Childcare Network #246 on Winston Road is Clayton's highest-licensed commercial childcare center, holding a 5-star NC DCDEE rating and serving nearly 200 children from infancy through school age with a structured HighReach curriculum, included USDA meals, and NC Pre-K enrollment. Parent reviews are broadly positive — especially praising staff warmth and outdoor programming — though April 2026 inspections flagged sanitation and ratio concerns that families should weigh; the most recent May 2026 unannounced inspection returned clean.
Safety6.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music6.0
Infant care7.0
Kindergarten readiness7.0
Teacher quality7.0
Compassion8.0
Management6.0
Culture7.0
Class sizes5.0
Extracurriculars6.0
What parents say
“His teachers all seem to care about him as if he was their own. They give the kids ample outdoor time, activities and provide food throughout the day.”
“They go above and beyond every day to ensure the well-being and development of our children. Their genuine love for what they do shines through in every interaction.”
“Went here when I was 3 and 4. Now I am 18 and about to graduate high school. The memories don't feel real. Loved this place.”
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Uses HighReach Learning Curriculum with activities supporting physical, emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on, play-based learning.
Programs & activities: Offers infant through school-age programs plus before/afterschool care; activities include creative arts, outdoor play, music, and early literacy programs; transportation provided to four local elementary schools.
What sets it apart: 5-star NC Star Rating; USDA-approved meals and snacks provided daily; keyless entry building access for security; free NC Pre-K program available; parent communication via CN Moments app; nut-free policy.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Clayton
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 10 in Clayton</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked in the top 10 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Clayton.</span>
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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
