The Best Daycare Centers in Franklinton, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklinton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklinton
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Covington
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Covington is a highly-rated childcare center known for its advanced security systems, including keypad entry and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning through play-based activities, with certified teachers trained in early childhood development. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a nutritional meal program. Parents praise its focus on individualized learning plans and strong communication, making it a trusted choice for families in the Franklinton area.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Hammond
The Learning Experience Systems
The Learning Experience in Hammond offers a proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that integrates phonics, math, and social skills through interactive lessons. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, CPR-certified staff, and a safe, clean environment with secured access. Highlights include a fun-based learning approach, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs like music and yoga. With a focus on developmental milestones and parent involvement, it has built a strong reputation for nurturing children's growth and readiness for kindergarten.
Daycare Services:
Bogalusa Child Development Center
Independent
Bogalusa Child Development Center is a locally-owned facility serving the Franklinton area with a focus on holistic early education. The center uses a play-based curriculum aligned with Louisiana Early Learning Standards, emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. Safety protocols include background-checked staff, secure entry systems, and regular health inspections. The center boasts small class sizes, experienced educators, and a family-oriented atmosphere, with parents highlighting its attentive care and inclusive environment. Nutritious meals and extended hours make it a convenient and reliable option for working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklinton, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Franklinton, LA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Franklinton and all of Louisiana, childcare facilities must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Division of Licensing. This includes family daycares (Type II) serving 7-12 children and childcare centers (Type III) serving 13 or more. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any non-compliance issues through the LDOE's online "Child Care Search" portal. It's highly recommended to use this tool and ask the provider directly for their current license certificate during your tour.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with the cost of daycare in Franklinton?
Yes, the primary program is the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. CCAP provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families, those in job training, or those pursuing education. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. In Washington Parish, you can apply for CCAP through the local Human Services District office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Franklinton may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees. It's important to ask individual daycare providers if they accept CCAP, as not all participate.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler care in Franklinton, and are waitlists common?
In Franklinton and the surrounding rural areas of Washington Parish, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than in larger metro areas like Baton Rouge or New Orleans. For infants, you can expect to pay approximately $100-$140 per week. For toddlers, rates are often slightly lower, around $90-$125 per week. However, due to a limited number of licensed providers in a small town like Franklinton, waitlists, especially for infant care, are very common and can be several months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy.
What are some of the key differences between a registered family daycare home and a childcare center in Franklinton?
The main differences lie in scale, setting, and sometimes programming. A registered family daycare home (Type II) operates in the provider's residence, is licensed for 7-12 children, and often offers a more intimate, home-like environment with mixed-age groups. A childcare center (Type III) is a commercial facility licensed for 13+ children, typically with separate classrooms by age, more structured curricula, and potentially more staff. In Franklinton, family daycares may offer more flexible hours for shift workers common in local industries (like timber or healthcare) and are often deeply embedded in the community. Centers might provide more formal preschool preparation. Both must meet state licensing standards.
Beyond basic licensing, what should I look for or ask about when touring a daycare in Franklinton given our local context?
Given Franklinton's rural setting and community feel, ask specific local questions. Inquire about their plan for severe weather, like hurricanes or tornadoes, including evacuation/shelter procedures. Ask about outdoor play areas and how they handle pests common to the area (like fire ants or mosquitoes). Since travel to activities can be limited, ask about their on-site enrichment (e.g., music, local library visits). Discuss their policy on school closures for the Washington Parish Public School System, as many daycares follow that calendar. Finally, ask about their communication with parents—given that many families have deep local roots, a strong sense of partnership and open dialogue is often a hallmark of the best local providers.