The Best Daycare Centers in Strawberry, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Strawberry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Strawberry
Kiddie Kottage Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage is a highly-regarded independent childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from Strawberry. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern classroom environments. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and serves nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and the center's clean, safe environment.
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Kids Kingdom Learning Center
Independent
Located about 20 minutes from Strawberry in Batesville, Kids Kingdom provides a structured educational environment with a focus on school readiness. Their curriculum includes Abeka and supplemental Montessori-inspired activities, with qualified teachers holding early childhood certifications. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, age-segregated play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. They offer extended hours to accommodate working families and provide transportation for school-age children. The center is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Childcare Network #128
Childcare Network
As part of a reputable national chain, Childcare Network #128 in Batesville (approximately 25 minutes from Strawberry) offers a research-based curriculum called "Adventures in Learning" that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social skills. The center maintains state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development and features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. Their program includes technology integration for older children, outdoor learning environments, and nutritional meal programs. The center provides flexible scheduling options and has established partnerships with local schools for seamless transitions. Parents appreciate the consistent quality and structured learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Strawberry, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Strawberry, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Strawberry, 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 includes family child care homes and child care centers. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR/First Aid), health and safety protocols, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Arkansas DHS website or contact the DHS Child Care Licensing Unit directly. It's highly recommended to always check this status, as it ensures a baseline level of oversight and safety for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Strawberry, AR, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Strawberry area and surrounding Lawrence County, full-time daycare for an infant can average between $100 to $140 per week, while toddler care may range from $90 to $120 per week. These costs are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Arkansas offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the Lawrence County DHS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Strawberry, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in a smaller community like Strawberry, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots. It's not unusual for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months, or sometimes longer. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and to check in periodically. For more immediate needs, expanding your search to nearby towns like Walnut Ridge or Pocahontas might provide additional options, though this will involve a longer commute.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in Strawberry, AR?
Parents in Strawberry typically have three primary options. First, licensed family child care homes, which are often run out of a provider's residence and offer a smaller, home-like setting for a limited number of children. Second, licensed child care centers, which are more structured programs, though these may be limited in Strawberry proper and more available in neighboring communities. Third, registered family child care homes, which care for 5 or fewer children and have fewer regulatory requirements than licensed homes. Due to the rural nature of the area, informal care arrangements with relatives or neighbors are also common, but these do not undergo state licensing oversight. Always prioritize licensed options for ensured health and safety standards.
Are there any daycare facilities in Strawberry that offer preschool or early learning curriculum for 3- and 4-year-olds?
Yes, some licensed childcare providers in and around Strawberry integrate early learning into their programs. However, for a structured preschool curriculum, you may need to look at specific programs. The Strawberry School District itself may offer an ABC (Arkansas Better Chance) preschool program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which is a state-funded high-quality pre-K program. Availability is based on income and other risk factors. Additionally, some local church-affiliated centers or home providers may follow curricula like Creative Curriculum. It's important to ask providers directly about their educational philosophy, daily structure, and how they prepare children for kindergarten. The Arkansas DHS "Find Child Care" tool also allows you to filter for programs that participate in the state's quality rating system, Better Beginnings.
Childcare Insights for Strawberry
Finding reliable childcare is one of the most important and sometimes daunting tasks for parents. If you’re in Strawberry, Arkansas, and typing “find childcare near me” into your search bar, you’re likely looking for options that feel close, safe, and right for your family. The good news is that while Strawberry is a smaller, tight-knit community, there are thoughtful childcare solutions available, often rooted in personal connections and local knowledge that bigger cities might lack.
Your search in Strawberry will likely lead you to a mix of licensed in-home daycare providers and potential family, friend, and neighbor care. Given the rural nature of Lawrence County, many excellent caregivers operate smaller, home-based settings. These can offer a wonderful, family-like atmosphere with flexible hours that might better suit the schedules of local families, many of whom are involved in agriculture or commute to nearby larger towns like Walnut Ridge or Pocahontas. A great first step is to ask for recommendations at local hubs like the Strawberry Post Office, the Strawberry Church of Christ, or while picking up supplies at the Strawberry Farmers Market. Personal referrals here carry significant weight and can give you deep insight into a provider’s reputation and style.
It is also crucial to utilize statewide resources to ensure safety and quality. The Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education maintains an online provider search tool. You can use it to find licensed providers in and around the 72469 zip code, view their inspection records, and confirm they meet state standards. Don’t hesitate to expand your geographic search slightly to include neighboring communities; sometimes a short drive down Highway 63 or 115 can open up a perfect option. When you visit a potential daycare, whether a home or a center in a nearby town, pay close attention to the environment. Is it clean and child-proofed? Do the children seem engaged and happy? Ask about their daily routine, how they handle discipline, and their policies on sick children. In a small community, you’ll also want to understand their plan for local weather events or road conditions.
Finally, trust the unique advantage of living in Strawberry: community intimacy. Once you find a potential caregiver, talk to other parents who use their service. Visit at different times of the day to get a genuine feel. Discuss your child’s specific needs and see how the provider responds. Finding childcare here is as much about finding a trusted partner in your child’s early years as it is about logistics. By combining local word-of-mouth with official state resources, you can find a nurturing and secure place for your little one to grow, right here in our own corner of Arkansas.