The Best Daycare Centers in Harrisburg, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrisburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrisburg
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Harrisburg area from nearby Jonesboro. They offer a comprehensive educational program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, STEM activities, and social-emotional development. Their state-certified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios, and the facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, along with nutritious meal programs and extensive learning materials.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Jonesboro
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Jonesboro provides high-quality educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, academic readiness, and physical activity. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their program includes technology integration, outdoor learning spaces, and regular assessments to track developmental milestones. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean facilities, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment.
Daycare Services:
Wee Care Preschool & Child Development Center
Wee Care Preschool
Wee Care Preschool & Child Development Center has been serving families in the Harrisburg region for nearly two decades with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines structured academic preparation with play-based learning, focusing on kindergarten readiness skills. The center features qualified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. They offer enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education, along with family engagement activities and detailed progress reporting for parents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrisburg, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harrisburg, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harrisburg, 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 qualifications (including background checks), and facility safety. For smaller in-home providers (1-5 children), they may operate as a Registered Family Child Care Home, which has a different set of requirements. To verify a facility's compliance and view any history of non-compliance, you can use the free "Check a Facility" tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. It's highly recommended to always check a provider's current license status before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Harrisburg, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Harrisburg and the surrounding Poinsett County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $110 to $150 per week. For toddlers, the average is slightly lower, around $100 to $130 per week. In-home family daycare is often less expensive. These rates are generally lower than the state and national averages, reflecting the area's cost of living. For financial assistance, the Arkansas DHS administers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible low-income families, which can subsidize a significant portion of costs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You can apply through the Poinsett County DHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in Harrisburg?
Finding daycare with extended evening, overnight, or weekend hours in Harrisburg can be challenging, as most licensed centers and family homes operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. This is due to the smaller, rural nature of the community. However, some in-home registered providers may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. Your best strategy is to directly inquire with local providers about their willingness to accommodate shift work. Networking with other parents at local employers like manufacturing plants or through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Harrisburg, AR Community") can sometimes lead to recommendations for caregivers who provide flexible, private care. Planning ahead and getting on waitlists early is crucial for securing limited flexible spots.
What resources are available in Harrisburg to help me find and compare different childcare providers?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Harrisburg is the Arkansas DHS Child Care Search tool online. You can search by city (Harrisburg) or zip code (72432) to find a list of all licensed centers and registered family homes, including their contact information, capacity, and age groups served. For a more personal touch, you can contact the **Poinsett County Cooperative Extension Service** or the **Harrisburg School District** for potential community referrals. Many local parents also rely on word-of-mouth and community social media pages on Facebook. When comparing providers, it's essential to visit in person, ask about curriculum, staff turnover, meal programs, and their sick policy. Given the limited number of options, visiting all available providers that meet your basic criteria is a practical approach.
How long are waitlists typically for infant care at daycare centers in Harrisburg, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare facilities in Harrisburg and the strict staff-to-infant ratios required by Arkansas law (1:4 or 1:5), waitlists for infant care (children under 1 year) can be significant. It is common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. For parents in Harrisburg, the best practice is to begin researching and contacting providers as soon as you know you are expecting, ideally during your second trimester. Get on multiple waitlists if possible, as spots can open unpredictably. Be sure to ask each provider about their waitlist policy—some may require a deposit to hold a spot, while others simply add your name to a list. Proactive planning is the key to securing infant care in this area.