The Best Daycare Centers in Fairmont, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fairmont. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fairmont
Fairmont Head Start Center
Robeson County Partnership for Children
Fairmont Head Start Center operates under the Robeson County Partnership for Children, providing comprehensive early childhood education and family support services. The center follows the Head Start curriculum framework focusing on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. All lead teachers hold early childhood credentials and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. What sets this center apart is its holistic approach including health screenings, family engagement programs, and parent education workshops, serving as a community hub for early childhood development in the Fairmont area.
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Little People's Learning Center
Independent
Little People's Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility serving Fairmont and surrounding communities since 2011. The center implements a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Staff members include certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler care and preschool education. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff longevity, and comprehensive communication about child development progress. The center offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the Fairmont area.
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Kids World Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Lumberton (approximately 15 minutes from Fairmont), Kids World Learning Center serves families throughout Robeson County with a comprehensive early childhood program. The center utilizes Creative Curriculum combined with STEM activities and literacy-focused learning centers. All classrooms are led by qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure monitoring systems, modern learning environments, and spacious outdoor play areas. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher communication, developmental assessments, and enrichment programs including music and movement. Many Fairmont families choose this center for its established reputation, educational quality, and convenient location just off Highway 74.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fairmont, NC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Fairmont, NC, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Fairmont, NC, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). This includes family childcare homes and centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the DCDEE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This resource allows you to search for facilities in Fairmont (Robeson County) and view their license status, any recent violations, and their star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on program quality and education standards). It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fairmont, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In Fairmont and the surrounding Robeson County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $600 to $800 per month, while toddler care may range from $550 to $700 per month. These rates can vary based on the facility's star rating, curriculum, and whether it is a center or a home-based program. For financial assistance, North Carolina's Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "vouchers") is available for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply through the Robeson County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Fairmont to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Fairmont are limited but do exist. Most traditional daycare centers operate from approximately 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the area's agricultural, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. It is crucial to inquire directly with providers about their specific hours and potential for flexible arrangements. For reliable weekend care, you may need to look into registered in-home babysitters or nanny shares, as very few formal centers offer this service.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycare centers in Fairmont, and when should I start looking for a spot?
For the higher-rated (3-star and above) daycare centers and popular preschool programs in Fairmont, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before you need care, if possible. For less immediate needs, such as a toddler spot, a 3-6 month lead time is still recommended. Many facilities in the area have a centralized enrollment period in the spring for fall slots. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee and to check in periodically with the center to maintain your position.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning programs or curricula are commonly offered by daycares in Fairmont?
Many daycare centers in Fairmont utilize structured early learning curricula aligned with North Carolina's Early Learning and Development Standards. Common approaches include the Creative Curriculum, which is play-based and focuses on developmental domains, and Montessori-inspired methods. Several programs also incorporate elements of literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) appropriate for young children. As part of the NC Star Rated License system, higher-rated centers (4 or 5 stars) are required to implement more rigorous educational standards and often have degreed lead teachers. It's beneficial to ask providers about their daily schedule, learning philosophy, and how they prepare children for transition into the local public school system, such as Fairmont Elementary.