The Best Daycare Centers in Williamston, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Williamston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Williamston
The Goddard School of Greenville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Greenville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants and toddlers, and hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized learning plans.
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Childcare Network #113
Childcare Network
Childcare Network #113 provides comprehensive early education with their proprietary curriculum that focuses on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate learning materials. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and social skills development. The center maintains state-mandated teacher-to-child ratios and employs qualified early childhood educators. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Station
Independent
The Learning Station offers a nurturing educational environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements. Their program emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social-emotional learning through structured activities and free play. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-segregated play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Teachers receive ongoing training in early childhood best practices and many hold Child Development Associate credentials. The center maintains excellent safety records and provides regular progress reports to parents, along with parent-teacher conferences to discuss developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Williamston, NC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Williamston, NC, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Williamston and surrounding Martin County, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week. Preschool programs for 3-5 year-olds are often slightly lower, averaging $110 to $150 per week. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, North Carolina's Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) administers the Subsidized Child Care Program. Eligibility is based on income, work, and/or school enrollment. Locally, you can apply through the Martin County Department of Social Services. 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 childcare center or home in Williamston?
All licensed childcare providers in North Carolina are regulated by the DCDEE. You can easily verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the NC Child Care Search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or Williamston's zip code (27892) to see a list. The report includes the license status (Star Rated License), any violations from recent inspections, and the details of any corrective actions taken. It's highly recommended to check this for any provider you are considering. You can also contact the DCDEE's Eastern Regional Office for additional information or to request printed reports.
Are there many options for infant care in Williamston, and what is the average waitlist time?
Infant care (children under 12 months) is often the most limited and in-demand childcare slot. In Williamston, options include a few licensed childcare centers and several family childcare homes. Due to strict state-mandated staff-to-infant ratios (1:5), spaces fill quickly. It is common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months, especially for centers. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists during pregnancy. Family childcare homes may sometimes have more immediate availability but still often maintain short waitlists. Proactive and early planning is crucial for infant care in this area.
What are the key differences between a childcare center and a family childcare home in Williamston, and how do I decide which is right for my family?
Childcare centers in Williamston are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms and staff, often following a structured educational curriculum (like Creative Curriculum). They may offer more peer interaction and have longer operating hours. Family childcare homes are smaller, licensed programs operated in a provider's residence, offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Centers are subject to unannounced inspections, while homes also have inspections but may offer more schedule flexibility. Your decision should be based on your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, your preference for environment, and the specific philosophy of the provider. Touring both types in Williamston is the best way to feel the difference.
Beyond basic care, what types of early learning programs or enrichment activities are commonly offered by daycare providers in Williamston?
Many licensed providers in Williamston participate in North Carolina's Star Rated License system, which incentivizes higher-quality educational programs. It's common to find centers and homes implementing structured curricula that focus on literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Specific enrichment can include daily reading circles, outdoor play in secured areas, basic Spanish exposure, music and movement, and arts and crafts. Some centers may partner with local resources like the Martin County Library for storytime visits. For school-age children, before/after-school care often includes homework help and recreational activities. When touring, ask about their daily schedule and educational philosophy to understand the learning opportunities provided.