The Best Daycare Centers in Gloucester, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gloucester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gloucester
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Gloucester area with a comprehensive educational program. Their curriculum focuses on age-appropriate developmental milestones through hands-on learning activities and structured play. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include secure indoor classrooms with modern learning materials and safe outdoor play areas. They emphasize literacy development, social skills, and STEM activities while maintaining rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent communication system.
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Kiddie Academy of Morehead City
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Morehead City provides high-quality educational childcare serving families throughout Carteret County, including Gloucester residents. Their Life Essentials® curriculum integrates character development, literacy, mathematics, and science through hands-on learning experiences. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Safety measures include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular facility inspections. The modern facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and technology-integrated learning spaces. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their proprietary app and the focus on preparing children for academic success.
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The Learning Station
Independent
The Learning Station has built a strong reputation for quality childcare serving the greater Carteret County area, including Gloucester families. Their educational approach balances structured academic preparation with creative expression and social development. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who implement a play-based curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, and science concepts. Facilities include secure, well-equipped classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and safe outdoor play spaces. The center emphasizes nutritional wellness with balanced meal programs and maintains strict health and safety protocols. Known for their family-oriented atmosphere and consistent staff retention, they provide reliable care with flexible scheduling options for working parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gloucester, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Gloucester, NC?
In Gloucester and the surrounding Carteret County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $650 and $850 per month for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare homes are often slightly more affordable, typically ranging from $550 to $750 per month. These rates are generally lower than the state average for North Carolina, reflecting the area's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Additionally, parents may be eligible for financial assistance through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education's (DCDEE) subsidy program.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare in Gloucester?
All licensed childcare providers in North Carolina are regulated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history online through the DCDEE Child Care Search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or Gloucester's zip code (28528) to see a list. The report will show the license type (center or family home), star rating (from 1 to 5 stars), capacity, and any recent violations or commendations. For Gloucester specifically, you can also contact the Carteret County Partnership for Children, a local resource and referral agency, for help navigating these records and understanding what the ratings mean for quality and safety.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Gloucester, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to Gloucester's smaller, more rural setting, the number of licensed facilities is limited compared to larger cities. While not all centers have extensive waitlists, the most sought-after providers, especially those with high star ratings or convenient locations near major employers, often do. For infant care spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, it is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. For toddler or preschool-age children, 3 to 6 months of lead time is recommended. Be proactive: contact multiple centers and family homes, ask about their specific waitlist process and fees, and check in periodically to keep your application active.
What are my options for before- and after-school care for school-age children in Gloucester?
For school-age children attending Smyrna Elementary School (which serves the Gloucester community), the primary option for before- and after-school care is often the school's own program, if available, or programs offered by local licensed childcare centers that provide transportation to and from the school. Given the rural nature of the area, dedicated standalone after-school programs are less common. Some in-home family childcare providers may also offer school-age care. A key resource is the Carteret County Partnership for Children, which maintains a referral list of licensed providers offering school-age care. Planning ahead is crucial, as these slots can be limited and may align with the school district's calendar.
What local resources in Carteret County can help me find and choose quality childcare in Gloucester?
The primary local resource is the **Carteret County Partnership for Children (CCPC)**. This organization is your go-to for free, personalized childcare referrals. They can provide a list of licensed providers in the Gloucester area that match your specific needs (hours, age of child, etc.). Furthermore, they help parents understand the state's Star Rated License system, which evaluates education, program standards, and compliance. The CCPC also administers the NC Pre-K program for eligible 4-year-olds and may offer parenting workshops. You can contact them directly or visit their website. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups or social media can provide valuable firsthand insights into specific providers.
Nearby Cities
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