While the daycare center on NCSU’s campus does not offer childcare for current students, this part of their website provides a host of information to help Raleigh transplants with young children secure childcare before the semester starts up. Particularly helpful is the childcare provider database which allows users to enter criteria and locate centers throughout not only Wake County, but all of North Carolina.
For parents who prefer a less permanent solution, Raleigh is home to several drop-in childcare centers. My son and I love drop-in care; he goes to one facility about 4 hours each week while I’m in class. Drop-in care is great because there is no registration/enrollment fee, no weekly-only rates as you only pay for the minutes your child is receiving care, and centers are also open evenings and weekends should you need a break outside of traditional business hours.
This drop in provider has three locations in the Triangle. They offer a climbing wall, a “Blue Room” for kids 8-12, a crafts center, media center, library, and tons of toys.
Rates are $10 per hour. If you know your child will be needing care regularly, for instance every Tuesday and Thursday while you’re in class, they offer packages up to 150 hours at a discounted rate. The Platinum package is 150 hours for $910. This averages out to $6.07 per hour, which is cheaper than any reliable baby sitter or daycare will ever be. The best part, 150 hours used only for class times lasts us about a semester and a half. Smaller packages are offered, of course the discount is not as steep.
Raleigh : Durant Road
10320 Durant Road, Suite 105 Raleigh, NC 27614 919.847.8407 raleigh@righttimekids.comRaleigh : Oberlin Road
1028 Oberlin Road, Suite 242 Raleigh, NC 27605 919.400.5561 oberlinroad@righttimekids.comWake Forest
918 Gateway Commons Circle Wake Forest, NC 27587 919.554.8030 wakeforest@righttimekids.comI am not familiar with the two centers below, but they both offer rates comparable to Right Time Kids.
This center has limited hours and is not open on the weekends.
8604 Falls of Neuse Rd, Suite 104Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 414-6479
littletrekkersnc@ymail.com $8 per hour
This center has a membership program that reduces hourly rate by $2; they charge a $20 annual fee.
6021 Poyner Village Pkwy, Suite 103Raleigh, NC 27616
Main Phone: 919-876- 8207
comeplay@kidzinaminute.com $12 per hour nonmember, $10 per hour member