The Best Daycare Centers in Higginson, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Higginson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Higginson
The Goddard School of Searcy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Searcy offers a premier early childhood education program with a comprehensive FLEX Learning Program that balances academic learning with creative play. Their play-based curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning, with daily activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with early childhood education backgrounds and participate in ongoing professional development. The school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides regular parent communication through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app.
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Little Blessings Childcare Center
Independent
Little Blessings Childcare Center provides a nurturing Christian environment with a strong emphasis on character development and academic readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Abeka and other developmentally appropriate materials, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-separated playgrounds, and modern learning environments. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, nutritious meal program, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular security drills and health screenings.
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Kids Kingdom Learning Center
Independent
Kids Kingdom Learning Center offers a well-rounded early education program with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and academic development. Their curriculum includes daily structured activities in literacy, math, science, and creative arts, along with ample outdoor playtime. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and spacious playgrounds with safety surfaces. Teachers are experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development requirements. The center is praised for its clean facilities, consistent communication with parents, and affordable pricing structure while maintaining high-quality care standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Higginson, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Higginson, AR, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Higginson, 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 childcare homes and center-based programs. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, health and safety inspections, background checks for employees, and ongoing training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the "Check a Facility" search tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. Given Higginson's small size, many options might be registered family childcare homes (serving 5 or fewer children), which have a different, less intensive registration process. Always ask to see the current license or registration certificate.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Higginson, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Higginson and the surrounding White County area, daycare costs are generally lower than state or national averages, but prices vary. For a full-time infant, you might expect to pay between $100 to $140 per week at a licensed family home, and potentially $120 to $170 per week at a center-based facility. Toddler care is often slightly less. A key resource for financial assistance is the Arkansas DHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families who are working, attending school, or in job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the White County DHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Given Higginson's small size, how can I find available daycare openings, and should I expect to be on a waitlist?
Due to Higginson's limited number of providers, finding immediate openings can be challenging. It's advisable to start your search early, ideally several months before you need care. The best ways to find availability are to: 1) Use the Arkansas DHS online "Child Care Finder" map, filtering for Higginson (72131) and surrounding areas like Searcy or Judsonia. 2) Ask for recommendations from local parents at community hubs like the Higginson Post Office or through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Higginson, AR Community"). 3) Contact providers directly by phone. Waitlists are common, especially for infant care, so be prepared to get on multiple lists. Expanding your search to nearby towns may increase your options.
What are the common operating hours for daycare centers and home-based providers in Higginson, and is after-hours or emergency care available?
Most licensed daycare providers in Higginson operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 or 7:00 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to accommodate common work hours. However, due to the rural and small-town nature of the community, flexible or extended hours are less common than in larger cities. Very few, if any, providers offer regular overnight, weekend, or late evening care. For occasional after-hours or emergency needs, parents often rely on family, trusted neighbors, or private babysitters found through local networks. It's crucial to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront with any potential provider, as their hours may be strict.
Are there any state-funded pre-K programs or early learning initiatives available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Higginson?
Yes, there are important early learning options. The Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program is the state's publicly funded pre-K initiative for at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds. While Higginson itself may not host an ABC classroom, eligible families in Higginson can often access these programs in the neighboring and larger city of Searcy, which is part of the same school district (Searcy School District). The Searcy district typically operates ABC classrooms in specific elementary schools. Eligibility is based on family income and other risk factors. Additionally, many local daycare providers incorporate early learning curricula, and some may participate in the Arkansas Better Beginnings quality rating system, which you can look for when choosing a program.