The Best Daycare Centers in Jerusalem, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jerusalem. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jerusalem
Morrilton Head Start Center
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas
Morrilton Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in the Conway County area, serving Jerusalem residents. The center follows the Head Start performance standards with a focus on school readiness, offering evidence-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. Qualified teachers with early childhood credentials provide individualized learning experiences in literacy, math, and social skills. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services. Safety protocols exceed state requirements with secure facilities and rigorous staff training.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center serves families throughout Conway County including Jerusalem with a comprehensive educational program from infancy through school age. The center employs a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios in modern, secure facilities featuring age-appropriate classrooms and outdoor play areas. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and nurturing environment.
Daycare Services:
Tiny Tots Daycare & Preschool
Independent
Tiny Tots Daycare & Preschool serves families in Van Buren County and surrounding areas including Jerusalem with a balanced approach to early childhood education. The center offers a structured yet flexible curriculum that combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional learning methods. State-licensed teachers with early childhood development backgrounds create individualized learning plans focusing on cognitive, physical, and social development. Facilities include secure access systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. The center is noted for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong emphasis on communication between staff and parents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jerusalem, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Jerusalem, AR, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Jerusalem, Arkansas, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. This includes family home providers caring for 5 or more children and all childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. 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. It's highly recommended to confirm this information, as operating without a license is illegal and may indicate a facility is not meeting state safety standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Jerusalem, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Jerusalem area and surrounding Conway County, full-time daycare for an infant can average between $100 to $140 per week, while toddler care may range from $90 to $120 per week. These rates are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Arkansas offers 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. Applications are processed through the Conway County DHS office in Morrilton, which serves the Jerusalem community.
Are there many licensed daycare centers in Jerusalem itself, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
As a very small, unincorporated community, Jerusalem itself has very few, if any, dedicated daycare centers. Parents typically need to look for licensed providers in nearby larger towns such as Morrilton (approximately 15-20 minutes away), Perryville, or Clinton. Many families in Jerusalem utilize licensed family childcare homes within the local area, which can offer a smaller, home-like setting. Expanding your search to these surrounding communities is essential to find a variety of options, including centers, church-based preschools, and in-home providers. Transportation planning is a key consideration.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare openings in the Jerusalem/Morrilton area, and when should I start looking?
For infants and toddlers, waitlists in the Morrilton area (which serves Jerusalem) can range from a few weeks to several months, especially for highly-regarded centers or in-home providers with limited capacity. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 3-6 months before you need care. For preschool-age slots (3-4 years old), availability may be better, but popular programs still fill quickly. Contacting providers directly to inquire about their current list and anticipated openings is the best strategy. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in a rural area like Jerusalem?
Choosing daycare in a rural community like Jerusalem involves several specific considerations. First, assess the provider's emergency preparedness plan, including protocols for severe weather common to Arkansas and response times for medical emergencies given the distance to hospitals in Morrilton or Conway. Second, inquire about their transportation policies if your child will need to be dropped off or picked up by someone other than you, as distances can be greater. Third, explore the opportunities for outdoor play and nature-based learning, which can be a great advantage of rural settings. Finally, understand the provider's closure policies for local events or inclement weather that might affect rural road conditions.