The Best Daycare Centers in Stella, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stella. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stella
The Goddard School of Shelby
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Shelby offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and creative arts. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the professional, nurturing staff who create a safe, engaging learning environment for children from infancy through kindergarten.
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Kidz Academy Learning Center
Independent
Kidz Academy Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong emphasis on early childhood development and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® elements with hands-on learning activities, phonics instruction, and social-emotional development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-separated classrooms, and fenced outdoor play areas. Qualified teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center offers flexible scheduling and serves nutritious USDA-approved meals. Parents consistently commend the caring staff, clean facilities, and the visible developmental progress children make in both academic and social skills.
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Lawndale Baptist Church Child Development Center
Lawndale Baptist Church
Lawndale Baptist Church Child Development Center offers a Christ-centered educational environment combined with high-quality early childhood programming. Their curriculum integrates biblical principles with age-appropriate academic instruction, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social development. The center maintains excellent safety standards with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Experienced teachers with early childhood certifications create nurturing classroom environments. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and safe outdoor playgrounds. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere, consistent communication, and the balance of spiritual foundation with academic preparation that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stella, NC
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Stella, NC?
In Stella, NC, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $700 to $900 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $650 and $850 per month. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger North Carolina cities like Raleigh or Charlotte. Home-based family childcare in the Stella area can sometimes be 10-20% less expensive. It's important to note that costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum (like Montessori or faith-based programs), and staff-to-child ratios. Many providers in Carteret County, where Stella is located, participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program, which can help eligible families offset these costs.
How do I verify that a daycare in Stella is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare facilities in Stella, North Carolina, are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the NC DHHS website. During an in-person tour in Stella, look for the license certificate posted visibly, ask about staff qualifications (NC requires lead teachers to have specific education credentials), and observe the environment for safety and cleanliness. Specifically, ask about their emergency plans for coastal weather events common to the area. Also, inquire about their playground safety and how they handle field trips, given Stella's proximity to natural areas like the Croatan National Forest and the coast.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Stella, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to Stella's smaller, community-oriented size, waitlists can vary significantly. For the most sought-after centers or in-home providers, especially those serving infants and toddlers, waitlists of 3 to 9 months are not uncommon. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the Stella area begin contacting providers during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6 months before their needed start date. Some larger employers in nearby Morehead City or Havelock may have partnerships with local centers, so inquire about employer-sponsored slots. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Stella area?
For school-age children attending White Oak Elementary or other schools in the Carteret County Public School system serving Stella, there are several options. Some local daycare centers offer before and after-school transportation and care programs. The Carteret County Parks and Recreation Department may also offer after-school programs at community centers. Additionally, some in-home family childcare providers cater to school-age children, providing care, homework help, and activities until parents get off work. It's crucial to confirm transportation logistics, as Stella is a more rural community, and ensure the program is licensed for school-age care by the NC DCDEE.
What resources are available in Carteret County to help me find and choose quality childcare near Stella?
The primary local resource is the Carteret Partnership for Children, which is the local Smart Start agency. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed childcare that fits their needs in Stella and throughout the county. They can provide information on quality ratings (via the NC Star Rated License system), subsidy assistance, and early education programs. You can contact them by phone or visit their office in Morehead City. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media or through community hubs like the Western Carteret Public Library can provide personal recommendations and insights into the reputation of local providers.