The Best Daycare Centers in Combs, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Combs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Combs
Little Lambs Christian Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Little Lambs Christian Preschool & Daycare is a highly-regarded facility located just 15 minutes from Combs in Huntsville. They offer a comprehensive Christian-based curriculum that focuses on spiritual, academic, and social development. The center features experienced early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facilities include secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. The program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and character building through structured activities and play-based learning. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, qualified staff, and excellent communication.
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ABC Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
ABC Preschool & Childcare Center serves the Combs area from their Huntsville location, offering a balanced educational approach that combines academic readiness with developmental appropriateness. The center employs certified early childhood educators and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features modern security systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and nutritious meal programs. Parents highlight the center's strong safety protocols, engaging learning activities, and the staff's dedication to each child's individual development and well-being.
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Tiny Tots Learning Center
Independent
Tiny Tots Learning Center, located approximately 20 minutes from Combs in Berryville, provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on early childhood development. The center offers a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired activities and structured academic preparation. Their qualified teaching staff includes professionals with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing training in child development best practices. The facility features secure access controls, modern learning materials, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. The center is praised for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and commitment to creating a stimulating learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Combs, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Combs, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Combs, Arkansas, all childcare facilities serving more than five children must be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. This includes family home providers, church-exempt centers, and licensed childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. Given Combs' rural setting, many options may be smaller family homes; always confirm their current license is posted and ask to see their most recent monitoring report.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Combs, AR, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Combs area and surrounding Madison County, daycare costs are generally lower than state averages but vary by provider type. For a licensed family home daycare, you might expect to pay $100-$130 per week for an infant. A center-based program, likely requiring travel to a nearby town like Huntsville, could range from $130-$160 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Arkansas Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Madison County DHS Office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Given Combs' rural location, what are the most common types of childcare available, and how can I find them?
Due to its small, rural community, Combs primarily offers licensed family childcare homes, which care for a smaller number of children in a residential setting. There are unlikely to be large childcare centers within the city limits itself. Many families also utilize registered church-exempt preschool programs in nearby communities for part-day care. To find local options, start by asking for recommendations from neighbors, local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Madison County, AR Chatter"), or your pediatrician's office in Huntsville. The Arkansas DHS online childcare search is crucial, as you can filter by zip code (72721) and provider type. Be prepared to consider providers in adjacent communities like Kingston, St. Paul, or Huntsville, which may involve a commute.
Are waitlists common for daycare spots in Combs, and what should I do to secure a spot in a timely manner?
While not as extreme as in urban areas, waitlists can be common for the most sought-after licensed family homes in Combs due to limited capacity. Popular providers may have waiting periods of several months, especially for infant care. To secure a spot, it's recommended to begin your search at least 3-4 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to inquire about availability and their waitlist process. Be prepared to put down a small deposit to hold a future spot. Being flexible with your start date can help. Also, explore multiple options in the broader Madison County area to increase your chances. Networking with other local parents is often the best way to hear about upcoming openings.
What are some key local factors I should consider when touring a daycare in Combs, beyond the standard checklist?
In a rural setting like Combs, several local-specific factors are important. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Northwest Arkansas (like tornadoes) and their protocol for power outages, including backup heating/cooling. Ask about their policy on farm animals or agricultural equipment if the home is on a larger property. Transportation is key: clarify if they provide any pickup/drop-off for preschool or school-age children at Combs School or if you are responsible for all transport. Given the community's size, ask about their network for substitute caregivers if the primary provider is ill. Finally, observe how they utilize the outdoor space—access to safe, natural play areas is a potential benefit of rural childcare.