The Best Daycare Centers in Leicester, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leicester. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leicester
Bright Horizons at Biltmore Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Biltmore Park is a highly-regarded early education center located approximately 15 minutes from Leicester. The center features a comprehensive emergent curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through project-based learning and STEAM activities. Their qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. Bright Horizons emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and hands-on exploration. They maintain NAEYC accreditation and follow strict health and safety protocols, including comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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The Goddard School of Asheville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Asheville serves the Leicester community with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation with social development. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts into daily activities. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, live streaming cameras for parent monitoring, and modern classroom technology. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum emphasizes character development, problem-solving skills, and kindergarten readiness while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention for each child.
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Small Miracles Montessori Academy
Small Miracles Montessori
Small Miracles Montessori Academy offers authentic Montessori education serving families in the Leicester area. The school provides child-directed learning in carefully prepared environments with Montessori-certified teachers. Their program emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language acquisition, and mathematical thinking through hands-on Montessori materials. The facility features beautiful natural outdoor classrooms, organic gardens, and thoughtfully designed indoor spaces that encourage independence and concentration. The school maintains AMI-recognized standards and focuses on developing capable, confident children who love learning. They offer extended care options and maintain excellent staff retention rates with many teachers having 10+ years of experience at the school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leicester, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Leicester, NC?
In Leicester and the surrounding Buncombe County area, daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time infant care. Toddler care is often slightly less, typically ranging from $700 to $1,000 per month. Home-based family childcare in Leicester may offer more affordable options, often ranging from $600 to $900 monthly. It's important to note that costs in Western North Carolina have been rising, and many facilities have waiting lists, so budgeting early and inquiring about potential financial assistance through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) or local programs is highly recommended.
How do I verify if a daycare provider in Leicester is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All childcare providers in North Carolina must be licensed by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the DCDEE website. When visiting a potential daycare in Leicester, look for a posted license, ask about staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants), and observe the environment for safety, cleanliness, and engagement. Specifically ask about their emergency procedures for severe weather, which is relevant in our mountainous region. A quality provider will be transparent about their curriculum, staff qualifications, and daily routines.
Are there any nature-based or outdoor-focused preschool programs available in the Leicester area?
Yes, Leicester's rural setting in the mountains of Western North Carolina makes it an ideal location for nature-based early learning. While specific programs may be limited within Leicester's immediate boundaries, several renowned nature-based preschools and forest schools operate in nearby Asheville and the broader Buncombe County. These programs often incorporate daily outdoor exploration, gardening, and environmental education into their curriculum. Due to high demand and unique offerings, these programs often have extensive waitlists and may require early application. It's worth the commute for many local families seeking this educational philosophy.
What resources are available in Leicester for parents seeking subsidized childcare or financial assistance?
Parents in Leicester seeking help with childcare costs should first contact the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services. They administer the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program (often referred to as "vouchers" or "subsidy"), which provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, work, school, or other qualifying activities. Additionally, local organizations like the Children & Family Resource Center of Henderson County (serving the region) can provide guidance and referrals. Some Leicester-area daycare centers may also offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Leicester, and when should I start my search?
Waitlists for quality daycare, especially for infants, in Leicester and the greater Asheville area can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. The limited number of facilities in a more rural community like Leicester contributes to this scarcity. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize local residents? Being proactive and persistent is key to securing a spot.