Find a daycare in Raleigh, NC

Find daycares in Raleigh, NC

Find daycares in Raleigh, NC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Raleigh, NC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Raleigh, NC

Parents agree: these Raleigh daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Before The Bell Preschool

Before The Bell Preschool

New on TrustedCare
28+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Before the Bell Preschool, founded in 1996, is a renowned childcare facility in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a 5-star professional home daycare, they focus on providing quality care for children aged 1 to 5 in a safe and child-friendly environment. The center prides itself on its hands-on, play-based learning curriculum that encourages social interaction. With their dedicated staff and a variety of fun educational activities, Before the Bell Preschool aims to make each child's educational journey a happy and fulfilling experience.
Little Life Changers

Little Life Changers

New on TrustedCare
24+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Little Life Changers, where nurturing your child's growth is our passion. Located in Raleigh, NC, we provide a warm and caring daycare environment tailored for young minds to flourish. Our small team of dedicated professionals ensures personalized attention, fostering a safe and engaging space for children to explore and learn. At Little Life Changers, we believe in shaping future leaders by inspiring curiosity and creativity from the very beginning. Join us in creating a delightful journey of discovery for your child.
Beary Special Daycare

Beary Special Daycare

New on TrustedCare
7+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Beary Special Daycare, located in Raleigh, NC, offers licensed home daycare services in a group environment for up to 8 children. Positioned in the heart of Southeast Raleigh, this daycare provider is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality child care in a educational nurturing environment. Reach out to Beary Special Daycare for inquiries about their services, availability, and pricing.
Care Bear Home Day Care

Care Bear Home Day Care

New on TrustedCare
35+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Care Bear Home Day Care, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a licensed home daycare that serves the local and surrounding areas. They specialize in providing quality child care and play experiences for up to 8 children. With their dedicated and experienced staff, they aim to offer a nurturing and engaging environment for your little ones. Whether you live in Durham or nearby, consider Care Bear Home Day Care for your childcare needs.
Little Angel's Day Care

Little Angel's Day Care

New on TrustedCare
24+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Little Angel's Day Care, where your child's growth and happiness are our top priorities. Situated in Raleigh, NC, our intimate setting ensures personalized attention with a dedicated team of two passionate caregivers. At Little Angel's, we foster a nurturing environment that encourages learning, play, and social interaction. Our focus on creating a safe and supportive space allows your child to explore their interests and develop essential skills. Join us at Little Angel's Day Care, where every day is an opportunity for your child to thrive.
The Cary School

The Cary School

New on TrustedCare
9+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
The Cary School for Development and Early Education is a five-star, NAEYC-accredited preschool serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Our program is rooted in the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy and enriched by the Creative Curriculum, providing a child-led, hands-on learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace. With an experienced and highly educated teaching staff, we foster a nurturing and collaborative classroom experience. Children engage in long-term projects, learn Spanish, and participate in activities designed to build critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotio
Golden Child Development Center

Golden Child Development Center

New on TrustedCare
2+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Welcome to Golden Child Development Center, where the magic of learning meets the joy of play in the heart of Raleigh, NC! With a dedicated team of 13 passionate educators, we're committed to nurturing the golden potential in every child. Our vibrant daycare environment is designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and friendships, providing a safe and fun space where your little one can shine. Come join our Golden Child family, where every day is a new adventure in learning and growth!
Nurturing Family Child Care Too

Nurturing Family Child Care Too

New on TrustedCare
6+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Nurturing Family Child Care Too, located in Wake Forest, NC, is a licensed home daycare. They specialize in providing care and educational experiences for up to eight children. Located in the serene surroundings of Margots Pond, they are dedicated to offering a nurturing environment for your child's growth and development. To learn about their availability and pricing, feel free to reach out to them.
Nicole Miller's Family Childcare Home

Nicole Miller's Family Childcare Home

New on TrustedCare
20+ years in business
Serves Raleigh, NC
Nicole Miller's Family Childcare Home, situated in Apex, NC, and its surrounding areas, is a licensed home daycare. The childcare service specializes in providing a group environment for up to eight children. Located in the serene Village At Crocketts Ridge, Nicole Miller's family-oriented childcare is always ready to discuss your child's care needs and availability.
The Daniel Center For Math And Science

The Daniel Center For Math And Science

New on TrustedCare
Serves Raleigh, NC
Founded in 2010, The Daniel Center for Math and Science is a non-profit organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina dedicated to enhancing STEM education for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children. With a team of certified professionals, the center offers a 5-star rated Pre-Kindergarten program and various services including after-school care, summer programs, financial literacy, and post-high school education services. The Daniel Center's comprehensive approach ensures the continued growth of children and their readiness for future educational steps.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

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