The Best Daycare Centers in Perry, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry
The Learning Center of Abbeville
Independent
The Learning Center of Abbeville is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving Perry and surrounding Vermilion Parish areas. They employ a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development through structured learning and play-based activities. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education certifications. Facilities include secure, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness with regular progress reporting to parents. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent communication.
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Kiddie Castle Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Kiddie Castle serves families throughout Vermilion Parish including Perry with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines academic preparation with social-emotional development through hands-on learning activities. The center features certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, preschool learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds. The daycare is particularly noted for its engaging literacy program and nutritious meal service that meets USDA guidelines.
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The Goddard School of Lafayette
Goddard Systems, Inc.
While located in Lafayette, The Goddard School serves families throughout the Acadiana region including Perry with their nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social development through hands-on activities. The school employs degreed teachers with ongoing professional development and maintains exceptional safety standards including keypad entry and comprehensive security monitoring. Facilities feature age-appropriate learning environments, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for each developmental stage. The program is distinguished by its focus on school readiness and comprehensive parent communication through daily activity reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Perry, LA, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Perry, Louisiana, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Division of Licensing. The licensing process involves rigorous health, safety, and educational standards, including background checks for all staff, minimum staff-to-child ratios, safe facility requirements, and ongoing training. To verify a specific daycare's license status, you can use the LDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (like Perry), or zip code to see their current license status, any reported deficiencies, and inspection reports. It's a crucial first step for parents to ensure they are considering a legally operating and monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perry, LA?
In Perry and the surrounding rural areas of Vermilion Parish, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Louisiana cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week. For toddlers, the cost is often slightly lower, around $110 to $160 per week. Licensed family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, sometimes starting around $100 per week. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can differ based on the program's amenities, hours, and whether meals are included. Financial assistance may be available through the Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
Are there any state or local programs in Perry that help with childcare costs for working families?
Yes, the primary program is the Louisiana Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. This state-funded program provides subsidies to help eligible low- to moderate-income working families, those in training, or those attending school pay for childcare at participating licensed providers in Perry and across the state. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the Louisiana CAFÉ customer portal or contact the Vermilion Parish Community Action Agency for local assistance. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Perry area may offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees, so it's worth inquiring directly with individual providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Perry, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed facilities in a smaller community like Perry, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. Popular centers may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, it's recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list: how many families are ahead of you, how often it moves, and if there's a fee to join. Staying in regular, polite contact (e.g., a check-in every 2-3 months) can help keep your family top of mind. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Abbeville or Kaplan for more options.
What are the most common types of childcare options available specifically in Perry, LA?
Perry offers a few key types of childcare, reflective of its small-town setting. The primary options are: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, often associated with churches or private operators, providing care for multiple children in a structured environment. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: Smaller, home-based settings that care for a limited number of children, often offering a more familial atmosphere. These are common in residential areas of Perry. 3) **In-Home Care (Nannies/Babysitters)**: While not licensed as facilities, many families in Perry arrange for private in-home care, often found through local word-of-mouth networks. Due to Perry's size, there are fewer large corporate chains; most providers are locally owned and operated. Checking with the Perry Baptist Church or other local community hubs can be a good way to discover available options.