Daycare in Decatur - or surrounding areas (Atlanta, Druid Hills: credit, house)

[blakeas]

We will be moving to decatur in Mid May - We have toured the Suburban school and have secured a spot but we are not totally sold on it. I know this is late and the wait lists are pretty long but any other recommendations here for an early childhood development center?

We currently live in smyrna and both of my daughters (3 1/2 yr old and 5 month old) attend the primrose there and we love it. It is a new facility and the teachers have been great. We are looking for the same thing if possible in decatur.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[ocsanders]

What "suburban school" are you referring to? Are you talking about the City of Decatur? Or other?

How are you able to secure a spot in Decatur without an address yet?

[MilkMachine]

Originally Posted by ocsanders

What "suburban school" are you referring to? Are you talking about the City of Decatur? Or other?

How are you able to secure a spot in Decatur without an address yet?

He's talking about Suburban Nursery, a daycare in Decatur. I can't remember if it's in the CoD or not, but it doesn't matter because it's private.

[VJP]

I have friends who use the Sunshine House and seem to enjoy it.

[gumboula]

I posted this ages ago, so perhaps a bit dated. But it may give you some ideas you haven't tried yet:


1. Phoenix School (http://www.thephoenixschool.com/): (broken link) (broken link) Crazy long wait list, but great school. They used to do part-time, but I have heard they did away with it. Most places don't do part-time. For part-time care, you may do better looking for a nanny (I can give you suggestions about that too, if you decide to go that route. Going rate for a part-time nanny is $10-14/hour.)

2. Central Presbyterian Childcare Center(http://www.central-presbyterian.org/living_the_faith/child_development_center.html): (broken link) (broken link) Downtown. Neighbor I know well has been very happy with it. Two kids there for a four years now.

3. The Frazer Center (website doesn't seem to be up, phone number 404-377-3836): On Ponce right before you reach Decatur. Don't know anyone with children there, but have a friend who used to work there. Aim is to serve children with disabilities and children without, so very interesting setup.

4. The Canterbury School (http://www.canterburyschool.us/): (broken link) (broken link) Downtown. Have a friend whose children go there and who went there when she was a child! I believe they do part-time care.

5. Druid Hills Presbyterian Child Development Center (http://www.dhcdc.com/): (broken link) (broken link) Corner of Ponce and Highland. A friend from my prenatal/post-partum yoga class sent her baby there and was very happy with it.

6. Easter Seals Child Development Center in the Federal Center building downtown (404-562-0158): Know nothing about it other than someone I know recommended it to someone else I know.

7. Sheltering Arms, East Lake (http://www.shelteringarmsforkids.com/): (broken link) (broken link) I offer this with some hesitation. Someone in our neighborhood parent's network took her child out of this center because of an injury. But it has a good reputation in the state and it is really convenient to East Atlanta (across from the East Lake Publix). Research it and make your own decision.

8. First School at First Baptist Decatur (First Baptist Decatur I know nothing about it except that it was recommended by someone in my neighborhood parent's network.

The state actually has a very good website with early childhood education resources: Bright from the Start - Home At the bottom of the page under parent resources they post all of the licensing reports on centers. That can tell you a lot! Also you can go to the National Association of Educators of Young Children website to search for centers with their accredidation: Search for an NAEYC-Accredited Program. Accreditation. National Association for the Education of Young Children NAEYC has more stringent standards than the state.

[blakeas]

Thanks, but all of those you listed are full - any others?