The Best Daycare Centers in Houston, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Houston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Houston
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare in Conway is a highly-rated childcare center known for its balanced educational approach combining play-based learning with structured curriculum. They employ qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate learning environments with indoor and outdoor play areas. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development, with regular progress updates for parents. Safety protocols include background-checked staff and emergency preparedness drills, making it a trusted choice for families in the Houston area.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Little Rock offers a premier early childhood education experience with a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training. The center boasts modern facilities with secure classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning tools. Safety is prioritized through 24/7 monitoring, strict hygiene practices, and individualized care plans. Parent involvement is encouraged through daily communication and family events, contributing to high satisfaction rates among Houston-area families seeking quality childcare.
Daycare Services:
Morrilton Child Development Center
Local Management
Morrilton Child Development Center provides a nurturing environment with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum integrates creative arts, language development, and physical activities tailored to each age group. The center employs experienced caregivers with CPR and first aid certifications, and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Facilities include safe indoor play areas, a fenced outdoor playground, and clean, organized classrooms. Emphasis on community values and parent-teacher partnerships ensures a supportive atmosphere, making it a reliable option for Houston residents seeking affordable, high-quality childcare with a personal touch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Houston, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Houston, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In 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 centers and registered family homes in Houston. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's status, you can use the free "Check a Facility" tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. For very small in-home providers (5 or fewer children), registration is optional, so it's crucial to ask about their policies and inspections if considering this option.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Houston, AR, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Houston and surrounding Perry County, daycare costs are generally lower than state averages but vary by provider type. For a full-time infant slot, you can expect to pay approximately $100-$140 per week at a licensed center, while registered family homes may range from $80-$120 per week. Toddler care is typically slightly less. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Arkansas DHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps low-income working parents, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Perry County DHS office in Perryville.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Houston, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in a small community like Houston, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for a preferred provider to have a waitlist of 3 to 6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Perryville or Bigelow may also be necessary if local spots are full.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the Houston School District?
The Houston School District itself does not currently operate a district-wide before or after-school program on campus. However, some licensed daycare centers in the area may offer transportation to and from Houston Elementary School and provide care for school-age children. Additionally, some registered family home providers may offer before/after-school care. It's important to inquire directly with local providers about transportation logistics, space, and their daily schedule. Community organizations or churches may occasionally offer programs, so checking with the school office for any known resources is also a good step.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in a small town like Houston, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and safety features. In a rural setting like Houston, ask specific questions about their emergency plans for severe weather (common in Arkansas), their policy on farm or animal visits if applicable, and their plan for staff absences given a smaller potential substitute pool. Ask about their food service: do they provide meals, and if so, are they prepared on-site? Given the community size, ask for references from other local parents. Also, inquire about their outdoor play area and how they handle children of mixed ages, which is common in smaller facilities. Finally, confirm their pickup/drop-off flexibility, as many parents in the area have commutes to larger employment centers.
Childcare Insights for Houston
Finding reliable weekend childcare can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially in a close-knit community like Houston, Arkansas. For parents working non-traditional hours, tackling weekend projects, or simply needing a well-deserved break, knowing your local options is essential. While the landscape of childcare here is different from a major city, understanding what to look for and where to ask can lead you to the perfect weekend solution for your family.
First, it’s important to recognize that dedicated "weekend daycare" centers are rare in smaller towns. However, this doesn’t mean quality care isn’t available. Your search in Houston will likely lead you to two primary avenues: licensed in-home daycare providers who offer flexible hours and trusted individuals offering babysitting services. Many wonderful caregivers in Perry County operate smaller, home-based settings and may be willing to accommodate weekend care, either regularly or on an as-needed basis. The key is to start your search locally and personally. A great first step is to connect with other parents at the Houston School District events, at local churches, or through community boards at places like the Houston City Hall or the local library. Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly valuable here.
When you do find a potential caregiver, whether it’s a licensed home provider or a responsible sitter, there are specific questions to ask. Inquire directly about their weekend availability and if they have a minimum number of hours required. Discuss their usual weekend activities; a good provider might plan trips to the Houston City Park, incorporate creative arts and crafts, or enjoy simple outdoor play, which is a beautiful benefit of our Arkansas setting. Be sure to verify references thoroughly. Ask other parents about the caregiver’s reliability, their interaction with children, and how their own child felt about spending time there. Safety is paramount, so confirm that the home environment is child-proofed and ask about their protocol for emergencies, including knowing the quickest route to the nearest medical facility.
Another practical tip for Houston parents is to consider building a small network. You might connect with a few other families in similar situations and explore sharing a trusted sitter for weekend hours. This can make care more affordable and logistically easier for a caregiver to commit to. Also, don’t overlook the possibility of flexible care from your existing weekday provider. It’s always worth a conversation to see if they would consider occasional Saturday care, perhaps for an adjusted rate.
Remember, finding the right fit takes time, but the peace of mind is worth the effort. Trust your instincts as a parent. The best weekend care in a community like Houston will not only keep your child safe but will also provide a warm, engaging extension of the caring environment you create at home. Start those conversations locally, lean on your community connections, and you’ll be well on your way to securing the supportive weekend care your family needs right here in Houston, Arkansas.