The Best Daycare Centers in Johnston, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Johnston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Johnston
Edgefield County Child Development Center
Independent
Edgefield County Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving Johnston and surrounding communities with comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators who implement a structured curriculum focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Their facility features secure, age-appropriate classrooms with modern learning materials and monitored outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes individualized learning plans. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and commitment to developmental milestones. The center holds a Gold Seal quality rating from South Carolina's ABC Quality program and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Aiken
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Aiken serves families throughout the Central Savannah River Area, including Johnston residents, with their nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum. This center features degreed early childhood educators who implement project-based learning and character development programs. The facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with live streaming capabilities for parents, and secure outdoor learning environments. Their comprehensive approach integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and physical education. The academy maintains exceptional safety standards with keypad entry systems, comprehensive security monitoring, and strict health protocols. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's educational quality, professional staff, and excellent communication systems. The center holds multiple quality certifications and serves as a training site for early childhood education students.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of North Augusta
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy in North Augusta serves the broader CSRA region including Johnston families with their comprehensive early childhood education programs. This established center employs credentialed early childhood professionals who implement the Creative Curriculum® system, emphasizing play-based learning and developmental appropriateness. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, mathematics, and creative arts. The academy maintains excellent staff retention and low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the center's warm, nurturing environment, strong educational foundation, and excellent preparation for kindergarten. The center holds South Carolina's highest ABC Quality rating and participates in the state's quality improvement system.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Johnston, SC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Johnston, SC, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Johnston, South Carolina, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). This includes family home providers caring for more than six children. The licensing process involves rigorous background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections of the physical environment, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the SCDSS Child Care Search tool on their official website. You can search by provider name, city (Johnston), or zip code to see their current license type, any compliance history, and their quality rating if they participate in the state's ABC Quality program. Always ask to see the current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Johnston, SC?
The cost of childcare in Johnston, SC, is generally more affordable than in larger metropolitan areas like Columbia or Greenville, but it varies by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$120 to $160 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from **$90 to $130 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and whether meals are included. It's important to ask about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-ups. South Carolina also offers the SC Voucher Program for income-eligible families to help subsidize these costs.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Johnston, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a smaller town like Johnston, popular providers can indeed have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 3 to 6 months long. To secure a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Don't overlook licensed family home daycares, which may have more immediate availability. Follow up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest and check your status.
What local resources or programs in Johnston can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Johnston have several key local resources. First, the **South Carolina Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Network**, accessed via SCChildCare.org or by calling 1-888-335-1002, offers free personalized referrals to licensed providers in Edgefield County and Johnston. They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit. Secondly, the **ABC Quality** program, run by the SC Department of Social Services, is a voluntary rating system for licensed providers. A center with an ABC Quality rating has met standards beyond basic licensing. Finally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like community Facebook pages for Johnston/Edgefield County) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights.
What are some specific questions I should ask daycare providers in Johnston regarding their daily routines and safety policies?
Beyond general questions, ask specifics tailored to a smaller community setting. For daily routines, ask: "How do you incorporate outdoor play, given Johnston's weather?" and "What is your policy on local field trips (e.g., to the Johnston Memorial Library or town park)?" For safety, given the rural nature of the area, inquire about: "What is your severe weather/tornado drill procedure and where is your safe room?" and "What is your policy on pest control, given the potential for insects in this region?" Also, ask about staff longevity—low turnover is a good sign of a stable environment. Always confirm they have a clear plan for communication, whether a daily app, sheet, or direct conversation at pickup.