The Best Daycare Centers in Smithfield, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Smithfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Smithfield
Bright Horizons at Johnston Health
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Johnston Health is a highly-regarded childcare center offering comprehensive early education programs. The center features the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes language development, literacy, math concepts, and social-emotional learning. Staff includes qualified early childhood educators with specialized training in age-appropriate developmental practices. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Their nutrition program provides balanced meals, and they offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent communication and developmental milestone tracking.
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Primrose School of Clayton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Clayton serves families in the Smithfield area with their Balanced Learning approach, combining academic preparation with character development. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and social studies integrated with arts and physical development. Certified teachers implement the proprietary Primrose curriculum with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured environment, and the visible developmental progress children make throughout their enrollment.
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Kids 'R' Kids of Clayton
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies
Kids 'R' Kids of Clayton offers advanced curriculum programs with a focus on early brain development and school readiness. Their STEAM-based approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) is integrated throughout all age groups. The facility features interactive whiteboards, dedicated learning labs, and secure indoor/outdoor play areas. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood education best practices. The center provides real-time updates to parents through their proprietary mobile app and maintains strict safety protocols including secured access and comprehensive monitoring systems. Their meal program is nutritionally balanced and meets USDA guidelines, making them a popular choice for families seeking comprehensive childcare solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Smithfield, NC
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Smithfield, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Smithfield and the broader Johnston County area, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $700 to $950 per month. Costs can vary based on the center's accreditation, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, parents should explore the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education's (DCDEE) **Subsidy Program**, often called the "child care voucher." Eligibility is based on income, work, and/or school enrollment. Locally, you can apply through the Johnston County Department of Social Services in Smithfield. Additionally, some centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare center in Smithfield?
All licensed childcare facilities in North Carolina are regulated by the DCDEE. To verify a center's license and view its compliance history, you should use the official **NC Child Care Search** tool online. This public database allows you to search by facility name, city (Smithfield), or zip code. It will show the license status, star rating (from 1 to 5 stars), capacity, and detailed summaries of any monitoring visits, including non-compliance issues and how they were corrected. You can also contact the DCDEE's Raleigh regional office for specific questions. Always choose a center that is actively licensed, and reviewing their most recent inspection report is a critical step in your evaluation.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in Smithfield, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to high demand, especially for infant rooms, waitlist times in Smithfield can range from 3 to 9 months, and sometimes longer for highly-rated centers. It's common for parents to get on multiple waitlists during pregnancy. To improve your chances, start your search early and be proactive. Contact centers directly to understand their specific process—some require a non-refundable fee to hold a spot on the list. Follow up politely every 2-3 months to confirm your place. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Clayton or Benson, and explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
Are there any daycare centers in Smithfield that offer specialized programs, such as for children with allergies or developmental support?
Yes, several centers in Smithfield are equipped to handle specific needs. For children with severe allergies (e.g., food, bee stings), look for centers that have staff trained in administering epinephrine and clear policies on allergen-safe environments. The state's star-rated license system often indicates higher quality standards in health and safety. For developmental support, inquire if the center has staff with training in inclusive practices or partnerships with the **Johnston County Partnership for Children**, which can provide on-site consultation through programs like NC Pre-K. It's essential to schedule a tour, discuss your child's needs in detail with the director, and review their written policy on accommodations and medication administration.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Smithfield, and how do I decide which is right for my family?
Daycare centers in Smithfield are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They often have more rigid hours but may offer enrichment programs. Licensed family childcare homes operate in a provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 8 children) in a home-like environment, often with more flexible hours and potentially lower costs. To decide, consider your child's temperament and your schedule. A family home may offer more personalized care and consistency with a single caregiver, which is great for very young children. A center may provide more social interaction with peers and a structured educational approach. Tour both types, check their DCDEE star ratings and inspection reports, and trust your instincts about the environment and caregiver rapport.