The Best Daycare Centers in Harris, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harris. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harris
The Growing Place Child Development Center
The Growing Place
The Growing Place Child Development Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 15 miles from Harris, serving the broader Cherokee County area. This center operates with a comprehensive educational approach featuring age-appropriate curricula including Creative Curriculum for younger children and structured preschool programs. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios with all lead teachers holding Early Childhood credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and extensive outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. They emphasize developmental milestones tracking, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Their reputation stems from consistent quality care and strong educational foundations that prepare children for kindergarten transition.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Little Angels Learning Center
Little Angels Learning Center serves the Murphy area and surrounding communities including Harris with a focus on holistic child development. Their curriculum blends structured learning with play-based activities, incorporating literacy development, math readiness, and social skills. The center maintains state-exceeding safety standards with secure facilities, comprehensive background checks for staff, and rigorous cleanliness protocols. Qualified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices in modern, well-equipped classrooms. The center offers flexible scheduling options and emphasizes cultural diversity through inclusive programming. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff longevity, and effective communication systems that keep families informed about their child's progress and daily activities.
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Tri-County Early Learning Center
Tri-County Community College
Operated through Tri-County Community College, this early learning center combines childcare with educational excellence, serving Harris and surrounding communities. The center functions as a lab school model where early childhood education students gain practical experience under the supervision of master teachers. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes STEM foundations, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features observation rooms, specialized learning centers, and expansive outdoor learning environments. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields, providing exceptional instructional quality. The center maintains the highest safety standards with comprehensive security systems and health protocols. Their unique college-affiliated status provides access to additional educational resources and professional development opportunities not typically available in standard childcare settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harris, NC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harris, NC, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harris, NC, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). This includes family childcare homes (serving up to 8 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program activities. To verify a facility's license and view its compliance history, including any recent violations, you can use the "Child Care Search" tool on the official NC DHHS website. It's highly recommended to check this database and even ask the provider directly for their license number and their most recent sanitation and fire inspection reports.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Harris, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Harris area (within Cherokee County), full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$650 to $850 per month**, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging **$600 to $750 per month**. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and operator (private vs. faith-based). For financial assistance, North Carolina's **Child Care Subsidy Program** (often referred to as "vouchers") is available to eligible families based on income, work, or school enrollment. You can apply through the Cherokee County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Harris to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Harris are very limited, as most home-based and center-based programs operate on a standard weekday schedule (approximately 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). This is common in smaller, rural communities. Parents with shift work, healthcare, or retail schedules often need to explore alternatives. Your best options are to 1) Inquire directly with local family childcare homes, as they may offer more flexible arrangements, 2) Consider a nanny share with another family in the area, or 3) Look for providers in nearby towns like Murphy or Andrews, which may have slightly more variety, though commute time becomes a factor.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Harris, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed facilities in Harris, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, in particular, can be significant. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months**, or even longer. For this reason, we strongly advise expecting parents or those planning a move to the area to begin contacting providers **as early as possible during pregnancy**. When you tour a facility, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on it? How often do they update families on their position? Do they give priority to siblings of current enrollees?
What outdoor or nature-based childcare programs are available for children in the Harris area?
Harris's location in the scenic mountains of Western North Carolina offers a great environment for nature-based learning. While there are no licensed forest schools directly in Harris, several local providers incorporate significant outdoor play and exploration into their daily routines, taking advantage of the natural setting. When touring facilities, ask about their outdoor play policy, the security of their play areas, and how often children go outside. For a more structured nature preschool experience, you may need to look at programs in the wider Cherokee County or neighboring Clay County. Additionally, the **Cherokee County Partnership for Children** is a great resource that may support local providers in implementing outdoor learning activities and can help connect parents with suitable programs.