The Best Daycare Centers in Warm Springs, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Warm Springs. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Warm Springs
Primrose School of West Little Rock
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of West Little Rock offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their research-based approach focuses on developing the whole child through character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Serves families throughout central Arkansas including the Warm Springs area.
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The Goddard School of West Little Rock
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. Features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facility with keypad entry. Offers STEAM learning programs, foreign language exposure, and character development. The center includes modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated art and music areas. Serves families from Warm Springs and surrounding communities with flexible scheduling options.
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First United Methodist Church Preschool
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church Preschool offers a faith-based early childhood program focused on developmental appropriateness and hands-on learning. Utilizes Creative Curriculum with emphasis on social-emotional development, literacy readiness, and Christian values. Features experienced early childhood educators with low turnover rates, safe and nurturing environment, and strong parent-teacher communication. The program includes music and movement, art exploration, and outdoor play in secure playground facilities. While primarily serving Little Rock, many families commute from surrounding areas including Warm Springs for their respected early childhood programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Warm Springs, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Warm Springs, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Warm Springs, as in all of Arkansas, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. This includes family childcare homes (serving up to 10 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. 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. It's crucial to confirm this, as unlicensed care may not offer the same protections. You can also ask the provider to show you their current license certificate.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Warm Springs, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Warm Springs and the surrounding rural areas of Arkansas, daycare costs are generally lower than state or national averages, but options are more limited. For a full-time infant, you might expect to pay between $100 to $150 per week at a licensed center or registered home. Costs can vary based on the provider's amenities and age of the child. For financial assistance, Arkansas's primary program is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by DHS, which helps eligible low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Garland County DHS office, which serves the Warm Springs area. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Given that Warm Springs is a small community, how long are typical waitlists for daycare, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small community like Warm Springs, waitlists can be common, especially for infants and toddlers, and may range from several weeks to several months. Popular centers or highly recommended home providers often have the longest lists. To secure a spot, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact all available providers in Warm Springs and nearby towns like Hot Springs or Mountain Pine to expand your options. Get on multiple waitlists, even if they aren't your first choice. Maintain regular, polite contact (e.g., a monthly check-in) to show your continued interest. Be flexible with your start date if possible.
What types of daycare settings are most commonly available in Warm Springs, AR, and what are the pros and cons of each?
In a rural setting like Warm Springs, the most common options are licensed family childcare homes and smaller childcare centers, which may be home-based or church-affiliated. Family homes offer a home-like environment with mixed-age groups, often with more flexible hours and potentially lower costs, but they may have limited capacity and be vulnerable to closure if the provider is sick. Smaller centers provide a more structured educational environment and multiple caregivers, offering more reliability but may have stricter hours and less individual flexibility. Due to the community's size, large corporate daycare chains are unlikely. Many parents also rely on informal care from relatives or neighbors, which is unlicensed and not regulated by DHS, so it's essential to thoroughly vet these arrangements for safety and reliability.
Are there any state-funded or community-based early childhood education programs, like Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), available for preschoolers in Warm Springs?
Yes, the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) for School Success program is a state-funded pre-kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-olds from income-eligible families. It is designed to prepare children for kindergarten. While Warm Springs itself may not host an ABC classroom due to its size, eligible families in the area can access these programs in nearby larger communities, such as Hot Springs within the Garland County Special School District or neighboring districts. Transportation is typically not provided, so parents must arrange travel. You should contact the Garland County Special School District office or the Arkansas Department of Education's Early Childhood Education section to find the nearest participating provider and learn about eligibility requirements, which are primarily based on family income.