The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Pauls, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Pauls. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Pauls
The Goddard School of Fayetteville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, daily cleanliness protocols, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents praise the structured learning environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive communication about child development progress.
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Primrose School of West Fayetteville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School provides Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. Features secure facilities with keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, nutritious meal programs, and dedicated learning spaces for different age groups. Highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development and low student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently note the school's excellent communication and strong academic preparation.
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Building Blocks Child Development Center
Independent
Building Blocks offers a comprehensive early childhood program with focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math concepts, social skills, and creative expression through hands-on activities. Features secure facilities with monitored access, experienced teaching staff with early childhood credentials, structured daily routines, and age-appropriate learning materials. Known for personalized attention and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Serves families throughout Robeson County including Saint Pauls area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Pauls, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Saint Pauls, NC?
In Saint Pauls and the surrounding Robeson County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable compared to larger North Carolina cities. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for a toddler or preschooler, and $140 to $220 per week for infant care. These rates are for licensed family childcare homes and smaller centers. Larger daycare centers in nearby Lumberton may be at the higher end of this range. It's important to note that many facilities in this area offer weekly or bi-weekly payment plans, and financial assistance may be available through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) subsidy program for eligible families.
How can I verify if a daycare in Saint Pauls is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Saint Pauls must be licensed by the State of North Carolina. The easiest way to verify licensing and review compliance history is to use the online "Child Care Search" tool provided by the NC DCDEE. You can search by the provider's name, location (Saint Pauls, NC 28384), or zip code. This public database shows the facility's license status (Family Child Care Home or Child Care Center), its star rating (from 1 to 5 stars based on education standards and program standards), and any recent compliance issues or violations. You can also call the DCDEE's regional office that serves Robeson County for additional information. Always visit a facility in person to complement your online research.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours for parents working non-traditional shifts in Saint Pauls?
Finding daycare with extended hours (early mornings before 7:00 AM or evenings past 6:00 PM) can be a challenge in Saint Pauls, as most licensed centers and homes operate on a fairly standard schedule (approx. 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best bet is to specifically seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some in-home providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers at local employers like the school district, Smithfield Foods, or the healthcare sector. It is crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs during your initial inquiry. For reliable overnight or very late-night care, you may need to look at providers in the broader Robeson County area or explore arrangements with registered, legally operating family, friend, or neighbor care.
What is the NC Star Rated License system, and what star ratings are common for daycares in Saint Pauls?
The North Carolina Star Rated License is a voluntary system that evaluates childcare programs beyond minimum state licensing requirements. Ratings from 1 to 5 stars indicate higher levels of quality in staff education and program standards. In Saint Pauls, you will find a mix of programs. Many smaller family childcare homes operate with a 1-star license (meets all baseline health and safety rules). Several centers and some homes pursue higher ratings. It's common to find 3-star and 4-star programs in the area, which require more educated lead teachers and better staff-to-child ratios. A 5-star rating, which often involves a nationally recognized accreditation, is less common locally. When touring, ask the director what their star rating is and what specific quality improvements it represents.
How long are waitlists for infant daycare spots in Saint Pauls, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to stricter infant-to-teacher ratios mandated by North Carolina law, infant daycare spots (for children under 12 months) are the most limited and often have the longest waitlists in Saint Pauls. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly recommended family homes to have a waitlist of 3 to 8 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed homes in nearby communities like Lumberton or Parkton, which may have more availability.