school features state-certified teachers, modern security systems including keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development. The facility includes age-specific playgrounds, interactive whiteboards, and dedicated art and music spaces. Serving the greater Asheville area including Candler families, the school emphasizes individual attention and regular progress updates for parents.
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Asheville Academy
Independent
Asheville Academy provides a nurturing educational environment with a balanced curriculum that combines Montessori-inspired learning with traditional early childhood education. The center features experienced educators with advanced degrees in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, social skills development, and kindergarten readiness. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for creative arts and physical activity. Serving families from Candler and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling options and enrichment programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Candler, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Candler, NC, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Candler and the greater Asheville area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $900 to $1,200 per month. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum (like Montessori), and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, North Carolina's Child Care Subsidy Program (commonly known as the voucher program) is a key resource. Eligibility is based on income, work, and/or school enrollment. You can apply through the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
How do I verify that a daycare in Candler is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Candler must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). The most reliable way to verify a center's license and review its history is to use the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. This public database allows you to search by facility name or location to view its star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on education and program standards), its license status, and any history of compliance issues or violations. You can also contact the Mountain Region Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, which serves Buncombe County, for guidance and to ask specific questions about local providers.
Are there many in-home family childcare homes in Candler, and what are the pros and cons compared to larger centers?
Yes, in-home family childcare homes are a popular option in Candler, offering a smaller, home-like setting often with mixed-age groups. They are licensed for a smaller number of children (typically up to 8) and can provide more flexible hours. Pros include potentially lower costs, a consistent caregiver, and a more relaxed environment. Cons may include less structured curriculum, dependency on a single provider's availability (if they are sick, the daycare closes), and potentially fewer resources. To find licensed family homes, use the NC Child Care Search tool and filter for "Family Child Care Home." Visiting the home, checking its license, and asking about emergency plans and daily routines are crucial steps.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Candler, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited capacity, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists at many reputable daycare centers in the Candler and Asheville area can be long—often 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities during their second trimester to secure a spot. For families moving to the area, starting your search 3-6 months before your needed start date is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position.
What are some unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Candler area?
Candler's location near the Blue Ridge Mountains makes it ideal for nature-focused early education. Several programs in the area emphasize outdoor play and exploration. You can find "forest preschools" or nature-based programs where children spend a significant portion of the day outdoors, regardless of weather. These programs often utilize local parks, trails, and on-site natural spaces. They focus on building resilience, curiosity, and motor skills through hands-on interaction with the environment. When researching, look for keywords like "nature-based," "outdoor preschool," or "Waldorf-inspired." Be sure to ask about their safety protocols for outdoor activities, their adult-to-child ratios during excursions, and how they handle inclement weather. The Mountain Region CCR&R can also help identify these specialized programs.