The Best Daycare Centers in Star City, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Star City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Star City
The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Development Center is Star City's premier locally-owned childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified educators who receive ongoing professional development. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program. The center is known for its strong parent communication system and community involvement, with regular family events and progress reporting.
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Kids' Campus Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Monticello (approximately 15 miles from Star City), Kids' Campus Learning Center serves families throughout Southeast Arkansas with a comprehensive educational approach. They implement the Creative Curriculum system, which focuses on developmentally appropriate practices and individualized learning plans. The center features certified early childhood educators with specialized training in early literacy and mathematics instruction. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Their facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, motor skills development areas, and nature-based outdoor learning environments. The center is particularly noted for its strong kindergarten readiness program and inclusive environment.
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ABC Children's Academy
Regional Chain
ABC Children's Academy in Pine Bluff (approximately 25 miles from Star City) is a well-established regional childcare provider serving Jefferson County and surrounding areas. They offer a structured academic curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education. The center employs degreed early childhood professionals and maintains low student-teacher ratios across all age groups. Their comprehensive program includes foreign language exposure, music and movement classes, and character education. The facility features modern security systems, commercial-grade playground equipment, and dedicated art and science laboratories. They are recognized for their strong parent partnership model and transparent communication through daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Star City, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Star City, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Star City, 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 providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. To verify a facility's license, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Arkansas DHS website, which shows the license status, any recent compliance reports, and the facility's star rating (1-5 stars) under the state's Better Beginnings quality rating system. You can also call the local DHS Child Care Licensing Unit for the Southeast Region for direct confirmation.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Star City, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Star City and the surrounding Lincoln County area, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $110 to $150 per week. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $100 to $135 per week. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable. For financial assistance, eligible families can apply for the Arkansas Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) through the Lincoln County DHS office. This state-funded subsidy helps low-income working parents, those in training, or those pursuing education. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are daycare waitlists common in Star City, and when should I start looking for a spot for my newborn?
Yes, waitlists are common for the most sought-after daycare centers and licensed in-home providers in Star City, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. Due to the limited number of facilities in a smaller community, planning ahead is crucial. It is highly recommended to start researching and contacting providers as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many parents in Star City find themselves on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months for an infant spot. Getting on multiple lists is a good strategy to increase your chances of securing care when you need it.
What types of childcare options are most available in Star City, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Beyond licensed childcare centers, Star City offers several alternative options. Licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) are popular, offering a home-like setting with smaller groups, often with more flexible hours. Another key resource is the **Star City School District**, which offers a free, state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) pre-K program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, focusing on school readiness. For occasional or part-time care, networking through local churches, community centers, or online parent groups for Lincoln County can help you find registered or trusted private babysitters. The availability of nanny shares is more limited but can sometimes be arranged through local networks.
How does the Arkansas Better Beginnings quality rating system work, and are there highly-rated providers in Star City?
Better Beginnings is Arkansas's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare and early childhood education programs. Facilities are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars based on criteria like learning environment, curriculum, staff qualifications, and family engagement. A higher star rating indicates a higher level of quality. In Star City, while the number of providers is smaller, there are facilities that participate in this program. When touring a center or home, always ask about their Better Beginnings rating. You can filter by star rating on the state's online "Find Child Care" portal to identify the highest-rated options serving your zip code, which can be a significant factor in your decision.