The Best Daycare Centers in La Place, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in La Place. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in La Place
Kiddie Academy of LaPlace
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of LaPlace offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, social-emotional learning, and academic readiness. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and daily communication apps for parents. Their educational approach includes STEM activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences in purpose-built classrooms. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, and dedicated spaces for each developmental stage from infants through school-age children.
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LaPlace KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
LaPlace KinderCare provides a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development. The center features highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure building access, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, hands-on math activities, and structured play learning. The facility offers age-specific learning environments, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and a nutrition program that meets USDA guidelines. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular teacher conferences to track developmental milestones.
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The Learning Center at St. John
The Learning Center at St. John
The Learning Center at St. John offers a faith-based educational program that combines academic preparation with character development. Their curriculum includes early literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social studies, integrated with Christian values. The center features certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facility access. Their program emphasizes kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, creative arts, and physical development. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and a comprehensive security system with monitored access points.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in La Place, LA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in La Place, Louisiana?
In La Place, the cost of full-time childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants and toddlers, you can expect to pay between $125 to $175 per week at licensed daycare centers. Preschool programs for children aged 3-5 typically range from $110 to $150 per week. Home-based family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $95 and $135 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like New Orleans but can still represent a significant portion of a family's budget. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Louisiana also offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families in St. John the Baptist Parish.
How do I verify that a daycare in La Place is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in La Place must be regulated by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Division of Licensing. You can verify a facility's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history through the LDOE's online Child Care Search portal. During an in-person tour, look for the license certificate posted visibly. Also, observe key safety indicators: secure entrances, clean and age-appropriate toys, clearly marked emergency exits, and posted evacuation plans. Ask about staff-to-child ratios (Louisiana mandates, for example, 1:5 for infants and 1:11 for 4-year-olds) and staff qualifications, including Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification. Inquire about their daily schedule, discipline policy, and how they handle emergencies common to the area, such as hurricanes.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in La Place, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants and toddlers, are common at many of the more sought-after centers in La Place. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and even earlier if you are expecting a new baby. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. To improve your chances, consider applying to multiple facilities, including both centers and licensed family childcare homes. Don't hesitate to check in periodically with the centers on your list to express continued interest. Exploring options in nearby communities like Reserve or Destrehan can also provide more availability.
What types of childcare programs are uniquely available or important for families in La Place given the local industry and community?
La Place's proximity to major industrial plants and shift work common in the manufacturing and chemical sectors means some childcare providers offer non-traditional hours. It's worth inquiring about centers or home-based providers that offer early morning (before 6 AM), evening, or weekend care to accommodate parents' work schedules. Additionally, many programs incorporate local culture into their curriculum, such as introducing children to Louisiana heritage, music, and seasonal celebrations like Mardi Gras. Given the area's vulnerability to hurricanes, a crucial factor is the provider's emergency preparedness plan—ask about their protocol for storms, including evacuation locations, communication plans with parents, and how they ensure continuity of care after a weather event.
What resources are available in St. John the Baptist Parish to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in La Place have several local resources. A primary resource is the Louisiana Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Network, specifically the agency serving Region 3, which includes St. John the Baptist Parish. They offer free referrals to licensed providers, information on quality indicators, and guidance on applying for financial assistance. You can contact them online or by phone. Additionally, the St. John the Baptist Parish Library and the Parish School Board can sometimes provide information on local preschool programs. For hands-on evaluation, use the state's Quality Start rating system—a voluntary program where providers are rated on a star scale (1-5). Choosing a provider with a higher Quality Start rating can give you confidence in their commitment to quality care and early education.
Nearby Cities
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