The Best Daycare Centers in Perry, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry
Perryville Children's Center
Independent
Perryville Children's Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving Perry County with comprehensive early childhood education programs. They employ state-certified early childhood educators and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and modern learning materials. The center is known for its nutritious meal program, daily parent communication through digital platforms, and strong focus on kindergarten readiness for preschool-aged children.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Conway serves families throughout Perry County with its nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This facility employs degreed early childhood educators and provides comprehensive security features including keypad entry, camera monitoring, and strict pickup protocols. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, foreign language exposure, sign language, and STEAM activities. The school features bright, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music areas. Parents appreciate the daily activity reports, regular developmental assessments, and the school's focus on preparing children for academic success through play-based learning and structured activities.
Daycare Services:
Morrilton Child Development Center
Independent
Morrilton Child Development Center serves Perry area families with a comprehensive early education program focused on whole-child development. The center employs Arkansas Early Childhood Certified teachers and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Their curriculum combines Creative Curriculum elements with Arkansas Early Learning Standards, emphasizing language development, cognitive skills, and social competence. The facility features secure, age-separated playgrounds, modern classroom technology, and dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, and dramatic play. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher partnerships, regular progress reports, and commitment to creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual developmental journey.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Perry, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Perry, 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 6-16 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training are met. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the free, online **Arkansas Child Care Finder** tool on the DHS website. This resource shows the facility's license status, any recent non-compliance reports, and its quality rating through the Better Beginnings program. It's a crucial first step for any parent in Perry.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perry, AR?
Childcare costs in Perry are generally lower than in larger Arkansas cities like Little Rock, but they vary by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$120 to $160 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family home daycares may range from **$100 to $140 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can depend on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether meals are included. It's important to ask what the weekly fee covers. Additionally, Perry families should explore financial assistance options like the Arkansas Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) through the Perry County DHS office to see if they qualify for subsidies.
Are there any state-funded pre-K programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in Perry, and how do I enroll?
Yes, Perry is served by the **Perryville School District**, which participates in the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program, a state-funded pre-K initiative for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. The program is typically housed at the district's elementary school and focuses on school readiness. Enrollment is based on family income and other risk factors, with priority given to those who meet certain criteria. Spaces can be limited. To enroll, you should contact the **Perryville Elementary School** directly at the beginning of the calendar year for the upcoming fall semester. They can provide specific eligibility requirements, application forms, and information on any required documentation.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Perry, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small community like Perry, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, in particular, are common and can range from **a few months to over a year**. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your child's position on the list, the typical turnover rate, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family homes in Perry and the surrounding Perry County area, as they may have more immediate availability and offer a similar quality of care.
What local resources or organizations in Perry County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource for Perry parents is the **Arkansas Child Care Aware Referral Line**, which can be accessed by calling 1-800-445-3316. This free service, sponsored by DHS, can provide a customized list of licensed providers in Perry and Perry County based on your needs. Additionally, you can contact the **Perry County Cooperative Extension Service** or the **Perryville Family Resource Center** (if operational) for community-specific guidance and potential parenting support networks. For evaluating quality, always reference the state's Better Beginnings rating on the Child Care Finder website, as this program assesses early learning environments, curriculum, and staff qualifications beyond basic licensing.