5 star daycares near me: BEST Daycares Near Me – Nov 2022 | Find Nearby Daycare Reviews

5-Star Child Care & Preschool in Raleigh

As a parent, you always want the best things for your child, especially when it comes to preschool and child care providers. Primary Beginnings is committed to providing high-quality child care in Raleigh for young children and both of our preschools in located in Spring Forest and North Hills have earned 5-Star Child Care Quality Ratings from the state of North Carolina.

What is a 5-Star Child Care Center?

The North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (NCDCDEE) issues star rated licenses to child care centers and homes that are eligible. The star rating is based on two factors: program standards and staff education.

One star means that a child care center or preschool meets the minimum licensing standards for child care. Two to five stars mean that the child care center voluntarily chose to meet higher standards than the minimum, and to what degree. Both of Primary Beginnings preschools have been rated as a five-star child care center, meaning we well exceed the standards that North Carolina sets for preschools and child care centers.

Infant to Pre-K Program standards are evaluated based on the size, variety, and cleanliness of the play and activity area; the number of staff per child; and interactions that young children have with adults, each other, and their activities. For a preschool that seeks a five-star rating, an environmental rating scale is also completed. This is determined by evaluators visiting the location to observe children in the environment, evaluating how often good health practices are followed, how well interactions with children go, the amount and nature of activities offered, and the overall safety of the area.

Education standards are not reflective of the program given, but rather the level of education the administrator and staff have achieved. To receive a minimum star rating, the lead teacher must have at least received a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential. Higher star ratings are determined by the education and experience levels of the administrator and teachers, the number of child care credentials held by teachers, and the number of teachers with formal education and experience. In short, a five-star preschool reflects that the staff is extremely well educated and experienced in early childhood development and learning. This level of expertise results in better management of the center and better experiences and learning for your children.

Why Does the 5-Star Child Care & Preschool Rating Matter?

The early years of your child’s life are the most important. Having positive experiences and interactions at this time is crucial for their development. The more time that they spend learning and playing in a stable, nurturing environment during their earlier years of life will set the path for their lifelong development and behavior patterns.

For these reasons, the NCDCDEE developed a rating system so that parents can make informed decisions about their child’s care. A five-star rating shows not only compliance with state regulations but a commitment to quality child care and early development.

Health and Safety Protocols

Both of our preschools are visited annually to ensure that the program and facilities are in compliance with state child care regulations. These inspections, maintained by the NCDCDEE, include health and safety regulations, as well as a sanitation report for which both our North Hills and Spring Forest locations consistently receive “Superior” classifications.

Preschool & Child Care Licenses in Raleigh

For more information about the licensing process and the rating system, please visit the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. Make sure that you have all the information to make the best decision for your child’s future.

Schedule a Tour of Our 5-Star Child Care Centers & Preschools Here in Raleigh!

If you would like to take a tour around either our North Hills location or Spring Hill please fill out the contact form below! We would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have!

Helping You Find High-Quality Child Care

Trying to find high-quality child care in your community can be confusing. Where do you start? Who do you call? Start your search now by clicking the link to find care near you that offers convenient hours and other options to meet your needs or call our toll free number at 1-877-691-8521 to be connected to one of our referral specialists. If you are a child care provider wishing to update your profile for Worklife Systems, enter here.

Below, you’ll find information on what to look for when you’re searching for a high-quality child care provider or preschool. As you are searching for child care, we encourage you to Follow the Stars. See information below about Ohio’s Step Up to Quality Star Rating system. 

What to Look For When You Visit

Before you choose a facility, visit each one you’re considering. But what should you be looking for? Below are some tips to help you find the early childhood environment that’s right for your child.

The state of Ohio publishes inspection reports for child facilities in the state. Click the search licensing reports button to read about the programs you’re considering. 

Step Up to Quality

Did you know that Ohio has a star rating system for child care programs? Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is the five-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations. Program standards are based on national research identifying elements that lead to improved outcomes for children. To find a SUTQ-rated provider near you, click on the Search for Child Care in Ohio button. Want more details? Visit earlychildhoodohio.org or download the brochure. 

Care Providers 

Watch for early childhood care providers who really seem to know and like the children and treat them with respect. Make sure there are enough care providers to safely handle the number of children present.

The Facility

Take a good look around: is the facility safe, clean, organized, and kid-friendly? Are the children supervised at all times? Do electrical outlets have childproof covers? Are breakables stashed out of the reach of children? If there is a food preparation area, is it properly childproofed? Are there low sinks or stools so children can reach to wash their hands? 

