The Best Daycare Centers in Raeford, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Raeford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Raeford
Little Blessings Child Development Center
Independent
Little Blessings Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local facility offering comprehensive childcare services from infancy through school age. The center features a structured educational curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math readiness, and social development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and implements age-appropriate learning activities. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and safe outdoor play areas with modern equipment. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication about child development progress. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks while maintaining rigorous safety protocols and cleanliness standards.
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Primrose School of Fayetteville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Fayetteville, located approximately 15 miles from Raeford, is part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools franchise known for its Balanced Learning® approach. The curriculum combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance to support cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Highly qualified teachers implement research-based educational programs with a focus on character development and school readiness. The center maintains excellent staff retention and provides comprehensive parent communication through daily updates and regular progress reports.
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Childcare Network #118
Childcare Network
Childcare Network #118 in Fayetteville serves families from Raeford and surrounding areas with their comprehensive early education programs. The center utilizes the proprietary "Experience Curriculum" that focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning activities. Their program includes age-appropriate technology integration, literacy-rich environments, and STEAM activities. The facility maintains strict safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain appropriate early childhood education credentials. The center offers flexible scheduling options and provides nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines, with many parents noting the center's consistent quality and reliable care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Raeford, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Raeford, NC?
In Raeford and the surrounding Hoke County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger North Carolina metro areas. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $130 to $180 per week for a toddler in a licensed family childcare home. Center-based care tends to be slightly higher, often ranging from $150 to $220 per week. Infant care is typically at the higher end of that scale due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. It's important to note that costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. Many providers in Raeford participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy Program, which can help eligible families with these costs.
How can I verify if a daycare in Raeford is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Raeford must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). The easiest way to verify a provider's license and review their history is to use the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. This public database allows you to search by the provider's name, city (Raeford), or zip code. The report will show the license status, capacity, any star-rated license level (on a 1 to 5 scale), and a history of compliance visits, including any cited violations. You can also contact the DCDEE's regional office that serves Hoke County for additional information.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours for parents working non-traditional shifts in Raeford?
Finding childcare with extended hours (early mornings, evenings, or weekends) can be a challenge in Raeford, as most licensed centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet for flexible hours is often licensed family childcare homes, some of which may accommodate shift workers. It's crucial to inquire directly with providers about their specific hours and any additional fees for early drop-off or late pick-up. Additionally, you may want to explore in-home nanny shares or registered babysitting networks within the community. Planning ahead is essential, as spots in programs offering extended hours are limited and often have waitlists.
What is the NC Star Rated License system, and what should I look for in a Raeford daycare's rating?
The North Carolina Star Rated License is a voluntary system that evaluates childcare providers on higher standards of quality beyond basic state licensing. The rating, from one to five stars, is based on staff education and credentials, program standards, and compliance history. In Raeford, a 3, 4, or 5-star rating indicates a program committed to higher-quality early learning. A 5-star rating is the highest. When comparing options, look not just at the star number, but also at *why* a program earned its rating. A higher star rating can sometimes correlate with higher tuition, but it also may provide access to state-funded pre-K slots and indicates a strong learning environment. You can view the detailed rationale for a facility's rating on the NC Child Care Search website.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare and preschool programs in Raeford, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after centers and highly-rated family childcare homes in Raeford, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant classrooms. It is not uncommon for parents to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), waitlists may be shorter but can still be several months long. We strongly recommend beginning your search and making inquiries at least 9-12 months before your needed start date, particularly if you require infant care. When touring a facility, always ask about their current waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Starting early provides the most options and reduces last-minute stress.