The Best Daycare Centers in Florence, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Florence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Florence
KinderCare Learning Center at West Florence
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare center offers a comprehensive curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based learning. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to safety protocols.
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Primrose School of Florence
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Florence follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure classrooms, commercial-grade kitchen providing nutritious meals, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The school is noted for its strong parent partnership program and regular developmental assessments.
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The Little School
Independent
As a locally owned and operated childcare center, The Little School provides personalized care with a focus on individual child development. The center uses a play-based curriculum that incorporates early literacy, mathematics, and social skills. Features include secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-separated playgrounds, and certified teachers with extensive early childhood experience. The center is particularly praised for its family-like atmosphere, flexible scheduling options, and commitment to maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Florence, SC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Florence, SC, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Florence, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and age-appropriate educational programming. To verify a provider's compliance, you can use the SCDSS Child Care Search tool online, which shows the facility's license status, any recent violations, and inspection reports. You can also call the SCDSS Florence County office directly. It's highly recommended to visit any center you're considering and ask to see their current license and inspection summary.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Florence, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Florence, the average cost for full-time infant care ranges from approximately $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care typically costs between $110 and $150 per week. Prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and location. For financial assistance, South Carolina's ABC Voucher Program (part of the SC First Steps initiative) helps eligible low- to moderate-income families pay for childcare. Additionally, the Florence-Darlington Technical College Early Childhood Development program may have information on sliding-scale options. It's also worth checking with individual centers about sibling discounts or private scholarships they might offer.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Florence, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Florence can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to secure a spot (which is often non-refundable), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring smaller, licensed home-based daycares can sometimes offer shorter wait times while maintaining quality.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Florence that cater to non-traditional work hours or part-time needs?
Yes, Florence offers some options for parents with shifting schedules. While traditional center hours are typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, some facilities, including certain home-based providers, may offer evening or weekend care, though these are less common. For part-time needs, many centers offer 2, 3, or 4-day-a-week programs, often at a prorated cost. Additionally, Florence has several church-affiliated preschools that may offer half-day programs, which can be combined with other solutions. For true shift work, your best bet is to network with other local parents or use the SCDSS search tool to filter for providers who list extended hours.
What resources are available in Florence to help me evaluate and compare the quality of different childcare programs?
Beyond basic licensing, Florence parents have several resources. First, check if a center is accredited by a national organization like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or holds a high rating in South Carolina's voluntary quality improvement system, ABC Quality. The local **Francis Marion University Child Development Center** often serves as a model program. The **Florence County Library** offers parenting resources and may host community events where you can talk to providers. Finally, join local Facebook groups (e.g., "Florence, SC Moms") for unfiltered parent recommendations and experiences. Always schedule in-person tours, observe classroom interactions, and ask about staff turnover rates and curriculum philosophy.