Licensed Daycare in Winston Salem, North Carolina
40 licensed daycares in Winston Salem, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official North Carolina licensing records.
Winston Salem listings updated August 2026 from official North Carolina records.
Daycare in Winston Salem: what parents should know
Families in Winston Salem can choose from 40 licensed childcare providers. Every provider here holds a current North Carolina license at indexing time, sourced from NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.
For age coverage, 5 centers in Winston Salem report infant care (roughly 13% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 5 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 5 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Winston Salem spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 13% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Winston Salem providers are approved for approximately 2,838 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Winston Salem childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Winston Salem
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 Winston Salem 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 overviewQuick 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
- 70 kids
What will daycare actually cost you in Winston Salem?
Estimate your monthly cost by age and program type, then see which subsidies and tax credits you may qualify for.
What to pack for the first day
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Dishwasher-safe ones survive daily bottle washing; paper labels peel within a week.
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Ask the center first — many supply cots but require your own fitted sheet.
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Two full changes per day for potty-training age, one for older kids.
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Most centers ask for one clearly named bottle a child can open alone.
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Needed if the center does not provide meals; look for one that fits an ice pack.
Browse options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are the same for you. Full list by age in our daycare supply checklist.
Largest licensed centers in Winston Salem
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
No openings near Winston Salem? Widen the search
Waitlists are normal in high-demand areas. Centers one ZIP code over often have space, and part-time or in-home options may open sooner — start by checking nearby ZIP codes.
Found a center in Winston Salem? Here is what to pack
Bottles, name labels, nap bedding and spare clothes — our checklist by age covers what centers ask you to bring, and what they ask you not to send.
All Winston Salem licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Winston Salem, North Carolina?
What's the average daycare cost in Winston Salem?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Winston Salem daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Winston Salem?
How do I verify a Winston Salem daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Winston Salem
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programNC Child Care Subsidy Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(919) 814-6300 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Winston Salem
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Winston Salem, North Carolina are compiled from official NC Division of Child Development and Early Education licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · August 2026 · methodology
Search 40 Licensed Centers in Winston Salem
Free, no signup, verified directly with NC Division of Child Development and Early Education.