The Best Daycare Centers in Liberty, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Liberty. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Liberty
Liberty First Steps & Child Development Center
Independent
Liberty First Steps & Child Development Center is a highly-regarded local facility known for its personalized approach to early childhood education. The center emphasizes developmental milestones through a play-based curriculum that incorporates literacy, math readiness, and social skills. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing training. The facility features secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing atmosphere, strong communication, and commitment to each child's individual needs. The center serves children from infancy through school age with structured educational programs and flexible scheduling options.
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Primrose School of Easley
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Easley is a nationally accredited childcare center located approximately 10 minutes from Liberty, serving families throughout Pickens County. The facility follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academic readiness. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and developmentally appropriate playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers implement a research-based curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication, nutritious meal program, and comprehensive educational approach that prepares children for elementary school success.
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The Goddard School of Greenville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Greenville, located approximately 20 minutes from Liberty, offers a premier early childhood education program serving families across the Upstate region. The school implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play and social development. The facility features secure, modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and comprehensive safety protocols. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM concepts, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities. Parents consistently praise the school's engaging environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive approach to child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Liberty, SC
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Liberty, SC?
In Liberty and the surrounding Pickens County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $120 and $160 per week for a toddler, and slightly more for infants, often ranging from $130 to $175 per week. Licensed family/home daycares may offer slightly lower rates, typically between $100 and $140 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger South Carolina cities like Greenville but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies) and to inquire about any registration or annual fees, which are common. Financial assistance may be available through South Carolina's ABC Voucher program for qualifying families.
How can I verify if a daycare in Liberty is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare facilities in Liberty must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the official "SC Child Care" search portal on the DSS website. This free tool allows you to search by provider name, city (Liberty), or zip code. The report will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited violations from recent inspections. We recommend always choosing a licensed provider, as they meet state standards for health, safety, staff training, and child-to-staff ratios. You can also contact the local DSS office in Pickens County for additional information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Liberty, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Liberty, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at the most popular licensed centers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update you, and estimated timelines. Exploring options in nearby towns like Easley or Clemson may provide more availability, though this adds commuting time. Family childcare homes may have shorter waitlists and are worth considering.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Liberty, SC?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in Liberty can be challenging, as most licensed centers prioritize full-time enrollment. Your best bets are typically licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible schedules, or in-home nannies/babysitters. Some centers in the broader Pickens County area might offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5, but infant and toddler part-time spots are rare. For occasional drop-in care, you may need to look at facilities in Greenville, approximately 30 minutes away. We recommend networking with other local parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Liberty, SC Community") to find recommendations for sitters or home providers who offer flexibility.
What state-required training and qualifications should I expect the caregivers at a Liberty daycare to have?
South Carolina DSS mandates specific training for all staff in licensed facilities. In Liberty, you should expect lead caregivers to have, at minimum: a high school diploma or GED, a clear criminal background check, and current certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Additionally, all staff must complete 15 hours of annual training in topics like child development, safe sleep practices (for infants), and recognizing child abuse. Directors must have additional qualifications. Don't hesitate to ask a provider about their staff's tenure and ongoing education. A quality program will proudly share this information. The required child-to-staff ratios in SC are: 1:5 for infants (0-1 yr), 1:7 for 1-2 year-olds, 1:10 for 2-3 year-olds, and 1:15 for 3-4 year-olds.