The Best Daycare Centers in Norman, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Norman. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Norman
The Goddard School of Concord
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Concord offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms with modern learning materials. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach including yoga, foreign language exposure, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
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Cadence Academy Preschool of Concord
Cadence Education
Cadence Academy Preschool of Concord provides a research-based curriculum focusing on whole-child development through their Ascend Curriculum. The center features low student-to-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, and comprehensive security systems including coded entry. Their program includes music and movement, literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills building. The facility offers spacious indoor learning environments and secure outdoor play areas. They stand out for their strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, plus their emphasis on creating a nurturing environment that fosters independence and confidence in young learners.
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Primrose School of Kannapolis
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Kannapolis delivers the nationally-recognized Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their accredited program focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure environments with age-appropriate learning centers, dedicated music and art rooms, and safe outdoor playgrounds. Their teaching staff includes degreed early childhood professionals who participate in continuous training. What distinguishes Primrose is their exclusive partnership with leading children's hospitals for health and safety protocols, plus their integrated character development program that teaches compassion and citizenship from an early age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Norman, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Norman, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Norman and the surrounding Cleveland County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $700 to $900 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $650 to $800 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's accreditation, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities like meals or curriculum. For financial assistance, parents in Norman can apply for the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program (also known as the voucher program) through the Cleveland County Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in nearby Shelby or Charlotte for possible Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in Norman, NC, and what are North Carolina's key regulations for child care centers?
All licensed child care facilities in North Carolina are regulated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a daycare's license, view its compliance history, and read any inspection reports online through the NC Child Care Search tool on the official 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 staff, and annual health and safety inspections. In Norman specifically, you can also contact the Cleveland County Partnership for Children, a local resource that supports quality improvement and can help parents understand licensing standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Norman, and what are the best strategies for securing a spot?
Due to Norman's smaller size and proximity to larger employment centers like Shelby and Charlotte, quality daycare options can have limited availability, leading to waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 4-6 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple providers, get on several waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Casar, Lawndale, or Shelby, and explore licensed family child care homes, which may have more immediate openings.
What types of childcare options are available in Norman besides traditional daycare centers?
Norman offers a few alternative childcare options to suit different family needs. Licensed family child care homes operate in residential settings, often providing a smaller, home-like environment for a mixed-age group. For part-time or flexible care, you might find in-home nannies or babysitters through local networks or online platforms, though these are less formal. Given Norman's rural setting, some families also utilize informal care from trusted neighbors or relatives. For preschool-age children, you may find part-day programs through local churches or the Cleveland County Schools pre-kindergarten program, which has income eligibility requirements. The Norman Public Library also offers occasional parent-child programs that can supplement care.
What resources are available in Norman to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider?
The primary local resource is the Cleveland County Partnership for Children (CCPFC), located in nearby Shelby. They administer the NC Star Rated License system, which assesses programs on a 1 to 5-star scale based on education standards, program quality, and compliance. They can provide referrals and explain what the star ratings mean. You can also schedule tours and ask providers specific questions about their curriculum, staff qualifications, emergency procedures, and parent communication policies. For real-world insights, connect with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Norman, NC Community" or "Cleveland County Moms") to get personal recommendations and experiences. Always check a facility's most recent state inspection reports for any noted violations.