The Best Daycare Centers in Five Points, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Five Points. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Five Points
Five Points Head Start
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
Five Points Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through the federally funded Head Start program. The center focuses on school readiness with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. What makes this center stand out is its holistic approach that includes family engagement, health screenings, and social services support for low-income families in the rural community.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs qualified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certification. Facilities include secure indoor classrooms, an outdoor playground with safety surfaces, and a dedicated infant care area. The center stands out for its individualized learning plans, regular parent communication through a dedicated app, and emphasis on developing social skills and independence in a safe, homelike setting.
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Kiddie Academy of Coalinga
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located in nearby Coalinga (approximately 15 miles from Five Points), Kiddie Academy provides educational child care with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and preparation for kindergarten. The center features secure access systems, camera monitoring, and strict safety protocols. Qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in well-equipped classrooms and outdoor play areas. What makes this center exceptional is its technology-enhanced learning environment, nutritious meal program, and comprehensive approach that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, serving many families from the broader rural area including Five Points.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Five Points, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Five Points, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Five Points and the surrounding rural areas of Fresno County, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $800 to $1,200 per month, while preschool for toddlers and older children typically costs between $600 and $900 per month. These costs are generally lower than in major California metropolitan areas but can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, local families should apply for the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program, which are administered through the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools or local agencies like the Central Valley Children's Services Network. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees based on income.
How can I verify the license and safety record of a daycare provider in Five Points?
All licensed childcare providers in California are regulated by the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) under the Department of Social Services. To verify a provider in Five Points, you can use the online "Child Care Licensing Lookup Tool" on the California Department of Social Services website. This tool allows you to search by the provider's name, facility number, or city, and view their license status, capacity, any recent inspection reports, and a history of citations or violations. It's highly recommended to review these reports and also contact the Fresno County CCLD regional office for any additional context. Always visit the facility in person to observe safety measures firsthand.
Are there any licensed home-based daycare providers (Family Child Care Homes) in Five Points, and what are their advantages?
Yes, licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) are a common and valuable childcare option in smaller communities like Five Points. These home-based settings are often run by a single provider and offer a smaller, more intimate environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for sibling care. They may also offer more flexible hours to accommodate agricultural or shift work common in the region. To find licensed FCCHs in Five Points, parents can use the statewide lookup tool or contact the local resource and referral agency, **Central Valley Children's Services Network**, which maintains an updated list. Be sure to confirm their license type (Small: up to 8 children, or Large: up to 14 children).
What is the average waitlist time for daycare centers in the Five Points area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in Five Points itself, many families rely on providers in nearby towns like Huron, Coalinga, or even longer commutes to Fresno. Waitlist times can vary significantly. For infant spots in a licensed center, it's not uncommon to encounter waitlists of 3 to 6 months, or even longer. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 1-3 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Proactively contacting multiple providers and following up regularly is key.
What types of early learning programs or preschools are available for children aged 3-5 in Five Points?
Options for preschool in Five Points itself are limited but include state-subsidized programs and private offerings. A primary resource is the **Head Start** or **Early Head Start** program, which may operate in the local elementary school district or through community action agencies, offering comprehensive early education at low or no cost to income-eligible families. The **Five Points Elementary School** may also offer a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program for children who turn 5 between September and December. For private options, families often look to family child care homes that offer preschool curricula or commute to established preschools in larger nearby communities. Contacting the Fresno County Office of Education's Early Learning Department can provide the most current local program listings.