You’ll want to ask about hand washing and sanitation policies for both caregivers and children. Also ask about the facility’s policies on vaccinations and on allowing sick children to attend. 

Are there plenty of clean, developmentally appropriate toys and educational materials for both indoor and outdoor exploration? Materials should include: 

• Objects for dramatic play (such as a puppet theater and dress-up clothes)
• Sensory materials (sand, water, play dough)
• Materials that help children learn reading, math, science, and social studies
• Materials that help children develop gross motor skills such as pulling up, walking, climbing in, on, and over, moving through/around and under, pushing, pulling and riding.

Do you see keypads or other security devices for doors? How are children tracked when they arrive and when they leave for the day? What if someone other than the primary caregiver must pick up the child? What are the procedures for tracking visitors? 

A Typical Day

Look for learning going on, all around. You should see children who seem comfortable, engaged, and eager to learn and interact with their peers and with care providers.

Young children learn best within a routine. A structured environment helps young children feel safe and in control of their world. It’s comforting to know that certain things happen at the same time every day. 

That said, young children also need some “down time,” the freedom to wander, imagine, and discover. A good facility makes sure that each day’s schedule provides a combination of structured activities and free time, and that both children and parents know what to expect from one day to the next. A schedule of the day’s activities should be posted or provided upon request. 

A typical day might look like this:

• Arrive, put away coats
• Circle time: lesson and sharing
• Arts and crafts
• Learning stations: art, dramatic play, water table, etc.
• Hand washing and morning snack
• Indoor individual activities: blocks, Legos, puzzles, coloring, etc.
• Outdoor play
• Hand washing and lunch
• Learning time: theme-related lessons, story time, songs, art activities, etc.
• Nap/rest time
• Outdoor play
• Hand washing and afternoon snack
• Learning stations: art, dramatic play, water table, etc.
• Clean up, prepare to go home
• Quiet activities: drawing, coloring, puzzles

While the length of each activity depends upon the age group, most activities will last from 10-30 minutes. 

A Word About Naps

The state requires that a child care center provide a quiet space for children who want to rest or nap. Nap time typically lasts for no more than 60 to 90 minutes, though this depends on each child’s rest requirements. 

Ten Signs of a Good Classroom

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 and attends a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children suggests you look for these ten signs of a good classroom:

• Children spend most of their time playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time.
• Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time. 
• Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group.
• The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers.
• Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.
• Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little, if at all.
• Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more instructional time.
• Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time.
• The curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children’s different backgrounds and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way.
• Children and parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program.
• Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.

Five Steps to Finding a High-Quality Child Care Facility

1. Start Early: Start looking as far in advance as you can. No matter what type of care you are considering, finding the right option can take some time.
    
2. Make a Call: Begin by calling the local experts – your child care resource and referral (CCR&R) center. CCR&Rs can give you the facts about child care, and a list of child care options in your area that may meet your needs. In Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Trumbull  counties, your CCR&R is the Early Childhood Resource Center, which you can reach at (877) 691-8521. You may want to ask the following questions: 
   • What are the licensing requirements in my area?
   • How can I get information about complaints and licensing violations?
   • Does my family qualify for any child care financial assistance programs?

3. Visit and Ask Questions: Make sure you visit the child care programs you are considering. Find out about these key indicators of quality: 
   • Adult-to-Child Ratio: Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer children per adult, the better for your child. You want your child to get plenty of attention. The younger the child, the more important this is. Babies need an adult to child ratio of no more than one adult for four infants, while four-year-olds can do well with a ratio of one adult for ten children.
   • Group Size: Find out how many children are in the group. The smaller the group, the better. Imagine a group of 25 two-year-olds with five adults, compared to a group of 10 with two adults. Both groups have the same adult to child ratio. Which would be calmer and safer? Which would be more like a family?
   • Caregiver Qualifications: Ask about the caregivers’ training and education. Caregivers with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn. Are the caregivers involved in activities to improve their skills? Do they attend classes and workshops?
   • Turnover: Check how long caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. It’s best if your child stays with the same caregiver at least a year. Caregivers who come and go make it hard on your child. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and energy that could be spent on learning new things.
   • Accreditation: Find out if the provider has been accredited by a national organization. Providers who are accredited have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) are the two largest organizations that accredit child care programs.

4. Make a Choice: Think about what you saw at each visit, and make the best choice for your child and family. 
5. Stay Involved: The work isn’t over once you find good care. You and your child’s caregiver are partners now. Here are some ways to be involved: 
   • Have a parent-caregiver meeting regularly, and ask questions.
   • Offer to volunteer time when needed, like participating in clean up days, fixing broken toys.
   • Be there for your child’s birthday party.
   • Visit your child at child care and read a book aloud.
   • Join in special events, like field trips, Career Day, Black History Month, or holidays.

Even if you can’t get time off from work during the day, you can still check in at drop-off and pick-up times. Ask the caregiver how things are going, and how your child is doing. 

Visiting and participating in events at your child’s provider sends a strong message. It tells your child and your child’s caregiver that what you think your child is doing and learning is important. 

A Guide for Choosing Child Care

Caregivers

• Do the caregivers/teachers seem to really like children?
• Do the caregivers/teachers get down on each child’s level to speak to the child?
• Are children greeted when they arrive?
• Are children’s needs met quickly, even when things get busy?
• Are the caregivers/teachers trained in CPR, first aid, and early childhood education?
• Are the caregivers/teachers involved in continuing education programs?
• Does the program keep up with children’s changing interests?
• Will the caregivers/teachers always be ready to answer your questions?
• Will the caregivers/teachers tell you what your child is doing every day?
• Are parents’ ideas welcomed? Are there ways for you to get involved?
• Do the caregivers/teachers and children enjoy being together?
• Is there enough staff to serve the children? (Ask local experts about the best staff-child ratios for different age groups. )
• Are caregivers/teachers trained and experienced?
• Have they participated in early childhood development classes?

Setting

• Is the atmosphere bright and pleasant?
• Is there a fenced-in outdoor play area with a variety of safe equipment?
• Can the caregivers/teachers see the entire playground at all times? Are there different areas for resting, quiet play and active play?
• Is there enough space for the children in all of these areas?

Activities

• Is there a daily balance of play time, story time, activity time and nap time?
• Are the activities right for each age group?
• Are there enough toys and learning materials for the number of children?
• Are toys clean, safe and within reach of the children?

In General

• Do you agree with the discipline practices?
• Do you hear the sounds of happy children?
• Are children comforted when needed?
• Is the program licensed or regulated?
• Are surprise visits by parents encouraged?
• Will your child be happy there?

Content provided courtesy of the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association

Private English kindergarten Sun School with a unique development concept ABC in St.

Petersburg

There is no garden in your city?
Open your garden!

Choose your city

• Moscow
  51 gardens, 1 to open soon

• Moscow region
  11 gardens

• St. Petersburg
  21 gardens, 1 open soon

• Blagoveshchensk
  
  Krasnoflotskaya street, 123

• Vladimir
  2 gardens

• Voronezh
  
  st. Bakunina, 2

• Gelendzhik
  
  Turisticheskaya street, 4G

• Grozny
  2 gardens

• Yekaterinburg
  2 gardens

• Istra
  
  Istra district, Kotovo village, Eco-Park IRBIS, house 1

• Kazan
  2 gardens

• Kolomna
  
  Frunze street, 39a

• Korolev
  
  Prospekt Kosmonavtov, 11A

• Krasnogorsk
  2 gardens

• Krasnodar
  4 gardens, 1 to open soon

• Krasnoyarsk
  
  Oktyabrskaya street, 8A

• Lyubertsy
  
  st. 3rd Post Office, 102

• Malakhovka
  
  rp. Malakhovka, Karl Liebknecht street, 42

• Mytishchi
  
  st. Scout Abel, 5

• Novosibirsk
  2 gardens

• Obninsk
  
  Dolgininskaya street, 18

• Odintsovo
  
  Odintsovo urban district, Lokhino village, st. 2nd Sovetskaya, 16A

• Penza
  
  st. Main, 2

• Permian
  
  st. Monastyrskaya, 70

• Reutov
  
  Prospect Yubileyny, 31

• Samara
  4 gardens

• Smolensk
  
  Kronshtadtsky lane, house 1 A

• Sochi
  
  st. Krymskaya, 89

• Tyumen
  3 gardens

• Ufa
  4 gardens

• Khimki
  
  Yunnatov street, 11

• Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  
  Elanskiy proezd, 25


Choose a kindergarten in St. Petersburg
To the list of gardens

21 kindergarten. 1 will open soon.

Click on the word “City” to select a kindergarten.

