I called and visited quite a few child care places in Augusta. I ultimately went with the YMCA even though the facilities are much older than the rest. New facilities are being built, so that wasn't a huge concern for me.
Aside from outside play twice a day, the YMCA takes the pre-school aged kids to music class, swim lessons, and the library across the street. They encourage learning through play. They read every day, and have quiet nap time.
The rates are reasonable, the staff is knowledgeable and interact well with parents and children alike, they will work with you if you don't need full-time care. We started off with a couple of half-days per week, and now are at two full days per week. We will be transitioning soon to three full days per week.
Instead of my daughter crying when I drop her off, she cries when I pick her up. She wants to stay and play with the friends she's made at "school". She is excited and runs up the stairs in the mornings, and I've noticed all of her classmates are the same way.
more