Preschools & Daycares in Macon, GA

Finding quality childcare is one of the most important decisions Macon, Georgia families make, and Middle Georgia offers a range of preschool and daycare options to suit different schedules, philosophies, and budgets. From play-based early learning programs to structured pre-kindergarten curricula, Macon’s childcare providers serve children from infancy through school age in safe, nurturing environments. Georgia’s state-funded Pre-K program — available at many Macon childcare centers — provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten education to four-year-old children using Georgia Lottery funds, making early education more accessible for Macon families. With approximately 77 licensed childcare providers in Macon and an average full-time monthly cost of $448, the city offers a range of affordable and quality early childhood education options.

1. Sandy’s Sandbox

• Address: 2771 Lanier Heights Road, Macon, GA 31217 and 1610 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211
• Phone: (478) 788-2121
• Website: https://www.sandyssandbox.net
• Hours: Monday–Friday 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Services: Infant care, toddler programs, preschool, pre-K, Georgia Lottery-funded Pre-K (free), before and after school programs, school transportation, ages 6 weeks to 10 years
• About: Sandy’s Sandbox is one of Macon’s most comprehensive childcare providers, serving children from 6 weeks through 10 years at two convenient locations. Their Georgia Lottery-funded Pre-K program is offered at no tuition cost to eligible Georgia residents, and their before and after school programs include transportation to and from area schools. Sandy’s Sandbox provides a warm, structured learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten while supporting working families’ schedules.

2. Sandy’s Sandbox Child Care and Learning Center

• Address: 2771 Lanier Heights Road, Macon, GA 31217 (East Bibb location); 1610 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211 (East Macon location)
• Phone: (478) 745-6006 (Lanier Heights); (478) 621-4441 (Shurling)
• Website: https://www.sandyssandbox.net
• Hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Closed 6 major holidays only
• Services: Infant through school-age care (6 weeks–10 years), Georgia Lottery-Funded Pre-K (free), before- and after-school programs, school transportation, homework tutelage, cooking and craft activities, outdoor field trips, physical development activities
• About: Sandy’s Sandbox is a locally owned, community-rooted child care center with two Macon locations and one in Bonaire, providing Macon families with trusted care since the business was established. Both Macon centers house Georgia Lottery-Funded Pre-K programs free to Georgia residents, plus before- and after-school programs with transportation to area schools. Sandy’s after-school program goes beyond supervision — it provides homework help, creative activities, and age-appropriate physical development in a nurturing, stable environment.

3. Cedars Preschool – Macon

• Address: 6155 Zebulon Road, Macon, GA 31220
• Phone: (478) 471-0670
• Website: https://cedarspreschool.com/locations/macon-ga-preschool
• Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM; flexible scheduling options available
• Services: Play-based preschool curriculum, flexible scheduling (2, 3, or 5 days/week), safe and nurturing environment, educational development focus, weekly and bi-weekly payment options, sibling discounts
• About: Cedars Preschool believes strongly that children learn through play, and their Macon program embraces educational development within a safe, loving environment that supports each child’s natural curiosity. Their flexible scheduling options — ranging from two to five days per week — accommodate diverse family schedules. With an annual enrollment fee and a 5% sibling discount, Cedars Preschool makes quality early education accessible for Macon families of varying needs and budgets.

4. CGTC Early Childhood Learning Center

• Address: 3300 Macon Tech Drive, Macon, GA 31206
• Phone: (478) 757-3503
• Website: https://www.centralgatech.edu/childcare/macon-early-childhood-learning-center
• Hours: Monday–Friday 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
• Services: Infant through preschool care, play-based learning, Georgia Pre-K program, licensed and Quality Rated facility, early childhood education practicum for CGTC students, PELL-eligible family priority enrollment, community enrollment
• About: The Central Georgia Technical College Early Childhood Learning Center serves Macon children from infancy through pre-K in a Quality Rated, state-licensed facility. Beyond providing excellent childcare, the center also serves as a training laboratory for CGTC’s early childhood education students, meaning children benefit from supervision by both professional staff and education students receiving practical training. Priority enrollment is available for PELL-eligible CGTC students, with community slots also available.

When selecting a preschool or daycare in Macon, schedule a tour during operating hours to observe how staff interact with children and how the facility is managed day-to-day. Ask about staff-to-child ratios (Georgia requires 1:6 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:15 for preschoolers), teacher qualifications, and whether the facility is Quality Rated by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Georgia Pre-K spaces are limited and fill quickly each spring — contact programs early to secure enrollment for the following fall. All legitimate Macon childcare centers must be licensed by Bright from the Start, Georgia’s childcare licensing agency, and you can verify any center’s license and inspection history at their website. Ask about the center’s sick-child policy, emergency procedures, and communication tools before enrolling your child.