Preschools and Daycares in Alpharetta and Johns Creek

For families choosing early childhood care in North Fulton

Finding the right preschool or daycare is one of the first major decisions parents make—and in communities like Alpharetta and Johns Creek, the number of options can feel overwhelming.

From Montessori programs and church-based preschools to large early learning centers and small in-home daycares, North Fulton offers a wide range of approaches to early childhood education. This guide is designed to help parents understand what’s available locally, what questions to ask, and how to choose a program that fits their child and family—not just on paper, but in daily life.

Table of Contents

Preschool vs. daycare: understanding the difference

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are practical differences.

Daycares typically:

Serve infants through pre-K
Offer full-day, year-round care
Focus on supervision, routine, and early development
Are designed for working parents needing consistent hours

Preschools usually:

Serve ages 2–5
Operate on school-year calendars or shorter days
Emphasize early learning, social skills, and readiness for kindergarten

Many local centers combine both, offering daycare-style hours with a preschool curriculum.

Common types of programs in Alpharetta and Johns Creek

Parents in North Fulton will encounter several common models:

Montessori programs

Child-led learning environments with mixed-age classrooms and hands-on materials. Often popular with families seeking independence-focused education.

Faith-based preschools

Typically attached to churches or synagogues. These programs often emphasize community, values, and gentle structure.

Corporate and national chains

Larger centers with standardized curricula, extended hours, and multiple locations. These can offer reliability and clear policies.

Independent and in-home daycares

Smaller settings, sometimes with fewer children and a more personal feel. Quality varies widely, so visits and references matter.

What parents should look for beyond brochures

Marketing materials rarely tell the whole story. When touring local preschools and daycares, parents often find these factors most important:

Teacher stability

Low staff turnover usually means stronger relationships, smoother routines, and a calmer environment.

Daily structure

Ask to see a typical day. Balance matters—free play, guided activities, outdoor time, meals, and rest should all be clearly planned.

Communication with parents

Look for consistent updates, clear policies, and approachable staff. Some centers use apps; others rely on daily reports or conversations.

Outdoor and movement time

In North Atlanta, outdoor play is possible much of the year. Programs that prioritize it tend to support both physical and emotional development.

Licensing and oversight in Georgia

All licensed daycares and preschools in Georgia are regulated by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL).

Parents can:

Verify a center’s license status
Review inspection reports
See records of complaints or enforcement actions

This information is public and worth reviewing before making a decision.

Cost expectations in North Fulton

While prices vary, families in Alpharetta and Johns Creek generally encounter:

Infant daycare: among the highest costs
Toddler programs: slightly less, but still premium
Preschool (part-time): lower monthly costs, fewer hours

Additional fees may include registration, materials, meals, or extended care. Ask for a full breakdown upfront.

Waitlists and timing: planning ahead matters

Many sought-after programs maintain waitlists, sometimes starting when a child is still an infant—or earlier.

Tips for parents:

Tour multiple programs early
Ask about enrollment cycles
Inquire about mid-year openings
Keep backup options

Flexibility often helps families secure placement faster.

Questions parents often forget to ask

Before enrolling, consider asking:

How are conflicts between children handled?
What happens when a teacher is absent?
How are transitions (nap time, drop-off) supported?
How does the program prepare children for kindergarten?

These answers often reveal more than curriculum descriptions.

Choosing what fits your family—not just trends

There is no single “best” preschool or daycare—only what works best for your child, your schedule, and your values.

Some children thrive in structured classrooms. Others do better in smaller, quieter settings. The right choice is often the one that feels calm, communicative, and consistent when you walk through the door.

Alpharetta and Johns Creek offer strong early childhood options, but the best results usually come from thoughtful comparison—not rushing into the first available opening.

Take tours, trust your instincts, and ask real questions. Early care is about more than learning letters and numbers—it’s about feeling safe, supported, and curious in the world.

Local Preschools and Daycares in Alpharetta and Johns Creek

(Non-sponsored, informational list)

The following programs are commonly used by families in North Fulton. Inclusion here does not imply endorsement and is based on local presence and visibility.

Alpharetta

Johns Creek

Featured Preschool or Daycare

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