The Best Daycare Centers in Marietta, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marietta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marietta
Bright Horizons at Lumberton
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lumberton offers a comprehensive educational curriculum based on The World at Their Fingertips approach, focusing on language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training in child development. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and implements rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents praise the center's communication systems and developmental milestone tracking.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Lumberton
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Lumberton provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The center features dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and dramatic play, along with outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes nutritional meal programs and maintains strict health and safety protocols including regular sanitization and emergency preparedness drills. Parents consistently highlight the center's warm environment and effective communication about their child's progress and daily activities.
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Fairmont Early Learning Academy
Independent
Fairmont Early Learning Academy offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center features small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios and experienced educators trained in early childhood development. Curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments, age-appropriate outdoor play spaces, and modern educational materials. The academy emphasizes parent partnership through regular progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and ongoing staff training in emergency procedures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marietta, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Marietta, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Marietta and the surrounding Robeson County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week, while toddler and preschool care often costs between $100 and $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average, reflecting the local cost of living. For financial assistance, parents should apply for the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Subsidized Child Care Program. Eligibility is based on income, work, and/or school enrollment. Additionally, local providers like the Robeson County Partnership for Children may offer guidance and potential resources for sliding-scale fees or scholarships for qualifying families.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a childcare center or home in Marietta?
All licensed childcare providers in Marietta must be regulated by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the "Child Care Search" tool on the official NC Child Care website. This public database allows you to search by county (Robeson), city, or provider name. It displays the license type (center or family home), star rating (1-5 stars), capacity, and detailed inspection reports, including any non-compliance issues and how they were corrected. You can also contact the DCDEE's local Child Care Referral Specialist for Robeson County for personalized assistance.
Are there many licensed in-home daycare options (family child care homes) in Marietta, and what are their advantages?
Licensed family child care homes are a popular option in Marietta and rural Robeson County, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups. Their availability can vary, so it's important to search the state database and ask for local referrals. Advantages for Marietta families often include more flexible hours that may accommodate shift work common in local industries, potentially lower costs, and a consistent caregiver in a neighborhood setting. They must meet the same state health, safety, and educational standards as centers. A key local advantage is that they may be located closer to your home, reducing commute time in a county with larger geographic distances between towns.
What is the NC Star Rated License system, and what star ratings are common for providers in the Marietta area?
The NC Star Rated License is a voluntary system that evaluates childcare providers on higher standards beyond minimum licensing. Ratings range from 1 to 5 stars, based on staff education, program standards, and compliance history. In Marietta and Robeson County, you will find a mix of providers. Many operate at the 3-star level, which indicates a good standard of care with staff who have some early childhood education. A 4 or 5-star rating is less common but signifies a higher-quality program with more educated teachers and a stronger curriculum. When touring, ask providers about their star rating and what specific quality improvements they have made to achieve it, such as staff training in literacy or social-emotional development.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in Marietta, and what factors affect availability?
Due to the limited number of facilities in a smaller community like Marietta, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, especially for infant slots, which are the most limited. For preschool-age children, 3-6 months may be sufficient. Availability is heavily influenced by local factors such as the staffing challenges that many rural providers face and the seasonal demand from families connected to the local school system and regional agriculture. Some centers may have longer waitlists than others based on their reputation, star rating, or specific programs offered. Always ask for an estimated timeline and check back periodically to express continued interest.