The Best Daycare Centers in Springfield, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Springfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Springfield
The Goddard School of Hammond
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Hammond is a premier early childhood education center serving the Springfield area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and security-coded entry systems. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Parents praise the school's excellent communication through daily reports and the professional, caring staff who create a nurturing environment for developmental growth.
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Bright Horizons at North Oaks
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Located at North Oaks Medical Center, this NAEYC-accredited center serves families throughout Livingston Parish including Springfield. Bright Horizons employs degreed early childhood educators and implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which focuses on emergent learning through discovery and hands-on experiences. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and spacious indoor/outdoor learning environments. Special programs include music enrichment, gardening activities, and literacy development. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent partnerships and flexible scheduling options to accommodate healthcare workers and community families.
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Kids R Kids of Denham Springs
Kids R Kids Learning Academies
Kids R Kids of Denham Springs serves the broader Livingston Parish area including Springfield families with their advanced curriculum that balances academic preparation and whole-child development. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and interactive SMART Board technology in classrooms. Their proprietary curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and character development through hands-on learning centers. The staff includes CPR/first-aid certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Parents consistently praise the clean, safe environment and the center's strong communication through daily updates and parent portals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Springfield, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Springfield, Louisiana, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Louisiana, all childcare centers and family childcare homes serving seven or more children must be licensed by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). This licensing ensures facilities meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios. For Springfield specifically, you can verify a provider's license status using the LDOE's online "Child Care Search" tool. It's also advisable to contact the LDOE's Licensing Division directly for the most current information. Always ask to see the facility's current license during a tour. Note that smaller, registered family childcare homes (serving 6 or fewer children) have different requirements, so understanding the provider type is key.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Springfield, LA?
Childcare costs in Springfield and the surrounding Livingston Parish area are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Baton Rouge, but have been rising. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$125 to $175 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. Family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from **$100 to $140 per week**. These are estimates, and prices vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, diapers, formula) and to budget for potential registration and supply fees, which are common.
Are there any state or local programs in Springfield that can help with childcare costs for low to moderate-income 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 eligible families in Springfield to help pay for childcare at participating licensed or registered providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You can apply online through the Louisiana CAFÉ customer portal or contact the local CCAP provider for Livingston Parish. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Springfield area may offer limited scholarship assistance or sliding scale fees.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Springfield, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Springfield, waitlists for infant rooms at reputable centers can be significant, often **3 to 9 months**. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible during pregnancy. When contacting a center, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is usually non-refundable), and how often they update the list. Also, consider expanding your search to licensed family childcare homes in the area or centers in nearby towns like Livingston or Denham Springs, which may have more availability but require a slightly longer commute.
What are some Springfield-specific factors I should consider when touring a daycare facility?
Beyond standard safety checks, consider factors unique to the Springfield area. First, inquire about their **emergency preparedness plans** for severe weather common to Louisiana, such as hurricanes and tornadoes—ask where children shelter and their communication protocol with parents. Second, given the rural setting, check the outdoor play area for safety and shade. Third, ask about their policy on **school closures** for the local Livingston Parish Public Schools, as many centers align their schedules with the district. Finally, consider the commute; some providers may be on quieter rural roads, so assess pick-up/drop-off logistics, especially during peak times for parents commuting to Baton Rouge.