The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin
The Learning Tree Early Education Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Early Education Center is a highly-regarded facility located approximately 15 miles from Franklin, serving families throughout the region. They implement a comprehensive early childhood curriculum that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with modern educational materials, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated infant care rooms with separate sleeping areas. The Learning Tree emphasizes hands-on learning through their STEM-focused activities, literacy programs, and creative arts. They maintain rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.
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Kids' World Learning Center
Independent
Kids' World Learning Center, located about 12 miles from Franklin in Charleston, has built a strong reputation for quality childcare services. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, using the Creative Curriculum system. The center employs experienced early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Facilities include bright, well-organized classrooms divided by age groups, secure outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and a dedicated motor skills development room. Kids' World emphasizes character development and social skills alongside academic readiness, with programs that include foreign language exposure, music education, and community awareness activities. Their safety measures include electronic check-in/check-out systems, comprehensive video monitoring, and strict health and hygiene protocols. The center maintains open communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Alma Primary School & Early Childhood Center
Alma School District
Alma Primary School & Early Childhood Center, located approximately 20 miles from Franklin, offers high-quality early childhood education through the public school district. This center provides structured preschool and pre-kindergarten programs with certified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. Their curriculum aligns with Arkansas Early Childhood Education Framework standards and focuses on school readiness through literacy development, math concepts, and social skills. The facility features purpose-built early childhood classrooms, large playgrounds designed for young children, and access to school resources like libraries and gymnasiums. Alma Primary emphasizes individualized learning with regular assessments to track developmental milestones. Safety is prioritized with single-point entry security, professional staff training in emergency procedures, and comprehensive health services. The center offers sliding scale tuition options and partners with community organizations to provide additional resources for families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Franklin, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Franklin, 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. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:5 for infants), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's compliance and view their inspection history, you can use the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Arkansas DHS website. It's also wise to ask the provider directly for their license number and their most recent inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin, AR, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Franklin and the surrounding Izard County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $100 to $140 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $90 to $120 per week. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether it's a home-based or center-based program. For financial assistance, Arkansas offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible low-income families through DHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly.
Are there many daycare options in Franklin, AR, and should I expect to be on a waitlist?
Franklin is a small, rural community, so daycare options are more limited compared to larger cities. Parents typically have a choice between a few licensed home-based providers and possibly one or two small daycare centers. Due to this limited capacity, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Exploring options in nearby towns like Melbourne or Horseshoe Bend may also be necessary.
What are the typical operating hours for daycares in Franklin, and do any offer flexible or part-time schedules for shift workers?
Most licensed daycare providers in Franklin operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 or 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Given the rural nature of the area, options for overnight, weekend, or drop-in care are extremely rare. Some home-based providers may offer more flexibility for part-time schedules or non-traditional hours on a case-by-case basis, but this is not guaranteed. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during your initial inquiries.
What should I look for when touring a potential daycare in Franklin, and are there any local resources to help with my search?
When touring a facility in Franklin, look for a clean, safe environment with age-appropriate toys and secure outdoor play areas. Observe how staff interact with children—engagement should be warm and attentive. Ask about their daily routine, discipline policy, and emergency procedures. Check that they are licensed and ask for references from other local parents. For local resources, contact the Arkansas DHS Child Care Aware referral line or the **Northcentral Arkansas Development Council (NADC)**, which serves Izard County and may have information on early childhood programs and resources in the region.