The Best Daycare Centers in Speed, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Speed. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Speed
The Goddard School of Rocky Mount
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Rocky Mount provides a premier early childhood education program serving families in the Speed area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning. The school features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum, qualified staff, and excellent communication.
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Primrose School of Rocky Mount
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Rocky Mount offers a balanced learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, and science skills. The school employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility features bright, well-organized classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and a dedicated music room. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and developmental updates. Their nutrition program provides balanced meals and snacks prepared on-site.
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Kiddie Academy of Rocky Mount
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Rocky Mount utilizes their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character education, STEM learning, and literacy development. The academy serves the Speed community with age-appropriate programs from infants through school-age children. Their educational approach focuses on hands-on learning experiences that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The facility includes secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, and emergency preparedness plans. Teachers receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education best practices. The academy features interactive smart boards in classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and a comprehensive library. Parents appreciate the structured daily routines, experienced staff, and focus on school readiness skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Speed, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Speed, NC, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Speed and the surrounding Edgecombe County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $600 to $850 per month, while toddler care is generally between $550 and $750 per month. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, North Carolina's primary program is the Child Care Subsidy (also known as the voucher program), administered by the Edgecombe County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, work, and/or school attendance. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Edgecombe County DSS directly and inquire with individual providers about their specific payment options and potential waitlists for subsidy slots.
How can I verify if a daycare or home childcare in Speed is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in North Carolina are regulated by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any violations, through the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. Simply enter the provider's name or location (Speed, NC). This report will show their star rating (a 1 to 5-star scale based on education standards and program quality), license status, capacity, and details of any monitoring visits or non-compliance issues. For home-based facilities (Family Child Care Homes), ensure they are listed as licensed and not merely "registered," which has different requirements. Always visit in person and ask the director to see their current license certificate.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers in Speed, especially for infants?
Availability in Speed is often limited, particularly for infants (children under 12 months), due to stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. It is very common for reputable centers and licensed family homes to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. The best strategy is to begin your search during pregnancy or at least 3-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers directly to inquire about their current openings and waitlist procedures (some may charge a small fee to hold a spot). Exploring options in nearby towns like Tarboro, Pinetops, or Rocky Mount may provide more choices, though this will add commute time. Persistence and flexibility on start dates are key.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school childcare options available for school-age children in Speed?
Structured part-time and drop-in care options are limited within Speed itself due to its small size. However, there are alternatives. For school-age children, the primary option is often the before- and after-school program operated by Edgecombe County Public Schools, which may be available at your child's elementary school. For more flexible or drop-in care, parents typically need to look at licensed centers or family homes in larger neighboring communities like Tarboro that may offer hourly care. Another resource is the NC Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region (often accessed through the **Southwestern Child Development Commission** or **Partnership for Children** network), which can provide a customized referral list of providers offering non-traditional hours or part-time schedules.
What are the key questions I should ask during a tour of a daycare center or family childcare home in Speed?
Beyond general questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to local and state standards. Key questions include: "What is your current star rating from the NC Division of Child Development, and what are your goals for improving it?" "Can you explain your staff's qualifications and ongoing training requirements?" "What is your policy and plan for emergency situations, including severe weather common to Eastern NC?" "How do you communicate with parents on a daily basis (apps, sheets, etc.)?" "What is your sick child policy, and how do you handle closures for local events or weather?" Also, observe the cleanliness, safety of the outdoor play area, and how caregivers interact with the children. Trusting your instincts about the environment is crucial.