1. Sandy’s Sandbox Child Care and Learning Center
Sector: Full-Service Childcare and Learning
Service Areas: Sandy’s Sandbox provides infant care, toddler care, preschool, Georgia Lottery-Funded Pre-K, before and after school care, and summer programs at three Middle Georgia locations.
Year Founded: Established childcare provider with three locations
Employee Count: Childcare educators and staff at multiple locations
About: Sandy’s Sandbox Child Care and Learning Center operates three locations: two in Macon (East Bibb adjacent to GEICO and YKK, and East Macon on Shurling Drive) and one in Bonaire in South Houston County. All centers are open 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, closed only for six major holidays annually. The Bonaire and East Bibb Centers serve children from 6 weeks to 10 years and house Georgia Lottery-Funded Pre-K programs free to Georgia residents. Before and after school programs transport children to and from area schools, with after-school programs providing homework help, cooking and craft activities, onsite field trips, and physical development opportunities.
Address: 2771 Lanier Heights Road, Macon, GA 31217 (478-745-6006) | 1610 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211 (478-621-4441) | 2930 Moody Road, Bonaire, GA 31005 (478-225-9555)
Contact: https://www.sandyssandbox.net
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
2. Cedars Preschool Macon
Sector: Preschool and Early Childhood Education
Service Areas: Cedars Preschool provides infant care, toddler care, Pre-K education, after-school care, and summer camp programs with play-based learning.
Year Founded: Part of Cedars Preschool network
Employee Count: Highly-trained early childhood educators
About: Cedars Preschool Macon serves infants, toddlers, Pre-K, and after-school aged children with a play-based learning philosophy. The facility features outdoor learning playgrounds designed for small children, competitive learning programs, and highly-trained staff creating substantial learning environments to prepare children for kindergarten. Cedars offers flexible scheduling including two-day, three-day, or more options per week. The program charges a $100 annual enrollment fee per child with a 5% sibling discount. Summer camp themes add variety and adventure to children’s summertime experience. The school has received positive reviews for clean, safe environments, caring staff, and engaging activities.
Address: Macon, GA
Contact: https://cedarspreschool.com
Operating Hours: Contact for schedule
3. Big Blue Marble Academy (Peake Road)
Sector: Early Childhood Education
Service Areas: Big Blue Marble Academy provides infant care, toddler care, preschool, Georgia Pre-K, before and after school care, and summer programs with play-based curriculum and character development focus.
Year Founded: Part of Big Blue Marble Academy network
Employee Count: Teachers and educators for all age groups
About: Big Blue Marble Academy on Peake Road in Macon provides nurturing childcare and early education for infants through school-age children. The program uses a play-based curriculum with focus on character development to foster a love of learning. The academy accepts childcare subsidy vouchers and tuition assistance (availability varies by location). Georgia Pre-K (state lottery-funded) is offered during the school year with no tuition or registration fee during Pre-K hours. Part-time and drop-in care options may be available. The facility uses the Procare app for communication and photo sharing with parents. The school has received positive reviews for teachers who know children by name, fast communication, clean facilities, and family-like atmosphere.
Address: Peake Road, Macon, GA
Contact: https://bbmacademy.com
Operating Hours: Contact for schedule
4. Childcare Network (Macon Locations)
Sector: Early Learning Center
Service Areas: Childcare Network provides day care, preschool, before and after school programs, free Georgia Pre-K for 4-year-olds, and summer camps with USDA-approved meals.
Year Founded: Part of national Childcare Network
Employee Count: School directors and teaching staff at multiple locations
About: Childcare Network operates multiple locations in Macon including the Price Road location (7017 Price Road) directed by Latonya Hill, who has 30 years in childcare. The centers provide high-quality early learning environments committed to supporting families. Childcare Network is licensed and adheres to state and local regulations, with many locations holding quality ratings and accreditations. Meals and snacks are prepared following USDA guidelines. Communication is provided through CN Moments app with photos, daily details, and announcements. Parent-teacher conferences and ongoing communication are available. The centers accommodate allergies and special dietary needs with advance notice.
