The Best Daycare Centers in Havelock, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Havelock. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Havelock
Kiddie Academy of Havelock
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Havelock is a nationally recognized educational childcare center offering comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and secure classroom environments. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate lesson plans with low student-to-teacher ratios. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their included meal program, and features both indoor and outdoor learning environments with modern educational materials. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through daily reports and the developmentally appropriate activities.
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The Learning Experience - Havelock
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Havelock offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features bright, modern classrooms with dedicated learning centers and advanced security systems including biometric entry. Highly qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, interactive learning technology, and a comprehensive safety protocol system. Parents highlight the center's strong focus on school readiness and the regular progress updates provided through their parent communication app.
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Little Blessings Child Development Center
Independent
Little Blessings Child Development Center is a locally owned and operated facility serving Havelock families with a balanced approach to early childhood education that combines academic preparation with Christian values. The center implements Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning activities and developmental assessments. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive staff training, and regular safety drills. The experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and focuses on individualized attention. The facility offers spacious classrooms, separate age-appropriate playgrounds, and includes meals in their program. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and the center's strong community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Havelock, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Havelock, NC?
In Havelock, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $650 and $850 per month at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $600 to $750 per month. In-home family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $500 to $700 monthly. These costs are generally lower than the state average for North Carolina, reflecting Havelock's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some centers may also have registration or supply fees.
How can I verify if a daycare in Havelock is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Havelock must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. This tool shows the facility's star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on education standards and program quality), any recent violations, and the results of their last sanitation inspection. You can also contact the DCDEE Regional Office that serves Craven County for additional information. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person and ask the director to see their current license and most recent inspection report posted on-site.
Are there any daycare centers in Havelock that cater specifically to families associated with Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point?
Yes, Havelock's proximity to MCAS Cherry Point means several childcare options are familiar with the needs of military families. While there is no on-base childcare facility in Havelock itself (the main Child Development Center is on the Cherry Point base), several local centers offer priority or adjusted schedules for military families and may participate in the Department of Defense Fee Assistance program. It's advisable to inquire directly with centers about their experience with fluctuating schedules, deployments, and whether they accept military childcare subsidies. Some providers also offer "drop-in" care options, which can be helpful for families dealing with unexpected duty requirements.
What is the average waitlist time for infant care at highly-rated daycares in Havelock, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and strict infant-to-teacher ratios, waitlists for infant spots (especially at 4- and 5-star rated centers) in Havelock can be significant. It is common for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin touring facilities and getting on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting a center, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often should you check in? Is the list prioritized for siblings or military families? Being proactive and putting your name on multiple lists increases your chances of securing a spot when needed.
What resources are available in Havelock to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Several state and federal programs can assist eligible families in Havelock. The primary resource is the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "child care vouchers" or "Smart Start funding"), which is administered locally through the Craven County Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/education requirements. Military families stationed at MCAS Cherry Point may also qualify for fee assistance through military programs. Additionally, you can contact the **Partnership for Children of Craven & Pamlico Counties**, the local Smart Start initiative, for guidance on subsidy applications and referrals to participating high-quality childcare providers in the Havelock area.