The Best Daycare Centers in Sullivans Island, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sullivans Island. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sullivans Island
The Goddard School of Mount Pleasant
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mount Pleasant offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the engaging curriculum and professional staff.
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Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church Day School
Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church
This established church-affiliated day school provides a nurturing Christian environment with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The program emphasizes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences. The school features secure facilities, outdoor learning environments, and experienced teachers with low turnover rates. Their infant program maintains a 1:4 teacher-child ratio with individualized care plans. The curriculum includes music, art, literacy, and motor skills development, with parents noting the warm, family-like atmosphere and excellent communication.
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East Cooper Montessori Charter School - Early Childhood Program
East Cooper Montessori Charter School
East Cooper Montessori offers an authentic Montessori education for young children, focusing on individualized learning and hands-on exploration. Their early childhood program serves children ages 3-6 in mixed-age classrooms with certified Montessori teachers. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility features beautifully prepared Montessori classrooms, outdoor nature areas, and specialized learning materials. The school maintains small class sizes with highly qualified staff trained in Montessori methodology. Parents appreciate the child-centered approach and the development of independence and critical thinking skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sullivans Island, SC
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families living on Sullivans Island, SC?
On Sullivans Island and in the immediate surrounding Lowcountry area, your primary licensed options are family childcare homes and childcare centers. Due to the island's residential nature and smaller population, there are very few, if any, large daycare centers physically located on the island itself. Most families utilize licensed family homes on the island or commute to centers in nearby Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, or Charleston. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) licenses both types. Family homes offer a smaller, home-like setting for up to 6 children, while centers in neighboring towns provide structured programs for larger groups. It's crucial to verify a provider's current DSS license status online through the SC Child Care Services portal.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in the Sullivans Island area, and what are typical wait times?
Given the high demand and limited supply of childcare spots in this desirable coastal community, planning extremely early is essential. For infants and toddlers, it is common and often necessary to get on waitlists as soon as you know you are pregnant, or at least 9-12 months before your desired start date. Waitlists for the most sought-after providers in Mount Pleasant and on the islands can be 12-18 months long. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), waitlists are still competitive, and applying 6-12 months in advance is advisable. Always ask specific providers about their list policy, including any non-refundable deposit to hold a spot and how frequently you should check in to maintain your position.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Sullivans Island/Mount Pleasant area?
Childcare costs in this region are among the highest in South Carolina, reflecting the area's cost of living. For full-time infant care (ages 0-2) at a licensed center in Mount Pleasant, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $900 to $1,300 monthly. For toddlers (ages 2-3), costs typically drop slightly to a range of $1,000 to $1,400 per month at centers. These are baseline estimates; premium programs or those with specialized curricula may charge more. It's important to inquire about what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, formula, wipes) as policies vary.
Are there any unique considerations for daycare related to Sullivans Island's coastal location and weather?
Yes, parents should specifically inquire about emergency preparedness plans for hurricanes and coastal flooding. Reputable licensed providers are required by SC DSS to have a written emergency plan. Ask about evacuation procedures, relocation sites (especially if the provider is on a barrier island like Sullivans Island or Isle of Palms), communication protocols during storms, and how many days the facility may be closed for weather events. Additionally, consider the daily logistics: many providers off-island may not be accessible if the Ben Sawyer Boulevard bridge has issues. Also, ask about outdoor play and sun safety policies, as well as how they handle extremely hot and humid days.
What resources are available to help Sullivans Island parents find and evaluate local childcare providers?
Your first stop should be the official **South Carolina Child Care Services search tool** hosted by the DSS. This allows you to search by zip code (29482 for Sullivans Island) and filter for licensed centers and homes, view inspection reports, and see any compliance history. For local word-of-mouth and detailed reviews, the "Mount Pleasant Moms" and "Charleston Area Moms" Facebook groups are invaluable resources where parents actively discuss provider recommendations and availability. Additionally, you can contact the **Early Childhood Advisory Council of Charleston County** for referrals. Always schedule in-person tours, verify licenses, and ask for references from current parents.
Nearby Cities
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