The Best Daycare Centers in Matthews, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Matthews. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Matthews
Primrose School of Matthews
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Matthews offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features dedicated infant rooms with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication apps for parents. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on learning. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, music rooms, and comprehensive safety protocols. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development.
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The Goddard School of Matthews
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Matthews provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The facility features secure entry systems, live streaming for parents, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and kindergarten readiness. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Additional amenities include outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, on-site chef preparing nutritious meals, and enrichment programs like yoga and foreign language.
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Childcare Network #116
Childcare Network
Childcare Network #116 serves the Matthews area with their comprehensive early education program featuring the exclusive STEAM-focused curriculum. The center offers age-appropriate learning environments with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and certified staff trained in CPR and first aid. Their educational approach includes hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities tailored to each developmental stage. The facility features separate playgrounds for different age groups, computer learning stations, and a structured daily schedule that balances academic instruction with physical activity. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Matthews, NC
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Matthews, NC?
In Matthews, NC, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,500 per month, while toddler care often falls between $950 and $1,300 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (corporate chain, private center, or licensed in-home daycare), the specific curriculum offered, and included amenities like meals or technology. Prices in Matthews are generally consistent with the Charlotte metro area average. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, as some centers may charge additional fees for registration, supplies, or extracurricular activities.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a childcare center in Matthews?
All licensed childcare facilities in Matthews, NC, are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). Parents can use the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website to look up any center or family childcare home. This database provides the facility's star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on education standards and program standards), its license status, any compliance history, and details from recent inspections, including any corrective actions. You can also contact the local DCDEE licensing consultant for the region for additional context.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Matthews, and how should I plan ahead?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Matthews, especially for infant classrooms. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. To plan effectively, parents should begin researching and touring facilities as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy if expecting. When placing your child on a list, ask specific questions about how the list is managed, if a deposit is required, how often you should check in, and the typical turnover rate for the desired age group.
What are the main types of childcare options available to parents in Matthews?
Parents in Matthews have several licensed options: Child Care Centers (both corporate chains and independent facilities), Family Child Care Homes (smaller, home-based settings licensed for up to 8 children), and Preschools (often with part-day programs for ages 2-5). Additionally, Matthews is home to several faith-based programs operated by churches. For school-age children, the Matthews Parks & Recreation Department and local YMCA branches offer before-and-after-school care, often with transportation from area elementary schools like Matthews Elementary or Crown Point Elementary.
Does the Town of Matthews or Mecklenburg County offer any financial assistance programs for childcare?
Yes, eligible families in Matthews (Mecklenburg County) can apply for the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps low- and moderate-income families pay for childcare. The application is managed by the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS). Additionally, some local centers may offer their own sibling discounts or scholarships. It's also worth exploring dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) through employers, which use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. For resources and referrals, parents can contact the local child care resource and referral agency, Child Care Resources Inc. (CCRI), which serves the Charlotte region.