The Best Daycare Centers in Garfield, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garfield
The Goddard School of Bentonville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bentonville offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on play-based learning and developmental milestones. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention.
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Primrose School of Bentonville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Bentonville follows the Balanced Learning® approach, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The facility features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-based classrooms, and multiple playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and developmental updates.
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The Learning Experience - Rogers
The Learning Experience Systems, Inc.
The Learning Experience in Rogers offers the L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science with character development through their philanthropy curriculum. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, modern classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with backgrounds in early childhood education. The program focuses on school readiness while maintaining a nurturing environment with regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garfield, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Garfield, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Garfield, 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 daycare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the free online "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Arkansas DHS website. You can search by city (Garfield), provider name, or license number to see their current standing, any recent inspections, and compliance history. It's a crucial first step for any parent.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Garfield, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Garfield and broader Northwest Arkansas area, full-time daycare for infants typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $120 to $160 per week. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, Arkansas's primary program is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by DHS, which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's also worth checking with employers in the region (like those in nearby Bentonville or Rogers) as some offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific providers.
Are there many in-home daycare options versus childcare centers in Garfield, and what are the pros and cons of each in this community?
Garfield, being a smaller community, has a mix of both, but licensed in-home family daycare providers are a common and valued option, often offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. Centers are fewer but may be found in nearby towns like Rogers or Bentonville, requiring a commute. A local pro for in-home care in Garfield is often greater schedule flexibility and potentially lower cost. A con can be limited backup if the provider is sick. Centers offer more structured curricula and multiple staff but may have longer waitlists and require travel. For Garfield parents, an in-home provider can offer convenience and a tight-knit community feel, which is important to verify through references and licensing.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare in Garfield, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to high demand and limited slots, especially for infants, waitlists at reputable licensed providers in and around Garfield can range from 3 to 9 months. It's highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. To secure a spot, contact multiple providers (both in-home and centers in Garfield and neighboring communities), get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and maintain regular, polite check-ins every few months. Be prepared with your needed start date. Building a relationship with the provider can help. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Pea Ridge or Avoca, but factor in the commute.
What are some key local factors or questions specific to Garfield I should consider when touring a daycare?
When touring daycares in Garfield, ask location-specific questions. First, inquire about their severe weather plan, as Northwest Arkansas can experience tornadoes and ice storms—where is their safe room, and what is the pickup policy? Second, given the rural setting, ask about outdoor play areas and policies; is there safe, enclosed space, and how do they handle ticks or pests? Third, ask about their community connections—do they take field trips to local spots like the Pea Ridge National Military Park or the Rogers Public Library? Finally, discuss transportation logistics; many Garfield parents commute to work in Benton County, so understanding their hours and early/late pickup policies is crucial for your schedule.