Finding childcare in Wilmington can be a challenge as there has been a population explosion of young families putting demand on the existing child care options. With that said, with careful research you’ll soon uncover that there are a number of amazing childcare and daycare centers locally that are worth taking a look at.
This article dives into the best childcare and daycare options in Wilmington, NC — the list is ranked in no particular order. Before we dive into the options, let’s take a look at some of the basics of daycare and childcare and how to carefully evaluate the right fit for your child.
Wilmington has a range of daycare centers that provide care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. These centers are typically licensed and regulated by the state to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.
Things to consider when choosing providers
Home-Based Daycares
Some individuals operate home-based daycare services in Wilmington. These providers may be licensed and follow state regulations to provide childcare in a home setting.
Preschool Programs
Many preschools in Wilmington offer educational programs for children aged 3 to 5. These programs often focus on early childhood development and school readiness.
After-School Programs
After-school programs are available in Wilmington to provide care and supervision for school-age children when parents are at work.
Licensing and Regulation
Childcare facilities in North Carolina, including Wilmington, are subject to licensing and regulation by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. This ensures that childcare providers meet certain health, safety, and educational standards.
Costs
The cost of childcare in Wilmington can vary significantly depending on the type of childcare, the age of the child, and the location. Daycare centers and preschools typically have monthly or weekly fees, while nanny or babysitting rates are often hourly. In Wilmington the average rate for childcare is around $15 to $25 per hour
Availability
Availability of childcare options may vary based on location and demand. It’s advisable to research and inquire about childcare options well in advance, as some facilities may have waiting lists.
Quality and Accreditation
Some childcare providers in Wilmington may be accredited by organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or have other certifications indicating a commitment to quality early childhood education.
When seeking childcare in Wilmington, it’s important to research and visit potential providers, ask for references, and consider your child’s individual needs and preferences. Additionally, staying informed about local regulations and guidelines is essential to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
The list
Now that we’ve dug into the background of things to consider when looking at childcare and daycare provides, let’s now move to the list. Enjoy!
1. Primrose Schools
Primrose Schools is a national system of accredited private preschools that provides a premier early education and child care experience for children and families. Primrose Schools Wilmington is franchised locally by Sam and Samantha Martin.
Primrose focuses on a curriculum that supports nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. Primrose School’s time-tested approach has nurtured balance among mind, body and heart to help children develop the foundation they need for learning and life.
2. Giggles Drop In Daycare
Giggles Drop-In Childcare in Wilmington, North Carolina offers drop in childcare, after school care, and summer camp programs. Giggle’s host fun filled days with excursions, arts and craft activities and social skill building activities.
3. Children’s Corner Drop In Daycare
Children’s Corner Drop in Child Care.. Anytime provides child care services to the Wilmington, North Carolina community. Children’s Corner provides a simple yet engaging childcare option to parents. Parents can drop in anytime without calling ahead and pay when they pick of their child.
4. Childcare Network
The Childcare Network is a day care center located in Kings Grant in Wilmington, North Carolina. Childcare Network has care programs for infants, toddlers, after school and summer programs. Childcare Network programs use a research based curriculum that is individualized to every age, with planned activities that combine learning and fun to create happy, curious kids.
5. Cadence Academy Preschool
Cadence Academy Preschool in Wilmington, NC provides infant care, toddler care, preschool or pre-K as well as programs to support kids up to 12 years of age. Cadence Academy Preschool’s programs are specifically tailored to each developmental stage and designed to cultivate a lifelong love of learning in every child.
The Cadence Academy Preschool has fine tuned how teachers and curriculum work in concert to stimulate cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth.
6. Rising Stars of Wilmington
Rising Stars is a licensed child care facility for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age in Wilmington, North Carolina. Rising Stars follows the enhanced standards and guidelines established by the Division of Child Development for North Carolina.
Rising Stars teachers maintain education levels ranging from Early Childhood Credentials up to four-year degrees and are also certified through the North Carolina Institute of Early Childhood.
7. The Wilmington Preschool of the Arts
The Wilmington Preschool of the Arts provides an educational setting which fosters self-esteem, builds confidence and is based on respect. The preschool seeks to establish a positive personal interaction with each child and regard each child as an important, capable individual.
The Wilmington Preschool of the Arts offers classes for children starting at age 3 through age 5, including pre-k children. Two programs are offered: Extended day (7:30am-2:30pm) and Full-day (7:30am-5:30pm).
8. The Learning Tree
The Learning Tree is a Wilmington daycare and childcare agency that seeks to nurture children in a happy and secure environment, teaching them scriptural morals and values that will allow them to develop strong Christian characters.
The Learning Tree has been in business for 20 years and their administrators and teachers are genuinely invested in the school.
9. Child Development Center
Child Development Center (CDC) is a Wilmington childcare agency that serves children 3 to 5 years old including those with special needs. CDC offers pre-kindergarten programs that are designed to build the independence of exceptional children through high quality early education and therapeutic services.
10. Wilmington Bilingual Preschool
Wilmington Bilingual Preschool is a Spanish Immersion Preschool in Wilmington, NC that offers everything that a traditional preschool offers with the added benefit of educating your child in a second language.
At Wilmington Bilingual Preschool, the Spanish language is incorporated into all daily activities so children can learn naturally because they eat, play and learn in Spanish. All activities are led by native Spanish-speaking instructors.
11. The Children’s Schoolhouse Montessori School
The Children’s Schoolhouse Montessori school of Wilmington, North Carolina has served the community for more than 30 years. The Children’s Schoolhouse of Wilmington is a small and traditional Montessori school committed to a high quality of individual academic experience administered with an enthusiastic, but gentle approach. The school’s loving and supportive environment creates a safe place for children to learn and grow.
12. Mustard Seed Ministry
The Mustard Seed Ministry is a religious affiliated child care center in Wilmington, NC. The Mustard Seed provides parents with child care needs including programs for nursery to preschool.
13. Ivybrook Academy
Ivybrook Academy is a Montessori school in Wilmington that provides half-day preschool. The school engages kids with an emergent curriculum where both short and long-term, in-depth investigations and explorations emerge from careful observations of the children. Topics of study and experiences are designed to reflect and support the children’s interests and needs.
