The Best Daycare Centers in NAU, AZ
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in NAU. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in NAU
Little Scholars Academy of Flagstaff
Little Scholars Academy
Little Scholars Academy is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Flagstaff community with a comprehensive developmental curriculum. The center emphasizes academic preparation through play-based learning and structured activities, focusing on literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. Certified teachers with early childhood credentials implement age-appropriate lesson plans in well-equipped classrooms featuring learning centers for art, science, and dramatic play. The facility includes secure indoor and outdoor play areas with modern safety protocols, including coded entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, individualized attention to each child's needs, and the nurturing environment that supports both academic growth and character development.
Daycare Services:
Pine Forest Preschool & Childcare
Pine Forest Education Group
Pine Forest Preschool offers a nature-inspired curriculum that integrates outdoor exploration with traditional early learning fundamentals. Located near NAU, the center serves many university faculty and staff families with its research-based approach to child development. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through sensory activities, gardening, and environmental education alongside structured literacy and math instruction. Qualified early childhood educators maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide detailed developmental progress reports. The facility features secure, age-appropriate playgrounds with natural elements, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills and health screenings. Parents particularly value the center's focus on building independence and problem-solving skills.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Flagstaff
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School brings a nationally recognized early childhood education program to Flagstaff with a play-based learning approach that balances academic preparation and social development. The F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) encourages children to explore their interests through learning centers while building foundational skills in literacy, STEM, and creative arts. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The modern facility features secure, technology-enhanced classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety systems. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through daily communication, regular parent-teacher conferences, and family events. The program's flexibility with scheduling and consistent quality make it popular with NAU-affiliated families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in NAU, AZ
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in NAU, Arizona, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In NAU, Arizona, daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For center-based care, you can expect to pay approximately $800 to $1,200 per month for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $600 to $900 monthly. These rates are generally lower than in larger Arizona metros like Phoenix or Tucson. For financial assistance, Arizona's Department of Economic Security (DES) administers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families, students, and those in job training. Additionally, Northern Arizona University (NAU) students and employees should check with the university's Human Resources or Student Affairs offices, as there may be specific grants, sliding-scale options at affiliated centers, or dependent care flexible spending accounts.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in NAU, Arizona?
All licensed childcare providers in Arizona are regulated by the Department of Health Services (DHS), Office of Child Care Licensure. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the Arizona DHS Child Care Facility Search portal. This public database shows the facility's license status, capacity, any substantiated complaints, and results of routine inspections. It's crucial to look beyond just the license being "current"; review the inspection reports for details on any violations related to staff-to-child ratios, safety hazards, or health standards. For added due diligence, you can contact the local DHS licensing specialist for the NAU area. Always visit the facility in person to observe safety protocols, ask about staff background checks (which are mandatory in Arizona), and request references from other parents.
Are there daycare facilities near NAU that offer care for non-traditional hours or accommodate university student and staff schedules?
Yes, there are options, but they require proactive searching. Given NAU's presence, some providers recognize the need for flexible hours. A few licensed centers and home-based providers in Flagstaff (which encompasses NAU) may offer early morning (before 7 AM) or evening care, but these spots are limited. Your best bet is to inquire directly with centers near campus or those that advertise serving "university families." Northern Arizona University itself may have resources, such as the "Jacks Care" program or partnerships with local providers, to help students and staff. For shift workers or those with highly irregular schedules, seeking a licensed family childcare home can sometimes offer more flexibility than a large center. Joining local parent groups on social media (e.g., Flagstaff Moms Facebook groups) is an excellent way to find recommendations for providers known for accommodating academic schedules.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in NAU, Arizona, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists in NAU and the greater Flagstaff area can be lengthy, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer, for highly sought-after centers. For parents associated with NAU, some on-campus or affiliated centers may have separate, often shorter, waitlists for students and employees. To secure a spot, you should begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months in advance. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, how often it's updated, and if they give priority to siblings or NAU affiliates. Don't rely on a single waitlist; apply to several to increase your chances.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in NAU, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
In NAU, Arizona, both types are licensed by the state but offer different environments. **Licensed Centers** are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, more children, and a structured curriculum. They often have multiple staff with specific educational roles and may be part of a chain or housed at an institution like NAU. They generally have more rigid hours but robust resources. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 10, including the provider's own). This setting often provides a more home-like, flexible atmosphere with potentially more individualized attention and consistent care from one primary adult. Your choice depends on your child's temperament and your family's needs. If you value a structured educational approach and social interaction with many peers, a center may be better. If you prefer a family-like setting, mixed-age learning, and potentially more schedule flexibility, a home may be ideal. Always ensure any option you consider is properly licensed and aligns with Arizona's safety standards.