The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Bernard, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Bernard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Bernard
St. Bernard Parish Head Start
Community Action Agency of St. Bernard
St. Bernard Parish Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families. The program focuses on school readiness through evidence-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. All teachers hold Child Development Associate credentials or higher degrees, and the center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement programs, and special needs support. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated play areas and follows strict safety protocols including regular inspections and staff background checks.
Daycare Services:
Children's Hospital New Orleans Child Development Center
Children's Hospital New Orleans
This hospital-affiliated childcare center serves the greater New Orleans area including St. Bernard Parish families. The center employs highly qualified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development and health safety. Curriculum emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning through play-based activities. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, medical-grade cleaning protocols, and on-site health professionals. Parents praise the center's communication, developmental tracking, and nutritious meal program. The center maintains NAEYC accreditation and exceeds state licensing requirements for staff qualifications and safety standards.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Lakeview
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lakeview is a nationally accredited early education center serving families throughout the New Orleans metro area, including St. Bernard Parish. The school implements the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. All educators hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, camera monitoring, and age-specific learning environments with outdoor playgrounds. The center emphasizes character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its educational quality, safety measures, and dedicated teaching staff.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Bernard, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Saint Bernard Parish, and how can I verify a provider is in good standing?
In Saint Bernard Parish, 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 they meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and facility requirements. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance reports or deficiencies by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the Louisiana Believes website or by contacting the LDOE directly. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling, as it provides a baseline of regulatory oversight specific to Louisiana law.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Saint Bernard, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The average cost for full-time infant care in Saint Bernard Parish typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week, though prices can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and location. This is generally lower than the New Orleans metro average. For financial assistance, Louisiana's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the Louisiana Department of Education. Additionally, local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Saint Bernard, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for the most sought-after daycare centers in Saint Bernard Parish can vary but often range from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date. Some popular centers may have even longer waits. Be prepared to place non-refundable deposits on multiple waitlists to secure a spot. Checking with smaller, licensed family childcare homes can sometimes yield shorter wait times.
Are there any daycare centers in Saint Bernard Parish with specific programs for hurricane preparedness and evacuation?
Yes, given the region's vulnerability to hurricanes, this is a critical question. Licensed childcare providers in Saint Bernard are required by the state to have a written emergency preparedness plan. Many centers have specific protocols for sheltering-in-place, evacuation to a pre-designated safe location, and communication with parents. When touring facilities, ask to see their emergency plan, inquire about their history during past storms like Hurricane Ida, and confirm how they will notify you during an evacuation. Some centers may partner with facilities in neighboring parishes for evacuation sites.
What options exist for before and after-school care for school-age children in Saint Bernard Parish?
Saint Bernard Parish Public Schools, in partnership with local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and some private daycare centers, offer after-school programs. These are often housed at or near the elementary schools (e.g., Chalmette Elementary, Arabi Elementary). Programs typically provide homework help, snacks, and recreational activities until 6:00 PM. There are also independent daycare centers that offer transportation from local schools. Registration usually opens before the school year starts and can fill quickly, so contacting the school district's administrative office or the specific program directly in the spring or summer is best.
Childcare Insights for Saint Bernard
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and if you’re a parent in Saint Bernard, Louisiana, typing “daycare centers near me” into your search, you’re likely looking for more than just a list of names. You’re seeking a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment that feels like an extension of your own home. The good news is that our close-knit community here in Saint Bernard Parish offers several wonderful options, each with its own unique character, and knowing what to look for locally can make your search much smoother.
Living in a parish with such a strong sense of community is a significant advantage. Many local daycare centers are run by people who have deep roots here, understanding the rhythms of family life in Chalmette, Arabi, and Meraux. This often translates to a more personalized approach where staff might know your extended family or share your cultural values. When you visit a center, don’t hesitate to ask about the directors' and teachers' connections to Saint Bernard. That local commitment can provide immense peace of mind, knowing your child is cared for by neighbors who are invested in the community's well-being.
Given our region's specific weather patterns and geography, practical considerations are key. Inquire about a center’s emergency preparedness plans. A quality daycare in Saint Bernard should have a clear, practiced protocol for hurricanes and severe weather, including evacuation routes, communication plans with parents, and generator capabilities. Additionally, look at the outdoor play areas. Are they shaded and well-maintained to handle our humid climate? A center that prioritizes safe, outdoor playtime, even in our warmer months, is one that values your child’s physical development and enjoyment.
Another local aspect to consider is the potential for centers to incorporate elements of our rich Louisiana culture into their programs. This might not be a formal curriculum, but you might find storytelling, music, or seasonal activities around local festivals that give your child a sense of place. Furthermore, the logistical ease of a short commute cannot be overstated. Choosing a center close to your home or work in Saint Bernard means less time in the car on Highway 46 or Paris Road and more stability in your child’s daily routine. Visit during operational hours to get a feel for the drop-off and pick-up flow.
Ultimately, trust your instincts during tours. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children. Is the atmosphere calm and joyful? Are the children engaged? Your search for “daycare centers near me” in Saint Bernard, LA, is about finding a partner in your child’s early years. Take your time, ask detailed questions about safety, daily schedules, and teacher qualifications, and lean into the advantage of our community-oriented parish. The right place will give you that reassuring feeling, allowing you to head to work or manage your day knowing your little one is in capable and caring hands right here at home.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Saint Bernard: