The Best Daycare Centers in Tarboro, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tarboro. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tarboro
Bright Beginnings Christian Academy
Independent
Bright Beginnings Christian Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education with a Christian foundation. The center features a structured curriculum that combines play-based learning with academic preparation, focusing on social, emotional, and cognitive development. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios, and the facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. The center emphasizes character development, parental involvement, and provides nutritious meals. Their longevity in the community and strong parent satisfaction ratings make them a top choice for Tarboro families seeking quality childcare with Christian values.
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Kidz World Learning Center
Independent
Kidz World Learning Center provides a nurturing educational environment with a focus on early childhood development through creative learning experiences. The center offers a balanced curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and arts integration. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the individual attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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Primrose School of Rocky Mount
Primrose Schools
As part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network, this Rocky Mount location serves families throughout the region including Tarboro with their acclaimed Balanced Learning® approach. The center combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from highly qualified teachers who hold early childhood education degrees. Their research-based curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and character while maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. With exceptional safety records, comprehensive parent communication systems, and outstanding educational outcomes, this facility consistently ranks as one of Eastern North Carolina's premier childcare options despite being located in nearby Rocky Mount.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tarboro, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Tarboro, NC?
In Tarboro and the surrounding Edgecombe County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For an infant (under 2 years old), you can expect to pay an average of **$650 to $850 per month** at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (ages 2-3), the average cost is typically **$550 to $750 per month**. Home-based family childcare programs may sometimes offer slightly lower rates. It's important to note that these are averages, and prices can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or lower for programs that participate in state subsidy programs. Always inquire about what is included in the tuition (meals, diapers, formula, etc.). Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) subsidy program.
How can I verify if a daycare in Tarboro is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in North Carolina must be licensed by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). To verify a Tarboro daycare's license and review its history, you should: 1. Visit the official **NC Child Care Search** website (childcaresearch.dhhs.nc.gov). 2. Search by the program's name, location (Tarboro, NC 27886), or license number. 3. The detailed report will show the facility's license status (Active, Provisional, etc.), its star-rated license level (a quality rating from 1 to 5 stars), capacity, and ages served. 4. Crucially, you can view the facility's **compliance history**, including any past violations, substantiated complaints, and the dates of their last monitoring visits. You can also contact the DCDEE Regional Office that serves Edgecombe County for additional information. Always visit a center in person and ask the director to see their current license.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Tarboro, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for infant and toddler care in Tarboro can be significant, especially for the higher-rated (4- and 5-star) centers. It is not uncommon for popular programs to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months** for infants. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search **as early as possible—during the first or second trimester of pregnancy** is ideal. For toddler spots, starting your search at least 4-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to be on it? How often is it updated? How are spots offered (by date of application or other criteria)? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Tarboro, as they may have more immediate availability.
What are the key differences between a childcare center and a family childcare home in Tarboro?
In Tarboro, parents typically choose between two main licensed options: * **Childcare Centers:** These are facilities located in commercial or institutional buildings (like churches or schools). They often have multiple classrooms, more staff, and structured curricula (like Creative Curriculum or Montessori). They may offer care for larger groups of children and have specific hours of operation (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). * **Family Childcare Homes:** These are licensed programs operated out of the provider's own home in Tarboro neighborhoods. They offer a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often provide more flexible hours and may be more affordable. Both types are regulated by the same NC DCDEE standards for health, safety, and education, but the intimate setting of a home can be a major draw for many families.
What resources are available in Tarboro to help me find and compare local childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves Edgecombe County. This is a free service funded by the state. You can contact the **Southwestern Child Development Commission** (which serves this region) for personalized referrals. They maintain a database of all licensed providers in Tarboro and can help you find options that match your needs for location, hours, and child's age. Additionally, you can use the online NC Child Care Search tool mentioned earlier. For community-specific insights, consider asking for recommendations in local Facebook groups like "Tarboro, NC Community" or from your pediatrician at the Vidant Multispecialty Clinic or other local practices. The Edgecombe County Public Schools may also have information on pre-K programs for 4-year-olds.