Kindergartens located on the metro line

Kirovsko-Vyborgskaya

Moskovsko-Petrogradskaya

Nevsko-Vasileostrovskaya

Pravoberezhnaya

Frunzensko-Primorskaya

Show all

Gracious

Blagodatnaya street, 34

electric power

Vasileostrovskiy

Maly Prospekt V. O., 90, lit. A

Primorskaya

LCD “5 stars”

Zhukova street, 3

Lenin Square

LCD “Baltic Pearl”

Admiral Cherokov street, 18/3

Prospect Veterans

LCD “House on Frunzenskaya”

st. Parfenovskaya, 4

Frunzenskaya

LCD “Novoorlovsky”

Suzdalskoe highway, 22 building 4 building 1

Prospect Education

LCD “Paradny Kvartal”

paradnaya street, 3, bldg. 2A

Chernyshevskaya

LCD “Renaissance”

st. Dybenko, d. 8, k. 3

Dybenko street

Krestovsky prospect PREMIUM

Krestovsky prospect, 15

Krestovsky island

Leninist

People’s Militia, house 10

Leninsky Prospekt

Lesnaya

st. Gribaleva, d. 7 k. 1

Lesnaya

Furniture

Mebelnaya street, 49/92

Running

Murino

Leningrad region, Murino, st. Ekaterininskaya, d.8, k.2, LCD “Three Whales”

Devyatkino

Novocherkassk

st. Republican, 35, building 2

Novocherkassk

New Okkervil

Kudrovo, md. New Okkervil, Stroiteley Ave., 2

Dybenko street

bypass channel

Obvodny Canal Embankment, 108

Frunzenskaya

Parachute

Parashutnaya street, 54

Commandant Avenue

Petrovsky prospect

Petrovsky prospect, 2

Sports
(soon to open)

Petrogradskaya

Divenskaya street, 11

Gorkovskaya

Prospect Veterans

Veteranov Ave. , 75, building 1

Prospect Veterans

Savushkina

Savushkina street, 104

Old village

Triumph Park

Srednerogatskaya street, 9

starry

Sun School Network News

• Opening of the garden Sun School ZhK Oktyabrskoe Pole (Moscow)!

  10. 10.2022

  On October 15 at 10:30 we are waiting for you and your children to visit us at the Open Doors Day at the Sun School Residential Complex “Oktyabrskoe Pole” (Moscow)!

  Let’s introduce the staff of the garden and show each group, each corner and each toy.

  In the holiday program:
  – game with animators;
  — master classes for children of all ages;
  — photo zone with instant photos;
  – tour of the garden;
  – a general meeting, where they will tell you about the concept, the daily routine, and answer any question;
  – Getting to know the garden team.

  Until the opening of the garden, there is a 100% discount on the entrance fee and 50% on the 1st month of visiting!

  We are waiting for you at the celebration on October 15 at Moscow, st. Berzarina, d. 30A, m. Oktyabrskoye Pole

  Sign up by phone: 8 (800) 775-60-47

• We invite you to the opening of the Lobachevsky Sun School garden (Moscow)!

  08/26/2022

  On September 3, a new kindergarten Lobachevsky’s Sun School opens in Moscow! The garden is new, but the principles and standards are still high.

  • video surveillance available to you;
  • five meals a day with menu correction for children with allergies;
  • daily examination by a health worker;
  • classes in the format of games, quests, creative tasks;
  • two adults in each group.

  On the open day in the program: animators, bubble show, excursions for parents. You can see the garden, chat with the manager and discuss all the conditions with her.

  Until September 3, the garden has a 100% discount on the entrance fee and 50% on the first month of visiting.

  Start at 10:30.
  Address: Moscow, st. Lobachevsky, 92, building 4
  Sign up by phone 8 (800) 775-60-47

  Sign up by phone: 8 (800) 775-60-47

• Open Day at Sun School Petrogradskaya (St. Petersburg)!

  08/26/2022

  We invite you to an open day at Sun School Sun School Petrogradskaya!

  At the holiday you will find a fun animation program, master classes for children from educators, delicious treats.
  Parents will be able to get to know all the staff and see the garden.
  Promotion on the day of the holiday – 50% on the entrance fee.

  Address: St. Petersburg, Divenskaya street, 11
  Date and time: September 10, 11:00

  Sign up by phone: 8 (800) 775-60-47

• Open Day at Sun School Solntsevo (Moscow)!

  08/17/2022

  We invite you to the Open Day at Sun School Solntsevo!

  Program:

  • Fun animation and play program for children
  • Tour of the garden, meeting the manager and caregivers
  • Master classes for children and parents
  • Tasty and light buffet

  Bonus! Have time to conclude a contract at the old price and get a 100% discount on the entry fee when signing the contract on the day of the event!

