The Best Daycare Centers in Delaware, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Delaware. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Delaware
KinderCare Learning Center at Fort Smith
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Learning Center at Fort Smith is a highly-regarded facility serving the Delaware area with a comprehensive, play-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Staffed by qualified teachers with CPR and First Aid certifications, the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and features secure entry systems, daily safety checks, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise its engaging learning environments, including age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas, and its focus on individualized developmental tracking. The center is part of the national KinderCare network, ensuring consistent quality and extensive resources for children from infancy through school age.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Fort Smith
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fort Smith offers a premier early childhood education program serving Delaware and surrounding areas, with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that blends academic readiness with creative play. The school employs degreed educators and emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities, language development, and character building. Safety is paramount, featuring secured perimeters, regular drills, and hygienic facilities. Parents highlight the school's strong communication, inclusive atmosphere, and well-equipped indoor and outdoor spaces that foster curiosity and growth. Its accreditation and high parent satisfaction make it a top choice for families seeking a structured yet nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Paris Early Learning Academy
Independent
Paris Early Learning Academy is a locally-owned center known for its personalized care and strong community ties, serving Delaware and Logan County with a balanced curriculum that integrates Montessori-inspired activities and Arkansas Early Learning Standards. The facility features small class sizes, certified early childhood educators, and a focus on holistic development through hands-on learning, music, and outdoor exploration. Safety measures include video monitoring, background-checked staff, and allergy-aware meal plans. Parents appreciate the warm, family-like environment, regular progress updates, and flexible scheduling options. Its commitment to fostering independence and school readiness in a safe, stimulating setting has earned it consistent high ratings.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Delaware, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Delaware, AR, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Delaware, 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. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a daycare'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. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Delaware, AR?
The cost of childcare in Delaware and the surrounding rural areas of Arkansas is generally lower than the state average, but it varies by provider type. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $100 to $140 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family childcare may range from $80 to $120 per week. These are estimates, and prices can differ based on the program's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. It's important to note that Arkansas offers financial assistance through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Are there any state-funded pre-K programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Delaware, AR?
Yes, Arkansas's Better Chance (ABC) program provides state-funded pre-K for eligible 4-year-olds, and in some cases, 3-year-olds, in high-quality settings. Availability in a small town like Delaware may be limited and is typically offered through the local public school district or a partnering licensed childcare center. You should contact the **Delaware School District** or the **Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperative** to inquire about ABC program availability, enrollment periods, and income-based eligibility requirements. These programs focus on school readiness and can be an excellent, cost-effective childcare option.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Delaware area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare providers in small rural communities like Delaware, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. Wait times can range from a few weeks to several months. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Contact all local licensed centers and family homes to get on their interest lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist or registration fee to hold a spot. It's also wise to have a backup plan, such as a licensed family childcare home in a neighboring town like Dierks or Wickes, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the key health and safety regulations I should look for when touring a daycare in Delaware?
When touring a facility, look for clear evidence of Arkansas DHS compliance. Key items include: posted licenses and inspection reports; secure entrances where visitors must be screened; clean and age-appropriate toys/equipment; safe sleep practices for infants (cribs, no loose bedding); properly stored medications and cleaning supplies; and fenced, safe outdoor play areas. Also, ask about their sick child policy, immunization requirements for staff and children, and their emergency preparedness plan for events like severe weather, which is common in Arkansas. A reputable provider will be transparent about these policies and proud to show you their compliance.
Childcare Insights for Delaware
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you're searching for "family day care near me" in Delaware, Arkansas, you're looking for that special blend of a nurturing home environment and reliable care. Family day care, often run by a licensed provider in their own residence, offers a unique setting that can feel like an extension of your own family, which is especially comforting in a close-knit community like ours. The search here in Delaware County is about more than just convenience; it's about finding a trusted partner in your child's early years.
When beginning your search in and around Delaware, a great first step is to connect with local networks. Talk to other parents at the park, your church, or community events. Personal recommendations carry significant weight in small towns, often leading you to providers who have been caring for local children for years. You'll also want to utilize the official channels. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education maintains a licensed provider database. You can search for licensed family child care homes specifically for Delaware County, which provides a vital baseline for safety and standards. Remember, a license ensures the home has met state requirements for health, safety, and capacity.
Considering the rural nature of our area, logistics are a key factor. In Delaware and the surrounding communities, travel distances can be meaningful. When you find a potential provider, consider the drive during the actual times you'll be commuting, not just a midday test run. Ask about their schedule flexibility, especially if your work takes you to nearby towns like Jay, Oklahoma, or Siloam Springs. A good family day care provider in this region understands the rhythms of local life, including agricultural seasons and school calendars for older siblings attending schools in the Westside or Decatur school districts.
Your visit to a prospective home is the most crucial part. Look for a clean, safe, and engaging space where children have room to play. Inquire about the daily routine—does it include outdoor time, which is such a benefit of our Arkansas landscape, and how does the provider handle educational activities? Don't hesitate to ask for references from current or past families. Trust your instincts on whether the caregiver's philosophy aligns with your own. It's also wise to discuss policies on sick days, meals, and how they communicate with parents throughout the day.
Ultimately, finding the right family day care in Delaware, Arkansas, is about building a relationship. The ideal provider becomes a cherished part of your child's world, offering consistency and care in a home-like setting. By combining local word-of-mouth with diligent research and thoughtful questions, you can find a wonderful environment where your little one can learn, play, and grow, giving you priceless peace of mind as you go about your day.