The Best Daycare Centers in Kentwood, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kentwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kentwood
The Goddard School of Hammond
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Hammond offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. They provide nutritious meals and maintain rigorous safety protocols including regular sanitation and staff background checks.
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Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Educational Centers
Little Learners Academy provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning plans. Their curriculum combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional preschool education, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, and social development. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, age-separated playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The academy offers extended hours and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with emphasis on creating a nurturing, home-like environment for optimal child development.
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Amite Country Day School
Independent
Amite Country Day School offers a well-established childcare program serving the Kentwood area with a balanced approach to early education. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through structured learning and creative play. The facility includes secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Teachers are CPR/first-aid certified and participate in continuous training. The school emphasizes character development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness while maintaining strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Safety protocols include secured entry and comprehensive health policies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kentwood, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kentwood, Louisiana, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Kentwood, all childcare centers and family daycare homes serving seven or more children must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Division of Licensing. This licensing ensures facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and physical environment. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the LDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool, which lists licensed providers, their inspection history, and any compliance issues. You can also contact the LDOE's regional licensing office that oversees Tangipahoa Parish. For smaller in-home providers (6 or fewer children), registration is optional, so it's crucial to ask about their voluntary registration status and inspect their safety measures personally.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Kentwood, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Kentwood and the surrounding Tangipahoa Parish area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $125 to $175 per week. For toddlers, costs are slightly lower, averaging $110 to $150 per week. Family daycare homes may offer more affordable rates. These costs are generally lower than in larger Louisiana cities like Baton Rouge or New Orleans. For financial assistance, Louisiana's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. Eligibility is based on income, work/training status, and family size. You can apply through the Louisiana Department of Education. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Kentwood may offer sliding-scale fees or limited scholarships, so it's worth inquiring directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Kentwood, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to Kentwood's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed daycare centers is limited compared to demand, especially for infants. It is common for reputable centers to have waitlists, particularly for children under 2 years old. To secure a spot, parents are advised to start their search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, and even earlier if possible (during pregnancy is not too soon). Many centers in the area maintain a continuous waitlist. Be proactive: visit facilities, complete pre-registration forms, and check in periodically. Exploring licensed family daycare homes in the area can also provide more immediate availability.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Kentwood, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Kentwood offers a few primary childcare options. Licensed childcare centers provide structured programs, often with early learning curricula. Licensed family childcare homes offer a smaller, home-like setting, which is a popular choice for mixed-age groups. Many local churches operate faith-based preschool programs, which typically serve children ages 3-5 and may offer partial-day schedules. Due to the rural nature of the area, there are fewer large corporate chains; most providers are locally owned. For school-age children, the Tangipahoa Parish School System may offer after-school programs at local elementary schools. Finding nannies or in-home babysitters is less formalized and often relies on local community networks and recommendations.
How do daycare facilities in Kentwood handle emergency preparedness for severe weather common to Louisiana?
Given Louisiana's vulnerability to hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms, licensed daycare providers in Kentwood are required by the LDOE to have a detailed emergency preparedness plan. This includes protocols for shelter-in-place, evacuation (including relocation sites and transportation plans), communication with parents, and supplies (food, water, first-aid). Parents should ask specific questions during tours: Where is the severe weather safe room? What is the evacuation route and partner facility? How will parents be notified during a power outage? Many facilities conduct regular drills. It's also wise to inquire about their policy for early closure during impending severe weather to ensure it aligns with your ability to pick up your child promptly.