The Best Daycare Centers in Barataria, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barataria. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barataria
La Petite Academy of Marrero
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Marrero provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum focusing on developmental milestones. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms. Their educational approach includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility maintains strict safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention.
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Kiddie Academy of Harvey
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Harvey offers an educational childcare program with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic readiness. The facility features modern classrooms with interactive technology, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and a security system with keypad entry. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement activities, and hands-on learning experiences. The center employs degreed teachers with early childhood certification and maintains small class sizes. They provide daily communication through their electronic reporting system and offer flexible scheduling options. The academy focuses on whole-child development with emphasis on cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth.
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Primrose School of Westwego
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Westwego operates with the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities within a structured daily schedule. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts while incorporating character development and life skills. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure classrooms with observation windows, age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfaces, and a commercial kitchen providing balanced meals. The school maintains rigorous safety standards including comprehensive camera systems, strict pick-up procedures, and regular facility inspections. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. The school offers enrichment programs in music, physical education, and foreign language, providing a well-rounded educational experience for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barataria, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Barataria, LA, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Barataria, as in all of Louisiana, daycare providers must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) if they care for 7 or more children unrelated to the operator. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations through the LDOE's online "Child Care Search" portal. It's crucial to ensure the provider is licensed, as this confirms they meet minimum state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and facility requirements. For smaller in-home providers (caring for 6 or fewer children), registration is optional, so parents should conduct especially thorough interviews and reference checks.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with the cost of childcare for families in Barataria?
Yes, eligible families in Barataria can apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. CCAP provides financial assistance to low-income families, those participating in workforce training, or parents attending school. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You can apply online through the Louisiana CAFÉ customer portal or contact the Jefferson Parish Community Action Agency, which serves the Barataria area, for application assistance. Due to funding limits, there is often a waitlist, so applying as soon as possible is recommended.
Given Barataria's location, how do local daycares prepare for and handle hurricane season and severe weather?
This is a critical local concern. Licensed daycares in Barataria are required by the state to have a detailed emergency preparedness plan that includes evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures for hurricanes and flooding. When touring facilities, ask to see their plan. Reputable centers will conduct regular drills, have supplies (water, food, generators), and have clear communication protocols for parents. Many facilities align their closures with Jefferson Parish government announcements. It's essential to understand their policy on early dismissal, alternative pickup locations if evacuated, and how they will notify you during power outages.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Barataria, and are waitlists common?
In Barataria and the surrounding Jefferson Parish area, costs can vary. For a licensed daycare center, full-time care for an infant (0-18 months) typically ranges from $135 to $185 per week. Toddler care (18 months-3 years) is slightly less, often between $120 and $165 per week. In-home family childcare may be at the lower end of this range. Due to the limited number of dedicated facilities in a smaller community like Barataria, waitlists, especially for infant spots, are very common and can be several months long. It's advisable to begin your search and get on lists during pregnancy or as far in advance as possible.
Besides traditional daycare centers, what other licensed childcare options are available for parents in Barataria?
Barataria offers a few different licensed options. The primary alternatives to centers are: 1. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed providers caring for a smaller group of children in their own residence, often offering a more home-like environment. 2. **Registered Family Child Care Providers:** In-home caregivers for 6 or fewer children (optional registration). 3. **Before/After-School Care:** Some local providers may offer care for school-age children, potentially in conjunction with nearby elementary schools. Given Barataria's size, many parents also look at licensed providers in nearby communities like Crown Point, Lafitte, or Marrero. Using the LDOE search tool and filtering by zip code (70036) and preferred program type is the best way to find all licensed options in and near Barataria.