The Best Daycare Centers in Lakeside, AZ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lakeside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lakeside
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They offer a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features low student-teacher ratios, with all lead teachers holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure indoor classrooms and well-equipped outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. The center emphasizes safety with keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong communication from teachers.
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Mountain View Montessori
Independent
Mountain View Montessori provides authentic Montessori education in a carefully prepared environment designed to foster independence and natural curiosity. The school serves children from toddler through elementary ages with mixed-age classrooms led by AMI or AMS certified Montessori guides. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, practical life skills, and individualized academic progression. The campus features beautiful natural outdoor spaces, gardening areas, and purpose-built Montessori materials. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes community involvement, with parents noting the exceptional quality of education and the development of self-motivated learners.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Pinetop-Lakeside
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Lakeside community with a nationally-recognized early childhood education program that balances academic preparation with social development. Their research-based curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics foundations, and science exploration. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, organized classrooms. All teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold degrees in early childhood education. The center offers flexible scheduling options and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to meeting individual children's needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lakeside, AZ
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lakeside, AZ, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Arizona, all childcare facilities caring for four or more children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Office of Child Care Licensure. This includes centers and group homes in Lakeside. Licensed facilities must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety protocols, staff training (including CPR/First Aid), and facility safety. To verify a Lakeside provider's license status, you can use the ADHS "Child Care Facility Search" tool online. You can search by facility name, city, or zip code (85929) to view their license type, any past violations, and inspection reports. It's a crucial first step in your search.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lakeside, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants (under 1 year), waitlists at licensed daycare centers in Lakeside can be significant. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer, for infant care. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if seeking infant care. Many local centers in the White Mountains area have rolling enrollment but prioritize based on waitlist date. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists and check in periodically for updates.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Lakeside, AZ, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of daycare in Lakeside is generally lower than in Arizona's major metropolitan areas but varies by age and program type. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect an average range of $600 to $900 per month for preschool-aged children and $700 to $1,100 per month for infant care. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Arizona Department of Economic Security's (DES) Child Care Assistance program, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). You can apply through the DES website or the local DES office serving Navajo County. Some local centers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there unique considerations for childcare in Lakeside related to the rural setting and seasonal weather?
Yes, Lakeside's rural mountain setting presents specific considerations. First, transportation: many providers do not offer bus service, so parents must plan for drop-off and pick-up. Second, winter weather: snow and icy roads can occasionally cause delayed openings or closures. It's important to ask providers about their inclement weather policy and backup plans. Third, outdoor play and nature are often a big part of local programs, so inquire about outdoor time, sunscreen policies, and appropriate clothing. Finally, given the smaller community, many childcare options may be home-based licensed facilities, which can offer a smaller, family-like setting but may have more limited hours than larger centers.
What types of daycare and preschool programs are most commonly available in Lakeside, and how do I find them?
Lakeside offers a mix of options. The most common types are licensed childcare centers (often attached to churches or private schools) and licensed family childcare homes. There are also a few state-funded preschool programs like Head Start, which have income eligibility requirements. For school-age children, the Blue Ridge Unified School District may offer before-and-after-school programs. To find them, start with the ADHS online search tool. Additionally, local resources like the First Things First Navajo/ Apache Regional Partnership Council (which funds early childhood initiatives), community bulletin boards (e.g., at Bashas'), and local Facebook groups (e.g., "Lakeside/ Pinetop Community Board") are valuable for finding recommendations and learning about smaller home-based providers.