The Best Daycare Centers in Covington, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Covington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Covington
Primrose School of Covington
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Covington offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and preschool learning centers. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. The facility includes secure entry systems, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The school is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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The Goddard School of Covington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Covington provides a play-based learning environment through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The school features purpose-built classrooms with modern educational materials, secure keypad entry systems, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), language development, and social skills. All teachers are early childhood education qualified and participate in continuous training. The facility maintains strict health and safety protocols including regular sanitation and security monitoring. Parents receive daily updates through the Goddard School mobile app with photos and activity reports.
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Northlake Christian School - Early Childhood Center
Northlake Christian School
Northlake Christian School's Early Childhood Center offers a Christ-centered educational environment with a comprehensive early childhood curriculum that balances academic readiness with spiritual development. The program features small class sizes, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate learning activities. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math concepts, science exploration, and biblical integration. The facility includes secure, age-specific classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and protected outdoor playgrounds. Safety measures include controlled access entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center emphasizes character development and social-emotional learning within a nurturing Christian community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Covington, LA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Covington, LA, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Covington, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $700 to $950 per month, while preschool for a 3-5 year old averages $600 to $800 per month. Costs can vary based on the center's accreditation, curriculum, and facilities. For financial assistance, Louisiana's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available for eligible families, administered through the Louisiana Department of Education. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking with employers in the St. Tammany Parish area, as some may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific providers.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed in Covington, and what are the key state regulations I should know about?
All licensed childcare centers in Covington must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the Louisiana Child Care Search portal online. Key Louisiana regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for 2-year-olds), mandatory background checks for all employees, and annual health and safety inspections. In St. Tammany Parish, many centers also pursue voluntary accreditation through agencies like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which indicates a higher standard of care.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Covington, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms at highly-regarded centers in Covington and the broader Northshore area. Due to lower staff-to-child ratios for infants, spots are limited. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring options in nearby communities like Mandeville or Madisonville can also provide more availability.
What types of childcare options are available in Covington besides traditional daycare centers?
Covington offers a variety of childcare options to suit different needs. These include licensed family childcare homes (smaller, home-based settings), church-affiliated preschools and daycares (common in the area), Montessori schools, and part-time preschool programs for older toddlers. There are also in-home nanny services and nanny shares, which can be arranged through local agencies or community boards. For school-age children, many Covington area schools offer before and after-school care programs. The "Covington Moms" Facebook group and other local parent networks are excellent resources for discovering and vetting these alternative options.
How do Covington daycares handle emergency preparedness, particularly for hurricanes common to Louisiana?
Licensed childcare providers in Covington are required by the state to have a written emergency preparedness plan that includes procedures for hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. When touring a center, ask specifically about their hurricane protocols. Key things to look for include: a clear evacuation plan and designated safe shelter, communication procedures for parents during storms, backup power generators, and adequate supplies of food, water, and medicine. Many centers will follow closure guidelines from the St. Tammany Parish Public School System. It's crucial to understand their policy on early closure and how quickly you would need to pick up your child if a storm warning is issued.