Planning childcare in Auburn and Opelika is an important part of organizing a move. Start your search early enough to compare programs, confirm openings for your child’s age, and coordinate care with your work schedule and moving date.
This guide provides official search resources and questions to ask providers while you plan your relocation. Contact each program directly for current enrollment, hours, fees, and policies.
Find Childcare in Auburn and Opelika
The Alabama Department of Human Resources Child Care Services Division provides resources for families choosing care. Use its child day-care center directory to research providers, and consult DHR’s information about licensed day-care homes when considering home-based care.
Review the information available for the specific provider and address. Ask the provider and DHR about any licensing or exemption questions and the records available for your review. A program’s name or an older local directory entry does not establish its current status or availability.
Questions to Ask Before Joining a Waiting List
- Which ages does the program currently serve?
- Is a place available for the date you need, or is there a waiting list?
- What are the regular hours, holiday closures, and school-break arrangements?
- Does the program offer full-day, part-day, or specific-day enrollment?
- What tuition, registration charges, deposits, and other fees apply?
- What is included, and what supplies or meals must you provide?
- How are drop-off, pickup authorization, illness, and schedule changes handled?
- Can you arrange a visit and review the current family handbook?
Write down the answers for each program and confirm them directly before committing. Compare the schedule that is actually available for your child rather than assuming every age group has the same hours or enrollment options.
Compare the Route With Your Home Search
When childcare is part of your routine, compare the trip from the home to the provider and onward to your work destination. Check the actual entrance, parking, drop-off arrangements, road crossings, and time needed for the full trip.
If you are moving for an Auburn University position, include your campus destination and work start time in your planning. A provider close to a home may still involve a different route from the one you expect to use for work.
Keep your home search and childcare enrollment coordinated. An available home does not guarantee an opening at a nearby program, and a waiting-list position should be confirmed directly with the provider.
Childcare and Relocation Questions
Can I rely on older published hours or prices?
Confirm current hours, fees, and availability with the exact program. Ask about the age group and start date that apply to your child.
Where can I get help understanding provider information?
Use the official DHR resources above and contact the Child Care Services Division with questions about its directory and records. Arrange a direct conversation and visit with providers you are considering.
Can Laura help with the housing part of my move?
Yes. Laura Sellers is a REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate — the Official Real Estate Partner of the Auburn Tigers. An Auburn University graduate and area resident since 1988, Laura has helped buyers and sellers since 2005 and specializes in Auburn University faculty and staff relocation.
Browse Auburn neighborhoods and Opelika neighborhoods, or use the Auburn University relocation guide. Contact Laura or call or text 334-332-7263 to discuss buying or selling.
