The Best Daycare Centers in Davis, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Davis. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Davis
The Goddard School of Morehead City
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility with keypad entry. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Modern facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural light, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents receive daily updates and photos through the proprietary mobile app.
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Carteret Preschool & Learning Center
Independent
Carteret Preschool & Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Features NC Star Rated License (4-star), degreed lead teachers, and small class sizes. Curriculum emphasizes literacy development, math readiness, and social skills. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Facility includes outdoor learning environments, dedicated nap rooms, and age-appropriate learning centers. Offers nutritious meals and snacks meeting USDA guidelines.
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First Baptist Church Preschool & Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Morehead City
First Baptist Church Preschool offers a Christian-based early childhood program focusing on whole-child development in a nurturing environment. Features NC 5-star license rating, experienced teachers with early childhood credentials, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Program includes Bible stories, character education, academic readiness, and creative arts. Secure facility with monitored access, outdoor playground with safety surfaces, and age-separated classrooms. Emphasizes parent partnership with regular conferences and communication. Provides extended hours to accommodate working families in the Davis/Morehead City area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Davis, NC
What are the typical costs for daycare in Davis, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Davis, NC, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, you can expect to pay between $700 to $950 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $650 to $850 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive. These rates are generally lower than in larger North Carolina cities like Raleigh but reflect the local cost of living. 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. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Carteret County Department of Social Services for the most current information on subsidy eligibility and application.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare in Davis, NC?
All childcare facilities in Davis must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). To verify a license and review inspection reports, you can use the online "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the official NC DCDEE website. This public database allows you to search by facility name, county (Carteret), or city. The report will show the license status (active, provisional, etc.), any compliance history including non-compliance citations, and the results of their most recent monitoring visits. You can also call the DCDEE Regional Office that oversees Carteret County for specific questions. Always visit a facility in person and ask the director for their most recent state inspection summary, which they are required to have available for parents.
Are there many daycare options in Davis, and is it common to encounter waitlists?
Davis is a smaller, coastal community, so the number of dedicated daycare centers is limited compared to larger towns. Options primarily include a few licensed childcare centers and several licensed family childcare homes. Due to this limited capacity and the town's seasonal population fluctuations (especially in summer), waitlists are very common, particularly for infant care and year-round spots. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months before you need care. Many parents in the Down East area of Carteret County also consider providers in nearby towns like Beaufort, Morehead City, or Harkers Island, which may offer more options but involve a commute.
What are the key questions to ask a daycare provider in Davis regarding their preparedness for local weather events?
Given Davis's location on the Crystal Coast, it is prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, and occasional flooding. When touring a facility, ask specific emergency preparedness questions: "What is your detailed evacuation or shelter-in-place plan for hurricanes?" "How and when will parents be notified of early closures or evacuations?" "Do you have a generator for power outages, and what is your protocol for lost power/AC?" "Is the facility in a flood zone, and if so, what measures are in place?" A reputable provider will have a written plan approved by the state and will conduct regular drills. Also, inquire about their policy for making up days or providing refunds for extended closures due to severe weather, which is a practical concern for working parents in the area.
What types of preschool or early learning programs are integrated into daycare services in Davis, NC?
Several daycare providers in Davis and the surrounding Carteret County area incorporate structured early learning curricula. Many participate in the North Carolina Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) program, a free, high-quality program for eligible 4-year-olds. Other common frameworks used include Creative Curriculum and tools aligned with the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Some centers may also have partnerships with the Carteret County Public School System for transition programs. For younger children, look for programs that emphasize play-based learning, social-emotional development, and outdoor activities—which align well with the coastal environment. It's important to ask about staff qualifications, including whether lead teachers have Birth-Kindergarten (B-K) licensure or the NC Early Childhood Credential.