The Best Daycare Centers in Herlong, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Herlong. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Herlong
The Children's Center
Lassen County Office of Education
The Children's Center is a highly-regarded facility operated by the Lassen County Office of Education, serving families throughout Lassen County including Herlong. This center features a comprehensive early childhood education program with developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with California Early Learning Foundations. They employ qualified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate learning centers and outdoor play areas with safety-certified equipment. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and implement rigorous health and safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. The program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness skills.
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Lassen Family Services Child Care Center
Lassen Family Services
Lassen Family Services Child Care Center provides high-quality childcare with a focus on serving military families from nearby Sierra Army Depot and the broader Herlong community. This nonprofit center offers a nurturing environment with trauma-informed care practices and inclusive programming. Their curriculum incorporates play-based learning, creative arts, and early literacy activities. The center maintains state-mandated staff-to-child ratios with all teachers holding Early Childhood Education units and current CPR/First Aid certification. Safety features include secured premises, comprehensive background checks, and daily health screenings. They offer sliding scale fees and accept various childcare subsidy programs to increase accessibility for local families.
Daycare Services:
Lassen Learning Center
Independent
Lassen Learning Center is a premier early education facility serving the Herlong and Susanville areas with a strong academic foundation program. Their research-based curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, hands-on exploration, and social development. The center features purpose-built classrooms with modern educational materials, technology integration, and dedicated art and music areas. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in education or related fields with specialized early childhood credentials. The program emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular progress assessments, and strong parent-teacher communication. Their secure facility includes fenced outdoor play areas, video monitoring, and strict access control protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Herlong, CA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Herlong, CA, and how do I find them?
In Herlong, the primary licensed childcare options are Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) and Child Care Centers. FCCHs are smaller, home-based settings licensed for up to 8 or 14 children, offering a more intimate environment. Given Herlong's small, rural community, FCCHs are often the most prevalent and accessible option. To find licensed providers, parents should use the online search tool provided by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. You can filter by zip code (96113) and provider type. Additionally, contacting the Lassen County Office of Education or the local resource and referral agency, Child Care Resource Connection (which may serve the region), can provide personalized assistance and information on local availability, which is crucial in an area with limited options.
Are there any childcare facilities associated with Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, and do they give priority to military families?
Yes, given Herlong's proximity to and economic ties with the Sierra Army Depot, childcare is a significant concern for military and civilian depot employees. While there may not be an on-base Child Development Center (CDC) within Herlong itself, there are often partnerships or affiliated Family Child Care Homes operated by military spouses on the installation or in surrounding housing. These FCC homes are licensed by the state but also meet Department of Defense standards. They typically give enrollment priority to military families, Department of Defense civilians, and then the general community. It is essential to contact the Sierra Army Depot's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office for the most current list of affiliated providers, registration processes, and fee schedules, which may operate on a sliding scale based on total family income.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Herlong, and are there financial assistance programs available to local families?
Due to Herlong's rural location and limited supply, childcare costs can vary but are often moderately priced compared to larger California cities. For a licensed Family Child Care Home, full-time care for an infant or toddler might range from approximately $600 to $900 per month. Preschool-age care may be slightly less. Costs at any potential local centers would be similar. Financial assistance is available through the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) and the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program, administered locally by the Lassen County Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or training). Military families stationed at Sierra Army Depot may also access fee assistance through the Department of Defense's Child Care Fee Assistance program if using a community provider.
How long are waitlists for quality childcare in Herlong, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for well-regarded, licensed childcare providers in Herlong can be significant, often several months to a year, especially for infant care. The small number of providers and high demand from both local families and military personnel contribute to this. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search during pregnancy or as soon as relocation to the area is confirmed. Contact all licensed providers in the 96113 zip code to get on their lists, even if their current availability is full. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. Networking through the Sierra Army Depot community, local Facebook groups (e.g., "Herlong, CA Community"), and the Lassen County Parents Club can also provide leads on upcoming openings or newly licensed home providers.
What specific state licensing regulations and safety standards should I verify when touring a daycare in Herlong?
All licensed providers in Herlong must comply with California's Title 22 regulations. Key items to verify during a tour include: 1) **Staff-to-Child Ratios and Capacity:** Ensure the number of children present does not exceed the license posting (e.g., 1:4 for infants in a FCCH). 2) **Visible License:** The facility license, along with any citations or evaluation reports, must be posted publicly. 3) **Health & Safety:** Ask about emergency preparedness plans for scenarios like wildfires (common in Lassen County), proof of staff CPR/First Aid certification, and safe sleep practices for infants. 4) **Background Checks:** All adults present should have cleared criminal record and child abuse index checks. You can also look up a provider's full compliance history online via the CDSS licensing website to review any past violations. Given the rural setting, also inquire about transportation policies and outdoor play area safety.