The Best Daycare Centers in Ozark, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ozark. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ozark
Ozark Head Start Center
Community Action Corporation
Ozark Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families. The center follows a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. All teachers meet Head Start program qualifications with ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. The program emphasizes family engagement and offers health screenings and support services.
Daycare Services:
First Baptist Church Preschool & Childcare
First Baptist Church of Ozark
First Baptist Church Preschool & Childcare offers a faith-based educational program in a nurturing Christian environment. The curriculum combines academic preparation with biblical principles, focusing on literacy, math readiness, and social skills development. Certified teachers provide individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure classrooms, modern learning materials, and safe outdoor playgrounds. The center emphasizes character development and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent Childcare Center
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on early childhood development and school readiness. The center uses a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic activities to promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood education. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-separated classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The center offers extended hours and nutritious meal programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ozark, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ozark, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Ozark, 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 they meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and training. To verify a facility's standing, you can use the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Arkansas DHS website. This tool shows the license status, any recent compliance visits, and any serious violations. You can also call the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ozark, AR?
The cost of daycare in Ozark is generally more affordable than in larger Arkansas cities like Fayetteville or Little Rock, but it varies by the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from **$120 to $160 per week**. For toddlers, you might see weekly rates of **$110 to $140**. In-home licensed family childcare homes can sometimes be slightly less expensive. These are average estimates; specific rates depend on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., diapers, wipes, meals). For financial assistance, Arkansas offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Franklin County DHS office.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Ozark, and when should I start looking for a spot?
While not as extreme as in major metropolitan areas, popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Ozark can have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is advisable to **begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care**. For infant care, starting your search during pregnancy is a prudent strategy. When contacting centers, always ask about their current availability and typical waitlist timeframe. Don't limit your search to just centers; also consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting. Being flexible on your start date can also improve your chances of securing a spot.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available for school-age children in Ozark during the summer and after school?
Ozark offers several options for school-age care. The **Ozark School District** may operate or partner with a before-and-after-school program at the elementary school. For summer care, many local daycare centers convert their preschool programs to summer camps with field trips and themed activities. Additionally, community organizations like the **Ozark Area Youth Association** or the **Franklin County Library** often host summer day camps or enrichment programs. Some local churches also offer Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs, which are typically week-long half-day options. It's best to inquire with the school district directly in the spring and to check community bulletin boards and local Facebook groups for announcements about summer program registration, which often opens in early spring.
What local resources or organizations in Ozark can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed providers is the **Arkansas DHS Child Care Search website**. For local, personalized assistance, you can contact **Arkansas Child Care Aware**, a referral agency that helps parents find care matching their needs. They can be reached via their statewide hotline or website. Locally, the **Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service** or the **Ozark Chamber of Commerce** may have listings or be aware of reputable providers. Furthermore, connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Ozark, AR Community") is an invaluable way to get personal recommendations and insights into the day-to-day quality of local daycares that you won't find on an official website. Always combine these resources with your own in-person visits and interviews.