The Best Daycare Centers in Elon, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elon
The Goddard School of Burlington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Burlington offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their STEM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding, and science exploration starting in preschool. The facility features secure entry systems, daily sanitization protocols, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. Parents praise the comprehensive communication system including daily reports and photo updates.
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Bright Horizons at Labcorp
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Labcorp provides NAEYC-accredited early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features purpose-built classrooms with natural lighting, extensive learning materials, and secure outdoor play areas. All teachers have early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including air purification systems and comprehensive cleaning routines. While primarily serving Labcorp employees, they also accept community families when space permits.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Burlington
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Burlington offers their exclusive Brain Development curriculum that integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities throughout all age groups. The facility features secure keypad entry, live streaming video for parents, and interactive whiteboards in classrooms. Their nutrition program provides healthy, balanced meals prepared on-site. The center emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning alongside academic preparation. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous training. The school maintains AdvancED accreditation and follows strict safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elon, NC
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare or preschool in Elon, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Elon, the cost for full-time, center-based childcare for an infant typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, averaging between $700 and $950 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $600 to $850 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and facilities. For financial assistance, North Carolina's primary program is the **Child Care Subsidy**, administered by the Alamance County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or school attendance). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Alamance-DSS directly or visit the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education website to apply for subsidy programs.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare facility in Elon?
All licensed childcare facilities in North Carolina, including those in Elon, 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 through the **DCDEE Child Care Search** tool available on their official website. This public database allows you to search by facility name, location, or provider. The report will show the license status (Active, Provisional, etc.), capacity, ages served, and, crucially, a history of any regulatory violations, complaints, and the results of their most recent monitoring visits. For the most current information, you can also call the DCDEE's regional office that covers Alamance County. Always choose a facility with an active license and review any noted violations to understand the context and how they were corrected.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care options in Elon to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Finding daycare with extended hours (beyond 6:00 or 6:30 PM) or weekend care in Elon can be challenging, as most traditional centers operate on a standard 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, Monday through Friday. Your best options for non-traditional hours are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible scheduling. Some centers in the broader Burlington or Graham area might offer extended hours. It is essential to inquire directly with providers about their policies for early drop-off or late pickup, as many charge significant fees for services outside their core hours. For reliable weekend or overnight care, you may need to explore private nanny shares or in-home babysitting services, which are often arranged through local community networks or online caregiver platforms.
What are the current waitlist times for infant care at daycare centers in Elon, and how should I plan ahead?
Due to high demand and strict infant-to-teacher ratios mandated by North Carolina law, waitlists for infant care (children under 12 months) in Elon can be significant. It is common for popular centers, especially those affiliated with local employers like Elon University or major healthcare systems, to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months or longer**. To plan effectively, parents should begin researching and contacting facilities as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. When touring a center, ask specific questions: the current number of families on the infant waitlist, the typical turnover rate, whether a deposit is required to hold a spot (and if it's refundable), and if they offer priority to siblings or employees of partner organizations. Getting on multiple lists is a wise strategy.
Are there childcare options in Elon that incorporate outdoor or nature-based learning, given the local environment?
Yes, there is a growing interest in nature-based and outdoor learning programs in the Elon area, taking advantage of North Carolina's natural beauty. While fully outdoor "forest school" models are less common, several local centers and preschools emphasize outdoor play and learning as a core part of their curriculum. Look for programs with features like dedicated outdoor classrooms, gardens, natural play elements, and regular scheduled outdoor time regardless of weather. Some providers may partner with local parks or have access to wooded areas. When touring, ask about their philosophy on outdoor play, the ratio of indoor vs. outdoor time, and their safety protocols for outdoor exploration. This approach aligns well with the community's values and provides children with excellent developmental benefits.