The Best Daycare Centers in High Point, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in High Point. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in High Point
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House offers comprehensive early childhood education with a structured curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills development. Their Play-Based Learning approach incorporates Creative Curriculum standards with age-appropriate activities. Facilities feature secure entry systems, daily communication apps for parents, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and offer extended hours to accommodate working families. Their long-standing reputation and comprehensive safety protocols make them a trusted choice in the community.
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Primrose School of High Point
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of High Point follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their approach emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure keypad entry, live-streaming cameras for parent viewing, and age-appropriate learning environments. All teachers maintain early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical education.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Palladium
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare center provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development. Their approach includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, and science exploration through hands-on activities. The center features secure building access, fenced playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Qualified teachers maintain child development credentials and participate in continuous training. The program includes healthy meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent communication through their mobile app and family conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in High Point, NC
What are the typical costs for daycare in High Point, NC, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In High Point, daycare costs vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $700 to $1,000 monthly. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, averaging $600 to $850 per month. For financial assistance, Guilford County (where High Point is located) offers the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of Greater High Point and the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region can help connect parents with sliding-scale options or scholarship opportunities through specific centers.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in High Point, and what are North Carolina's key childcare regulations?
All childcare facilities in High Point must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:10 for 3-year-olds), required background checks for all employees, annual health and safety inspections, and minimum educational requirements for lead teachers. In High Point, the local DCDEE office also conducts unannounced visits. Always ask a center for their license number and look for it posted visibly on-site.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in High Point, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality daycare centers and popular in-home providers in High Point, especially for infant care slots, which are the most limited due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting a child, to get on waitlists during your second trimester. Some of the most sought-after centers affiliated with large employers, faith-based organizations, or with high Star Rated License ratings may have waitlists exceeding a year. Be prepared to contact multiple providers, get on several lists, and follow up periodically to check your status.
What is the NC Star Rated License system, and how can I use it to choose a daycare in High Point?
The NC Star Rated License is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system that goes beyond basic licensing. Facilities are rated from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest. The rating assesses staff education, program standards, and compliance history. In High Point, using this system is one of the best ways to compare quality. You can filter by star rating on the state's Child Care Search website. A 3, 4, or 5-star center has met higher standards for teacher qualifications and learning environments. However, a 1-star rating only means they meet minimum licensing requirements, not that they are unsafe. Always visit a center in person, regardless of its star rating, to see if it's the right fit for your child.
What are some of the main types of childcare options available specifically in High Point, and where are they typically located?
High Point offers a range of childcare options to fit different needs. These include: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: Often located in commercial areas, near major employers like High Point Regional Health (Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist), or in community centers. 2) **Family Childcare Homes**: Licensed providers operating out of their residences, common in residential neighborhoods throughout the city. 3) **Faith-Based Preschools & Daycares**: Many churches in High Point operate programs, such as those affiliated with Wesleyan Memorial United Methodist Church or First Presbyterian Church, which often offer part-day preschool and extended care. 4) **Employer-Sponsored Care**: Some larger employers may have partnerships or on-site facilities. 5) **Public Pre-K**: The Guilford County Schools system offers NC Pre-K programs for eligible 4-year-olds at select elementary schools. The High Point Public Library and parks & recreation department also offer supplemental programs and resources for parents.
Childcare Insights for High Point
Finding quality, affordable childcare can feel like one of the most daunting challenges for a family working within a tight budget. If you're in High Point, North Carolina, and searching for "low income daycare near me," know that you are not alone, and there are local pathways and resources designed to help. The good news is that our community has several options and support systems that can make this essential service more accessible. The key is knowing where to look and how to navigate the available assistance.
A crucial first step for any family in High Point is to connect with the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services. They administer the North Carolina Subsidized Child Care Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families. Your eligibility is based on income, family size, and your reason for needing care, such as employment or attending school. Applying for this subsidy can significantly reduce your weekly co-pay, making licensed daycare centers and family childcare homes a realistic option. It's important to begin this application process as soon as possible, as there can be waiting lists.
When exploring specific daycare options in High Point that accept subsidy vouchers, you'll find several wonderful centers committed to serving our community. Places like the YMCA of High Point or programs affiliated with the Guilford Child Development network often have slots for subsidized care and offer high-quality early learning environments. Don't hesitate to call centers directly and ask two key questions: "Do you accept the state childcare subsidy?" and "Do you have any current openings for my child's age group?" Being upfront about your need for subsidized care will save you time and point you toward the most supportive providers.
Beyond the state subsidy, look into local organizations that offer sliding scale fees based on income. Some faith-based daycare centers and nonprofit early learning programs in High Point operate with a mission to serve all families, regardless of financial circumstance. Additionally, consider registered family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based settings that can sometimes be more affordable and flexible while still providing nurturing care. The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education website has a search tool where you can find all licensed providers in the 27260, 27262, and 27265 zip codes, allowing you to filter and contact them one by one.
Remember, securing this care is an investment in your child's future and your family's stability. While the search in High Point requires patience and persistence, the resources are here. Start with the Guilford County DHHS, arm yourself with a list of licensed providers, and make those calls. Our community is full of dedicated educators and caregivers who want to support your child's growth. Taking these steps, one at a time, can lead you to a safe, engaging, and affordable daycare solution right here in High Point.