The Best Daycare Centers in Elizabeth, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Elizabeth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Elizabeth
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Elizabeth area from nearby Mountain Home. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focusing on developmental milestones through structured learning and play-based activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure facility access with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning components. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains excellent safety records with regular state inspections.
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The Learning Tree Academy
Independent
The Learning Tree Academy provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning plans and developmental tracking. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early education, featuring hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and structured play areas. The center employs experienced early childhood professionals with ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. Facilities include secure outdoor play areas, modern classrooms with age-appropriate materials, and comprehensive security systems. Parent communication is prioritized through daily updates and regular progress reports.
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Children's Learning Center
Independent
Children's Learning Center has served the northern Arkansas region including Elizabeth for nearly two decades with a reputation for educational excellence and nurturing care. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum focuses on school readiness through literacy enhancement, math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified teachers who hold early childhood credentials and receive continuous professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and rigorous health and cleanliness protocols. The program emphasizes social development and character building alongside academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Elizabeth, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Elizabeth, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Elizabeth, 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 licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and training. For smaller in-home providers (5 or fewer children), they may operate as a "Family Child Care Home" which is registered, not licensed, but still must meet certain health and safety standards. To verify a provider's status, you can use the DHS Child Care Facility Search tool online or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. It's highly recommended to always ask to see a provider's current license or registration certificate during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Elizabeth, AR, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Elizabeth and the surrounding rural areas of Arkansas, daycare costs are generally lower than state or national averages, but availability is more limited. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $100-$150 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed center or registered family home. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Arkansas's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You can apply through the local DHS County Office serving Izard County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Given Elizabeth's rural location, how can I find and evaluate the available daycare options, and are waitlists common?
Due to Elizabeth's small, rural community, finding daycare options requires a more localized approach. Start by asking for recommendations from other parents at local churches, the Elizabeth Post Office, or community centers. Check with the Izard County Consolidated Elementary School, as staff may know of reputable providers. Online state resources are crucial; use the Arkansas DHS search tool and filter for Izard County. Because the number of providers is limited, waitlists for infant care, in particular, are very common and can be several months long. It's advisable to begin your search during pregnancy. When evaluating, a personal visit is essential—observe cleanliness, caregiver interaction, and ask about their emergency plans for a rural area (e.g., severe weather, distance to medical care).
What are the typical operating hours for daycare centers in Elizabeth, and are there options for parents with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Most licensed daycare centers and family homes in Elizabeth operate on a fairly standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 or 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, given the agricultural and varied work schedules common in rural Arkansas, these standard hours can be a challenge. Options for evening, overnight, or weekend care are extremely limited. Your best bet is to seek out registered family child care homes, as some in-home providers may offer more flexible hours by individual arrangement. Be prepared to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront and potentially pay a premium for care outside standard hours. Networking with other local parents in similar industries can sometimes lead to discovering a provider willing to accommodate shift work.
What should I look for in a daycare curriculum or daily routine for my preschool-aged child in a small-town setting like Elizabeth?
In Elizabeth, high-quality daycare for preschoolers should balance structured learning with the unique opportunities of a rural environment. Look for a routine that includes: foundational pre-literacy and math skills (like ABCs, counting, shapes), ample time for creative play and social interaction, and daily outdoor activity. Given the local setting, a great program might incorporate nature-based learning—like simple gardening, observing local wildlife, or seasonal activities. Ask how they prepare children for kindergarten at Izard County Consolidated Elementary School. Ensure they follow Arkansas's Early Learning Standards. Also, inquire about screen time policies; limited or no screen time is ideal. A good provider will be able to describe their daily schedule and show you examples of children's art and projects.