The Best Daycare Centers in Venice, LA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Venice. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Venice
The Goddard School of Belle Chasse
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Belle Chasse is a premier early childhood education center serving the Plaquemines Parish area, including Venice families. They feature a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with interactive technology. Their curriculum emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and character building through play-based learning. The center is known for its strong parent communication through daily reports and a dedicated mobile app.
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Little Blessings Child Care Center
Independent
Little Blessings is a faith-based childcare center serving Plaquemines Parish with a reputation for nurturing care and strong educational foundations. Their program combines Christian values with developmentally appropriate practices, featuring a structured daily schedule that includes circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, and rest periods. The center employs experienced teachers with CPR/First Aid certification and ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured facilities, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. The curriculum focuses on school readiness skills through hands-on activities, with special emphasis on literacy, math concepts, and social skills development.
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Noah's Ark Learning Center
Independent
Noah's Ark Learning Center has been serving families throughout Plaquemines Parish for nearly two decades with a comprehensive early childhood program. Their educational approach combines creative curriculum with individualized attention, focusing on the whole child's development. The center features age-specific classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and a dedicated pre-K program that prepares children for kindergarten success. Staff members participate in continuous training and maintain current certifications in early childhood education. The center emphasizes nutritional wellness with balanced meals and snacks included in tuition. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular conferences, classroom events, and detailed progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Venice, LA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Venice, Louisiana, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Louisiana, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Department of Education's Division of Licensing. For Venice, this means providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety protocols (including hurricane/storm preparedness plans), and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status and view any inspection reports or violations through the Louisiana Department of Education's online "Child Care Search" portal. Given Venice's remote coastal location, it's especially important to ask providers about their emergency evacuation plans for tropical weather.
Given Venice's isolated location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Venice is a small, remote fishing and oilfield community, so formal childcare centers are extremely limited. Most options are likely to be licensed family childcare homes or smaller in-home providers. Due to the limited number of slots and a population that includes shift workers from the maritime and oil industries, waitlists can be long and unpredictable. It's crucial to begin your search as early as possible, network with other local parents, and be prepared to consider providers in nearby communities like Buras or Port Sulphur, which may involve a significant commute.
How does the cost of childcare in Venice, LA, compare to the state average, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
While specific Venice data is scarce, childcare costs in Plaquemines Parish tend to be slightly below the state average due to the rural setting, but availability is the greater challenge than price. For a licensed family home, you might expect weekly rates comparable to $125-$175. Financial assistance is primarily available through the statewide Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is income-based. Given the local economy, many families may qualify. You can apply through the Louisiana Department of Education. Additionally, some employers in the oil and gas sector may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts.
What should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, considering Venice's vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding?
This is a critical question for Venice. A reputable provider must have a detailed, written emergency plan that goes beyond state minimums. Ask specifically about: 1) Evacuation triggers and routes, 2) Designated safe relocation sites outside the flood zone, 3) Protocols for communicating with parents during a storm (assuming potential cell/network outages), 4) On-site supplies (water, non-perishable food, generators, and fuel), and 5) Staff training for emergency procedures. You should be comfortable with their answers, as Venice is often one of the first communities placed under mandatory evacuation orders.
Are there any unique early learning or enrichment programs for children in Venice, given the limited local infrastructure?
Structured early learning programs like Pre-K are very limited within Venice itself. The main access point is the Plaquemines Parish Public School System, which may offer Louisiana's publicly funded Pre-K programs at elementary schools in nearby towns. For enrichment, childcare providers often incorporate local culture, such as learning about coastal wildlife, fishing, and the Mississippi River. Given the isolation, many parents coordinate playgroups and share resources. For additional enrichment, families often travel to larger communities like Belle Chasse or even New Orleans for libraries, museums, and organized classes, making flexibility in childcare hours important.