Address: 7017 Price Road, Macon, GA 31220 (and additional locations)
Contact: https://schools.childcarenetwork.com
Operating Hours: Contact for specific location hours
5. The Children’s Center at Mulberry
Sector: Faith-Based Daycare and Early Learning
Service Areas: The Children’s Center at Mulberry provides faith-based daycare and early childhood learning in downtown Macon with a community-focused approach.
Year Founded: Established faith-based childcare center
Employee Count: Early childhood educators
About: The Children’s Center at Mulberry is a faith-based daycare and early childcare learning center located in downtown Macon on Mulberry Street. The center creates a community atmosphere for parents and children, helping families navigate the challenges of early childcare. The program supports parents through the decision-making process of enrolling young children in care programs. As a church-affiliated preschool and daycare, The Children’s Center provides a nurturing, faith-based environment for early childhood development.
Address: 719 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA
Contact: https://www.childrens-center-mulberry.org
Operating Hours: Contact for schedule
About Macon, GA
Macon offers diverse childcare options from home-based providers to large learning centers, with many facilities offering Georgia’s state-funded Pre-K program.
Georgia Pre-K: Georgia’s lottery-funded Pre-K program is available free to all Georgia 4-year-olds at participating Macon childcare centers. The program typically runs during school year hours (often 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM) with extended care available for additional fees. Georgia Pre-K follows state curriculum standards to prepare children for kindergarten.
Childcare Options: Macon families can choose from center-based childcare facilities serving many children with structured programs, home-based family childcare with smaller groups in residential settings, faith-based programs at churches and religious organizations, and Montessori and specialty programs with specific educational approaches.
Quality Ratings: Georgia’s Quality Rated program evaluates childcare providers on standards above basic licensing requirements. Quality Rated centers display star ratings (one to three stars) indicating their level of quality. Many Macon childcare centers participate in Quality Rated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does daycare cost in Macon?
Daycare costs in Macon vary by age, program type, and facility. Average monthly costs for full-time care are approximately $450 to $800, though prices range widely. Infant care typically costs more than care for older children. Part-time and drop-in rates vary by facility. Georgia Pre-K (for 4-year-olds) is free during program hours at participating centers. Childcare subsidies are available for qualifying families. Many centers offer sibling discounts.
What is Georgia Pre-K and how do I enroll?
Georgia Pre-K is a state lottery-funded preschool program for 4-year-old children (must turn 4 by September 1). The program is free at participating centers during Pre-K hours, with extended care available for additional fees. Contact participating childcare centers directly to apply. Enrollment is often limited with waiting lists at popular centers. The program runs during the school year, not during summer months. Private Pre-K programs are also available for families wanting year-round care or different hours.
How do I find quality childcare in Macon?
Visit Georgia’s Quality Rated website to search for rated providers. Tour multiple facilities before making decisions. Ask about staff qualifications, child-to-teacher ratios, curriculum, and safety procedures. Check licensing status through Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning. Read online reviews but verify with personal visits. Ask other parents for recommendations. Look for clean, safe environments with engaged teachers and age-appropriate activities.
What should I ask when touring a daycare?
Key questions include: What are your child-to-teacher ratios? What are staff qualifications and turnover rates? What curriculum do you use? How do you handle discipline? What meals and snacks are provided? How do you communicate with parents? What are your health and safety policies? What is your sick child policy? How do you handle emergencies? Are you licensed and Quality Rated? What are the fees, payment schedules, and late policies? Can I visit unannounced?
Are there childcare subsidies available in Macon?
Yes, Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program provides subsidies to help eligible families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school participation. Apply through the Georgia Gateway system. Many Macon childcare centers accept CAPS vouchers. Processing times vary, so apply early. Additional assistance may be available through Head Start programs, employer childcare benefits, and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.