The Best Daycare Centers in Corning, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Corning. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Corning
Corning Head Start
Community Action Agency for Northeast Arkansas
Corning Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education focused on school readiness for low-income families. The program emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development through research-based curriculum. Teachers are qualified with Early Childhood credentials and maintain low child-to-staff ratios. The center offers developmental screenings, health services, and strong family engagement programs. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas designed to support early learning milestones.
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Kidz Harbor Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Paragould (serving the Corning area), Kidz Harbor Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program from infancy through school age. The center uses Creative Curriculum with emphasis on literacy, math, and social skills development. All teachers are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The program includes nutritious meals and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Growing God's Kingdom Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Serving families throughout Northeast Arkansas including Corning, Growing God's Kingdom provides faith-based early childhood education in a nurturing environment. The curriculum integrates Christian values with academic preparation using A Beka and other developmentally appropriate materials. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding degrees in Early Childhood Education. Facilities include secure entry systems, modern learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. The program emphasizes character development alongside academic readiness and offers flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Corning, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Corning, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Corning, Arkansas, all childcare facilities serving six or more children must be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. This includes family childcare homes (6-10 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Arkansas DHS website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider in Corning to ensure a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Corning, AR?
In Corning and the surrounding Clay County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Arkansas cities. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $150 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed childcare center. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, sometimes ranging from $80 to $120 per week. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., diapers, wipes, formula, meals).
Are there any state or local assistance programs to help with childcare costs for families in Corning?
Yes, eligible families in Corning can apply for the Arkansas Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by the DHS County Office in Piggott (serving Clay County). This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in education/training programs, or families receiving protective services afford licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Clay County DHS office or online via Access Arkansas. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Corning, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller number of licensed childcare options in Corning, waitlists can form, especially for infant care slots, which are limited by strict staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have a waitlist of 3 to 6 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 4-6 months before care is needed. Contacting providers directly to tour and understand their enrollment process timeline is crucial for securing a spot.
What are the primary types of childcare options available specifically within the city limits of Corning?
Within Corning, parents typically have two main licensed options: childcare centers and family childcare homes. There are a limited number of dedicated childcare centers that offer structured programs for various age groups. More commonly, you will find licensed family childcare homes, where a provider cares for a smaller group of children (6-10 max) in their own residence, often offering a more home-like environment. There are also registered faith-based preschool programs that may offer part-day care. For school-age children, the Corning Elementary School may offer an after-school program. Due to limited in-city options, some families also consider providers in nearby towns like Pocahontas or Piggott.