The Best Daycare Centers in Wallace, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wallace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wallace
Bright Horizons at Wilmington
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Wilmington is a nationally recognized childcare center located approximately 30 minutes from Wallace. They implement the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which focuses on language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor learning environments. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, STEM learning, and school readiness skills through play-based and structured activities.
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Primrose School of Wilmington at Medical Center
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wilmington offers the Balanced Learning approach, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from educated teachers. Their curriculum includes literacy development, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The school is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences, plus additional enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical development.
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Something Special Learning Center
Independent
Something Special Learning Center is a locally owned and operated childcare facility serving the Wallace community directly. They provide a comprehensive early childhood program that balances academic preparation with social development. The center features a structured daily schedule including circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, and rest periods. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through age-appropriate activities in literacy, mathematics, and science. The facility maintains state licensing requirements with qualified teachers, secure premises, and nutritional meal programs. Parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere and individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wallace, NC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Wallace, NC, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Wallace, North Carolina, all childcare facilities, including family childcare homes and centers, must be licensed by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. For example, for toddlers, the ratio is 1:6. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the official NC DHHS website. It's highly recommended to visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted. Local options in Wallace may include both licensed centers and smaller, licensed family homes.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wallace, NC?
The cost of childcare in Wallace is generally more affordable than in larger North Carolina metros like Raleigh or Wilmington, but it varies by provider type. On average, parents can expect to pay between **$600 to $850 per month** for full-time care at a licensed center for an infant or toddler. Licensed family childcare homes may range from **$500 to $700 per month**. These are estimates, and prices can depend on the program's curriculum, hours, and included amenities (like meals). It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate. For financial assistance, eligible families in Duplin County (where Wallace is located) can apply for the NC Child Care Subsidy Program through the county's Department of Social Services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Wallace, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a smaller town like Wallace, popular and highly-rated facilities often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer a priority for siblings or local residents. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can also provide more immediate availability and a smaller setting, which are common alternatives in the Wallace area.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Wallace, NC?
Parents in Wallace typically have access to several types of licensed care. These include: 1) **Childcare Centers**: These are structured facilities, often with multiple classrooms and set curricula (e.g., faith-based or Montessori-inspired). 2) **Family Childcare Homes**: Licensed care provided in a provider's residence, offering a home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which is very common in residential areas of Wallace. 3) **Part-Day Preschools**: Often affiliated with churches or community organizations, these may offer programs for 3-5 year olds. For school-age children, the Wallace-Rose Hill area schools and local community centers may offer before/after-school programs. Due to the rural nature, there are fewer large corporate chains, with care often being locally owned and operated.
What local resources in Wallace or Duplin County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Duplin County Partnership for Children (DCPC)**, a nonprofit that administers the NC Pre-K program and offers a **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service**. They maintain a current list of licensed providers in Duplin County, including Wallace, and can help match your family's needs with available options. They can also provide guidance on quality indicators and the state's star-rated license system. You can contact DCPC directly or visit their office in Kenansville. Additionally, connecting with local parent groups on social media or asking for recommendations at places like the Wallace Public Library or your pediatrician's office can provide valuable firsthand insights.