The Best Daycare Centers in Fisher, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fisher. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fisher
The Goddard School of Blytheville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Blytheville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and kindergarten readiness programs. Features state-of-the-art security systems, keypad entry, and live streaming for parents. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials provide individualized attention in bright, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers.
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First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Blytheville
This faith-based childcare center provides comprehensive early childhood education in a nurturing Christian environment. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with character development, offering age-appropriate learning activities, music programs, and physical education. Features secure facilities with controlled access, nutritious meal programs, and experienced teaching staff with low child-to-teacher ratios. Strong focus on school readiness with structured learning activities and developmental assessments.
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Osceola Head Start Center
Mississippi County Arkansas EOC
Osceola Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive services to children and families in Mississippi County. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Offers health screenings, nutrition services, family support, and special needs services. Features certified early childhood educators, small class sizes, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Strong parent involvement component with regular communication and family engagement activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fisher, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fisher, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Fisher, 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 licensing ensures they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. To verify a facility's status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Arkansas DHS website. You can also call the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly to ask about a specific provider's license status, any recent inspections, and if there are any substantiated complaints. It's a critical first step for any parent in the Fisher area.
What is the average cost for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fisher, AR, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Fisher area and surrounding Poinsett County, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $100 to $140 per week. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $90 to $120 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable. These rates are generally lower than state and national averages, reflecting the local cost of living. For financial assistance, Arkansas offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible low-income families. Eligibility is based on income, work or school attendance, and family size. You can apply through the Poinsett County DHS office in Harrisburg. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Are there many daycare options in Fisher itself, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
Fisher is a very small community, so dedicated daycare centers within the city limits are limited. Most parents in Fisher expand their search to nearby towns with more options. The closest and most common areas to look include Harrisburg (the Poinsett County seat), Trumann, and even Jonesboro, which is about a 30-minute drive but offers the widest selection of centers and home-based providers. Many families in Fisher utilize licensed family childcare homes, which may operate in residential areas. Networking with other local parents through community Facebook groups or at Fisher Elementary School is an excellent way to discover smaller, home-based providers that may not have a large online presence.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare centers in the Fisher/Harrisburg area, and when should I start looking?
For the more popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Harrisburg and the immediate region surrounding Fisher, waitlists can vary from a few weeks to several months, especially for infant spots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended that you begin your search and make inquiries at least 3-6 months before you need care. For an infant, starting your search during pregnancy is advisable. Be sure to ask providers not just if there's a waitlist, but how many families are ahead of you and their estimated timeline. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists. For family home daycares, the process can be faster, but it's still wise to plan ahead.
What questions should I specifically ask a potential daycare provider in a rural area like Fisher regarding safety and emergency preparedness?
Given Fisher's rural setting, it's crucial to ask specific safety questions. First, inquire about their severe weather plan, especially for tornadoes—where is their designated safe room or shelter? Ask about their protocol for power outages, including how they keep children warm or cool and if they have a backup generator. For health emergencies, ask about their proximity to the nearest hospital (likely in Harrisburg or Jonesboro) and if any staff are certified in pediatric CPR and First Aid. Also, discuss transportation policies if they offer pick-up/drop-off from Fisher Elementary, ensuring you understand driver qualifications and vehicle safety. Finally, for home-based providers, ask about secure outdoor play areas and how they manage interactions with pets or livestock common in rural settings.