The Best Daycare Centers in Harrells, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrells. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrells
Bright Horizons at Clinton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Clinton offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focusing on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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First Baptist Church Weekday Education
First Baptist Church of Clinton
First Baptist Church Weekday Education provides a faith-based early childhood program that combines academic preparation with Christian values. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, play-based exploration, and social development. The center features experienced teachers with low student-teacher ratios, ensuring individualized attention. Safety is prioritized with secure check-in systems and trained staff. The program includes music, art, and physical activities in a nurturing environment. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community and regular communication about their child's progress and development.
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Wallace Child Development Center
Independent
Wallace Child Development Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. The center features state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains excellent safety records with secure facilities and emergency preparedness protocols. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and technology-integrated activities for older children. The center provides nutritional meals and emphasizes social-emotional development through structured group activities. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and their children's educational progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrells, NC
What types of licensed childcare options are available in and around Harrells, NC?
In Harrells and the surrounding Sampson County area, parents typically have access to several types of licensed childcare. These include family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence, often with a smaller number of children) and childcare centers. Due to Harrells' rural nature, many options may be home-based. For a wider selection, parents often look in nearby towns like Clinton, Wallace, or even Wilmington for larger centers. All licensed facilities in North Carolina are regulated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and must meet state standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications. You can search the official NC Child Care Search tool online to find licensed providers by zip code.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Harrells, and when should I start looking?
Given that Harrells is a smaller community with fewer dedicated childcare facilities, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care slots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular local family childcare homes or the nearest centers to have waitlists of 6 months to a year. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists (there may be a small fee), and check in periodically to update your information and express continued interest.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Harrells, NC?
Costs in Harrells and Sampson County are generally lower than the North Carolina state average, but they vary by provider type. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $125 - $175 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A childcare center in a nearby larger town may range from $150 - $225 per week. These are estimates; always confirm directly with providers. Financial assistance may be available through the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Are there any state-funded pre-kindergarten programs available for 4-year-olds in the Harrells area?
Yes, the NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K) program is a state-funded initiative for eligible 4-year-olds to help prepare them for kindergarten. In the Harrells area, these programs are typically administered through the Sampson County Schools system or contracted private providers. Eligibility is based on age, family income, and other developmental or educational risk factors. Space is limited, and enrollment is not guaranteed. Parents should contact the Sampson County Schools administrative office or the local Partnership for Children of Sampson County early in the calendar year before their child turns 4 to inquire about application processes and eligibility screenings.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare home or center in this rural area?
When touring a facility in Harrells, pay close attention to both universal standards and local considerations. First, verify their DCDEE license is current and posted. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to southeastern NC and their protocol for power outages. Inquire about transportation or field trips, especially given the rural roadways. Observe the outdoor play area for safety and fencing. For home-based providers, ensure the space dedicated to childcare is safe and separate from household hazards. Always ask for references from other local parents. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's engagement with the children and their communication style with you.