The Best Daycare Centers in Carrollton, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carrollton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carrollton
Primrose School of Carrollton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Carrollton is renowned for its Balanced Learning® approach, which seamlessly integrates play-based activities with structured academic preparation. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on experiences. Staff includes degreed and certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, maintaining low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, daily safety checks, age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas, and a nutritious meal program. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication, progress reports, and family events, contributing to high parent satisfaction and a nurturing environment focused on whole-child development.
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The Goddard School of Carrollton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Carrollton utilizes the F.L.E.X.® Learning Program, which combines child-led exploration with teacher-guided instruction to foster creativity, critical thinking, and social skills. The curriculum includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities, language development, and physical play. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development, ensuring high-quality care. Safety is prioritized with secured facilities, background-checked staff, and rigorous hygiene protocols. The school offers spacious classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and a focus on inclusive, diverse environments. Parents appreciate the transparent communication via daily updates and an open-door policy, making it a trusted choice for developmental childcare.
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KinderCare at Carrollton
KinderCare Learning Centers
KinderCare at Carrollton provides a research-based curriculum designed to support cognitive, emotional, and physical growth through activities in literacy, math, science, and arts. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans and developmental milestones tracking, with teachers trained in early childhood education and CPR/First Aid. Safety measures include keypad entry, regular drills, and sanitized environments. Facilities feature modern learning materials, interactive technology, and safe outdoor play spaces. The program includes healthy meals and snacks, and parents benefit from real-time updates through a dedicated app. With a strong focus on community and parent partnerships, KinderCare has built a reputation for reliability and comprehensive care in the Carrollton area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carrollton, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Carrollton, TX, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Carrollton, all licensed childcare operations are regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Centers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Search Texas Child Care" tool on the DFPS website. Carrollton also has several highly-rated centers that exceed minimum standards, often participating in the Texas Rising Star quality rating system, which is a voluntary, higher-quality certification.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Carrollton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The average cost for full-time infant care in Carrollton typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, though premium centers can be higher. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs often drop to between $900 and $1,200 monthly. Factors like curriculum, teacher credentials, and facility amenities influence price. For financial assistance, Texas Workforce Solutions offers the Child Care Services (CCS) program for qualifying families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, some Carrollton-based centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Carrollton, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for sought-after daycare centers in Carrollton, especially for infant rooms, can be significant. It's common for popular providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester. When touring facilities, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often do they update you on your position? Do they give priority to siblings? Exploring multiple options, including both large centers and licensed home-based providers in Carrollton neighborhoods, can increase your chances of securing a spot.
What are some of the key differences between the larger daycare chains and the smaller, locally-owned centers in Carrollton?
Carrollton offers a mix of both. Large national chains (like KinderCare or Primrose) often provide a standardized curriculum, robust corporate resources, and potentially more predictable policies. Smaller, locally-owned centers (such as those found in established Carrollton neighborhoods) may offer more flexible schedules, a strong community feel, and a curriculum tailored to local values. They might also have more consistent staff tenure, leading to deeper child-caregiver bonds. Your choice should depend on your child's personality and your family's priorities for communication style, educational philosophy, and community integration.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment programs or unique amenities do Carrollton daycares commonly offer?
Many Carrollton daycares go beyond custodial care to include structured enrichment. Common offerings include foreign language exposure (often Spanish), introductory STEM activities, music and movement classes, and outdoor learning in secured playgrounds. Given Carrollton's diverse community and excellent parks system, some centers incorporate local field trips (with parental permission) to places like the Carrollton Public Library for storytime or nearby parks. Additionally, centers often offer extracurricular options like soccer, dance, or martial arts for an additional fee, provided by outside vendors that come to the facility.