  Address: Moscow, Proizvodstvennaya street, 12, building 2
  Date and time: August 20, 10:00

  Sign up by phone: 8 (800) 775-60-47

• Open Day at Sun School Scarlet Sails PREMIUM (Moscow)!

  08/15/2022

  The English kindergarten Sun School PREMIUM “Scarlet Sails” holds an “Open Day” on August 27!

  At the Open Day, the participants of the event will be able to communicate, ask questions of interest to the director, administration, educators and expats of the kindergarten.

  Wonderful meetings, educational and entertainment programs await our guests:

  For preschoolers
  Creative workshops are open from 11.00 to 11.40. Interesting and useful!

  For the youngest guests (ages 1 – 3)
  From 11.00 – 11.40 – Sensory musical fairy tale. A fairy tale that you can not only watch and listen to, but also touch!

  For children from 3 to 5 years old.
  From 11.00 – 11.40 – Lego adventure! Children will get acquainted with different types of Lego constructor, make wonderful Lego compositions!

  Senior preschoolers (ages 5-7)
  From 11.00 – 11.40 you are invited to the creative workshop “Very skillful hands”. Everyone will create a wonderful work with their own hands!

  If your child is passionate about cooking, then from 11.00 – 11.40 we are waiting for young cooks in an English culinary master class with our expats!

  From 11.40 am to 12.00 pm our young guests will be able to play in our group rooms and take a guided tour of the garden.

  From 12.00 – 13.00 for all our guests incendiary outdoor animation: games, competitions, disco!

  Bonus! 20% discount on entry fee! And that’s not all surprises for our guests!
  Sign up for this summer’s exciting event!

  8 (800) 775-60-47

  Date: August 27, beginning at 11:00.
  Address: st. Aviation, 79, building B.

• Open Day at Sun School Vasileostrovsky (St. Petersburg)!

  08/14/2022

  We invite you to visit!

  Sun School kindergarten Vasileostrovskiy will host an open day!

  The children will have an exciting program and an interesting master class with full immersion in a bilingual environment.
  Parents will be able to get acquainted with the teachers and the work of the kindergarten.

  Bonus! Hurry up to conclude a contract at the old price and get a 50% discount on the entry fee when signing the contract on the day of the event!

  Address: St. Petersburg, Maly Prospekt V.O., 90, lit. A
  Date and time: August 27, 11:00

  Sign up by phone: 8 (800) 775-60-47

• Open Day at Sun School Belgian Village (Moscow)!

  08/10/2022

  Sun School Belgian Village Kindergarten will host an Open Day!

  An amazing science show awaits you!
  Freezing balloons, Egyptian night experiment, flashing solution and much more!
  The guys not only watch spectacular transformations and amazing miracles, but also take part in the show themselves!

  On this day, there is a unique opportunity to conclude an agreement with a garden without paying an entry fee!

  Date and time: August 14, 11:30
  Address: Moscow, Letovo village, Belgian village, C1

  Call 8 800 775-60-47

• We invite you to the holiday! Open Day at Sun School VDNKh (Moscow)!

  08/04/2022

  On August 13, Sun School VDNKh opens a new network garden in Moscow!

  Garden managers and owners Svetlana and Alexander have prepared an excellent program for you and your children:

  – games with animators;
  – master classes;
  – show program for all guests;
  – a sweet table to make the impressions of the holiday as pleasant as possible.

  For parents there will be excursions in mini-groups and a meeting where you can ask Svetlana and Alexander any questions.

  If the contract is concluded before August 13, maximum discounts: 100% for the entrance fee and 50% for the first month of visiting .

  Date and time: August 13, 11:00
  Address: m. VDNKh, Rizhsky pr-d, 9

  Appointment by phone 8 800 775-60-47

• Open Day at Savushkin’s Sun School (St. Petersburg)!

  07/27/2022

  We invite you to visit!

  Savushkin’s Sun School Kindergarten will host an open day!

  The children will have an exciting program and an interesting master class. Parents will be able to get acquainted with the teachers and the work of the kindergarten.
  When signing an agreement on the Open Day, you will receive a 100% discount on the entry fee!

  Address: St. Petersburg, Savushkina street, 104
  Date and time: July 30, 11:00

  Sign up by phone: 8 (800) 775-60-47

  • Open Day at Sun School Mosfilmovskaya (Moscow)!

    06/22/2022

    On July 1, we are waiting for you at the holiday in the Sun School Mosfilmovskaya kindergarten! The plan is this:

    • Workshops for children from kindergarten teachers.