The Best Daycare Centers in Washington, AR
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Washington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Washington
Washington Preschool & Child Care Center
Independent
Washington Preschool & Child Care Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program in the historic Washington community. The center provides age-appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social development through hands-on learning activities. Their qualified teachers implement developmental milestones tracking and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure indoor learning environments and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. They emphasize character development and community awareness, incorporating local history into their curriculum. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent communication system.
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The Goddard School of Hope
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hope serves the Washington area with a premier early childhood education program featuring F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). Their play-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, STEM, art, and physical development. All teachers are early childhood education certified and participate in ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and multiple outdoor play areas. They offer enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. The school is recognized for its comprehensive safety protocols and nutritional meal program that meets USDA guidelines.
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Primrose School of Texarkana
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Texarkana provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their approach balances character development with academic readiness through proprietary curriculum materials. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their staff includes degreed early childhood educators who implement ongoing assessment and personalized learning plans. The school offers exclusive programs like Music Garden™ and Fun Fit Yoga™, along with healthy meals prepared on-site. They maintain excellent staff retention and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Washington, AR
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Washington, Arkansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Washington, 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 home providers, childcare centers, and school-age programs. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, health and safety inspections, background checks for all employees, and staff training in areas like CPR and First Aid. 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 information, as using an unlicensed facility may not offer the same protections or oversight.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Washington, AR, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Washington and the surrounding rural areas of Hempstead County, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect an average of $100 to $150 per week at a licensed center, while family home daycare may be slightly less, around $80 to $120 per week. Costs for toddlers are often a bit lower. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Arkansas cities but are significant for local family budgets. Financial assistance is available through the Arkansas DHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the Hempstead County DHS office in Hope. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours in Washington, given its rural setting?
Due to Washington's small, rural community, daycare options with extended evening, overnight, or weekend hours are very limited. Most licensed home providers and centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For parents working in healthcare, manufacturing, or other jobs with shift work, this can be a significant challenge. Your best options are to inquire directly with individual family home providers, as some may offer limited flexibility for an additional fee, or to explore forming a small, shared nanny arrangement with other local families. You might also need to look at providers in nearby Hope, which may have slightly more variety.
What resources are available in Washington, AR, to help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
A primary local resource is the **Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards (CDELS)**, which outline what children should know and do. You can use these as a guide when visiting facilities. While Washington doesn't have a dedicated childcare referral agency, you can contact the **Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperative** or the **University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Hempstead County** for guidance. The most practical step is to use the online DHS provider search, then schedule in-person visits. During visits, ask about their curriculum, staff qualifications, emergency plans, and how they communicate with parents. Observing how caregivers interact with children is one of the best evaluation tools.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Washington, and when should I start looking for care?
In a small town like Washington, the number of licensed daycare slots is limited, which can lead to waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers. Popular providers may have waitlists ranging from a few months to over a year. It is highly recommended to begin your search **as early as possible during pregnancy** or at least 6-12 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current capacity and waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot. Being proactive and putting your name on multiple lists increases your chances of securing a spot. Also, consider licensed family homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a similar home-like environment.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Washington: