The Best Daycare Centers in Story, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Story. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Story
Mount Ida Head Start Center
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas
Mount Ida Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in Montgomery County. The center follows research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, social-emotional development, and cognitive skills. All teachers meet Head Start qualification standards with ongoing professional development. The program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and individualized learning plans. Facilities feature age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and safety-certified environments. What sets this center apart is its holistic approach addressing educational, health, and family support needs.
Daycare Services:
Glenwood Head Start
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas
Glenwood Head Start serves Pike and Montgomery County families with high-quality early childhood education programs. The center implements Creative Curriculum with emphasis on literacy, math, science, and social studies. Certified teachers maintain low child-to-staff ratios and provide individualized attention. The program includes comprehensive services like health and dental screenings, developmental assessments, and family partnership agreements. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular drills, and maintained playground equipment. Parents appreciate the strong communication and family involvement opportunities that support child development both at school and home.
Daycare Services:
First Step School
Independent
First Step School offers developmental childcare programs for children from infancy through school age in Montgomery County. The center uses a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Curriculum includes Montessori-inspired activities, literacy development, and STEM exploration. Qualified teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal service. What makes this center exceptional is its balanced approach combining educational rigor with nurturing care and strong parent-teacher partnerships.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Story, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Story, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Story, 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, staff qualifications, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. Given Story's small, rural nature, it's especially important to confirm licensing, as some in-home providers may operate under the legal threshold and are not required to be licensed, though they can choose to become registered family childcare homes.
Given Story's rural location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are there long waitlists?
In the Story area, childcare options are primarily limited due to the small population. You will typically find licensed family childcare homes, which are often run out of a provider's residence, and possibly a small childcare center if one operates in a nearby community like Mount Ida or Glenwood. There are no large commercial daycare chains in immediate Story. Waitlists can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers, as capacity is very limited. It's common for families to get on multiple waitlists months in advance, sometimes even before their child is born. Networking with other local parents and checking with churches or community centers for potential leads is a recommended strategy.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in the Story, AR, area?
Childcare costs in rural areas like Story are generally lower than in Arkansas's urban centers, but availability heavily influences price. For a licensed family childcare home or a small center in the surrounding region, you can expect to pay an average of $100 to $150 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. This is notably below the state average. However, prices can vary based on the provider's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including registration fees, supply fees, and policies for late pickups. Financial assistance may be available through the Arkansas DHS Child Care Assistance Program for eligible families.
Are there any state-funded or subsidized preschool programs available for 3- and 4-year-olds in the Story community?
For preschool-aged children, the primary state-funded program in Arkansas is the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program, which provides free, high-quality pre-K to eligible families. However, in a very small community like Story, an ABC classroom is unlikely to be located within the city itself. Eligible families typically need to look for ABC programs in the nearest larger town, such as Mount Ida (the county seat of Montgomery County). Transportation is usually not provided by these programs, so parents must consider the commute. Contacting the Mount Ida School District or the Montgomery County Early Childhood Coordinator is the best way to learn about availability and eligibility requirements.
What should I look for when touring a potential daycare in a rural setting like Story, especially regarding safety and emergency preparedness?
Touring a daycare in a rural area requires attention to specific safety factors. First, inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to the Arkansas Ouachitas, like tornadoes, and their protocol for power outages. Ask about their communication plan if cell service is unreliable. Inspect the outdoor play area for safety and ensure it is securely fenced, given the potential for wildlife. Verify the staff's training in pediatric first aid and CPR, and ask about their sick-child policy to prevent illness spread in a small community. Finally, due to potentially longer emergency response times, ask how they handle medical emergencies and where the nearest hospital or clinic is located (likely in Mount Ida or Hot Springs).