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Licensed Daycare in Wilmington, North Carolina

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Wilmington?

Statewide averages in North Carolina run roughly $980/month for infants and $750/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Wilmington?

North Carolina families can apply for NC Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (919) 814-6300). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

15 licensed daycares in Wilmington, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official North Carolina licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$980/mo

North Carolina avg infant

1:5

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Wilmington

ChildCare Aware reports the North Carolina average full-time cost at $980/month for infant care and $750/month for preschool. City-level prices in Wilmington vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. North Carolina families may also qualify for NC Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (919) 814-6300).

Full North Carolina licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: NC Division of Child Development and Early Education
Infant ratio: 1:5
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:15
Avg capacity: 68 kids

ZIP codes covered

28403 9 28412 8 28401 6 28409 5 28406 1

Program types in Wilmington

Licensed Group Child Care Home

All Wilmington licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

G Family Daycare

Greensboro Smart Start Academy #28

Wilmington

School Age (5+) Cap 118

W Family Daycare

Wilmington Children's Place #64

Wilmington

School Age (5+) Cap 58

Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Wilmington, North Carolina?

Our directory lists 15 licensed childcare centers in Wilmington, North Carolina, sourced from NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Wilmington?

Statewide averages in North Carolina run roughly $980/month for infants and $750/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Wilmington daycares?

All licensed North Carolina centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:15 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Wilmington typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Wilmington?

North Carolina families can apply for NC Child Care Subsidy Program (intake: (919) 814-6300). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Wilmington daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official NC Division of Child Development and Early Education search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.