The Best Daycare Centers in Higden, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Higden. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Higden
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-rated childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from Higden in Heber Springs. They offer a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based learning and structured activities. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and employs qualified early childhood educators with CPR and first aid certification. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and STEM activities. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and has robust safety protocols including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong communication from staff.
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Kiddie Kottage Daycare & Learning Center
Kiddie Kottage
Kiddie Kottage provides quality childcare services to families in the Greers Ferry Lake area, serving Higden residents with a comprehensive early education program. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum standards with hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, and science. The center features modern facilities with dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms. All staff members undergo extensive background checks and receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The center emphasizes nutritional wellness with balanced meal programs and maintains strict health and safety protocols. Their strong parent-teacher partnership model ensures regular progress updates and family involvement.
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First United Methodist Church Weekday Early Education
First United Methodist Church of Heber Springs
This church-affiliated early education program serves Higden area families with a faith-based educational approach combined with academic readiness. Located about 12 miles from Higden in Heber Springs, the program focuses on developing the whole child through spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, early math concepts, and character development. The facility features bright, well-equipped classrooms, a secure playground, and dedicated learning centers. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The program is particularly noted for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections, with many families commuting from surrounding rural areas including Higden.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Higden, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Higden, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Higden, 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 providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and training. To verify a facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any reports of non-compliance, you can use the free online "Check Child Care" tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. Given Higden's small, rural setting, many in-home providers may be legally exempt if caring for fewer than six children, but they can still choose to become licensed. It's always recommended to ask for proof of license or exemption status.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare or preschool in Higden, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Due to Higden's rural location and limited number of providers, daycare costs can vary but are generally lower than in larger Arkansas cities like Little Rock. For a licensed childcare center or a registered family home, you might expect to pay between $100 to $150 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Preschool programs may be slightly less. However, options are limited, and some families may need to look to nearby towns like Greers Ferry or Clinton. For financial assistance, Arkansas's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income and family size, and you can apply through the Cleburne County DHS office in Heber Springs.
Are there any licensed daycare centers in Higden, or is care primarily through in-home family providers?
Higden is a very small, unincorporated community, so there are no large, commercial daycare centers within the town limits. Childcare is primarily provided through licensed family childcare homes or legally exempt small in-home providers. Some families also utilize registered church-based programs in neighboring communities. Due to the limited local options, many Higden parents commute for care to larger nearby towns such as Greers Ferry (about 10 miles away) or Clinton (about 20 miles away), where there are more established centers. It's important to network with other local parents and check community boards at the Higden Post Office or local churches for referrals to trusted in-home providers.
What should I look for when touring a potential in-home daycare in a rural area like Higden?
When touring an in-home daycare in Higden, beyond checking for proper licensing or exemption status, pay close attention to safety and preparedness unique to a rural setting. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather (common in Arkansas) and medical emergencies, considering the distance to the nearest hospital. Inspect the outdoor play area for safety and secure boundaries, noting the proximity to rural roads, woods, or bodies of water. Inquire about their policy on animals, as many rural homes have pets or livestock. Also, ask about their daily structure, educational activities, meal provisions, and how they handle the mixed-age groups common in home-based care. Personal recommendations from other families in the community are invaluable.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for childcare in the Higden area, and what are my options if nothing is available locally?
Given the scarcity of options in Higden itself, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, especially for infant spots. For popular providers, the wait can be a year or more. If no local options are available, you will likely need to expand your search to surrounding communities. Many parents in Higden commute to providers in Greers Ferry, Clinton, or even Heber Springs. Another option is to explore a nanny share with another local family, which can be a cost-effective solution in a rural area. Additionally, contact the Arkansas DHS Child Care Resource and Referral agency for your region; they can provide an updated list of all licensed and registered providers within a commutable distance.