The Best Daycare Centers in Lockesburg, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lockesburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lockesburg
De Queen KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
De Queen KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Their Learning Adventures program includes music, phonics, and STEM enrichment. The facility has secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Little River Academy
Independent
Little River Academy offers a balanced approach to early childhood development with a focus on both academic preparation and social-emotional growth. Their curriculum incorporates hands-on learning experiences, literacy development, and character education. The center features certified early childhood educators, modern security systems including camera monitoring, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. They provide healthy meals and snacks through their nutrition program and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences. The academy is noted for its warm, family-like atmosphere and individualized attention to each child's needs.
Daycare Services:
Ashdown Head Start
Community Action Agencies
Ashdown Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to families in the Lockesburg service area. The program focuses on school readiness through evidence-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, and emotional development. Services include health screenings, nutritional meals, and family engagement activities. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes with low child-staff ratios. Families appreciate the holistic approach that includes parent education, health services, and community resources. The program is particularly strong in supporting children from diverse backgrounds and economic circumstances.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lockesburg, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lockesburg, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Lockesburg, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff training. For family home providers caring for 5 or fewer unrelated children, a Registered Family Child Care Home license is required. Larger centers require a Child Care Center License. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious non-compliance (Class I Violations) by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Arkansas DHS website or by calling the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit at (501) 682-8590. It's a critical first step for any parent in the Sevier County area.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Lockesburg, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Lockesburg and surrounding Sevier County, daycare costs are generally lower than state averages but can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $100 to $140 per week for full-time care at a licensed center or registered home. Toddler care often ranges from $90 to $120 per week. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Arkansas DHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Sevier County DHS Office in De Queen. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Given Lockesburg's small-town setting, how long are waitlists for daycare, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to limited providers in a rural community like Lockesburg, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It's common for popular local providers or the nearest centers in De Queen to have waiting lists. The best strategy is to start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact all licensed providers in Lockesburg and the broader De Queen area to get on multiple lists. Be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee. Building a relationship with providers by checking in periodically (every 4-6 weeks) can also be helpful. Don't overlook registered family homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
What types of daycare settings are most common in Lockesburg, and what are the pros and cons of each for local families?
In Lockesburg, the two primary licensed options are Registered Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers located in nearby De Queen (approx. 10 miles away). **Family Homes** (in a provider's residence) are common locally. Pros include a home-like environment, mixed-age groups, potential flexibility, and often shorter commutes. Cons may be less structured curriculum and dependency on a single provider's availability. **Centers in De Queen** offer a more structured educational program, multiple staff, and often longer operating hours. The major con is the daily commute for Lockesburg parents. For many families, the choice comes down to prioritizing convenience and a family feel versus a more formal preschool curriculum and schedule reliability.
Are there any state-funded pre-K programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in the Lockesburg area, and how do they differ from traditional daycare?
Yes, the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program provides free, high-quality pre-K for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. In the Lockesburg area, these programs are typically housed within the public school district—Cossatot River School District—often at the elementary school or a partnered community site. ABC programs focus specifically on school readiness with a structured educational curriculum, licensed teachers, and follow the school calendar and hours. This differs from traditional daycare, which focuses more on full-day custodial care for working parents and operates year-round. Eligibility for ABC is based on family income and other risk factors. Contact the Cossatot River School District office or the local elementary school to inquire about availability and application procedures.