The Best Daycare Centers in Derry, NM
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Derry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Derry
The Goddard School of Roswell
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Roswell serves the broader Chaves County area including Derry with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, and age-appropriate learning environments. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and offer nutritious meal programs. The school is known for its safe, nurturing environment and strong parent communication through daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center provides quality childcare services to families throughout Chaves County, including the Derry area. They offer a structured educational program that combines play-based learning with academic preparation. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor play areas, and age-specific classrooms. Their curriculum focuses on early literacy, mathematics readiness, and social skills development. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The center is praised for its warm, family-like atmosphere and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs, with regular progress reports and open communication with parents.
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ABC Academy Early Learning Center
Independent
ABC Academy serves the Roswell and surrounding communities including Derry with a comprehensive early childhood education program. Their developmentally appropriate curriculum emphasizes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, modern classrooms, and safe outdoor play spaces. They maintain small class sizes with qualified teachers who participate in continuous training. The program includes music, art, physical education, and technology integration. Parents appreciate the center's commitment to safety, clean environment, and strong educational foundation that prepares children for kindergarten success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Derry, NM
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Derry, New Mexico, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In New Mexico, all childcare facilities, including those in Derry, must be licensed by the state's Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Licensing ensures providers meet standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and sanitation, and program curriculum. For Derry specifically, which is a smaller community, you can verify a facility's license status by using the CYFD's online "Look-Up a Licensed Provider" tool or by contacting the CYFD Licensing and Certification Bureau directly. It's important to note that some very small in-home providers may be registered rather than fully licensed, which has different requirements. Always ask to see the current license or registration certificate when visiting a potential daycare.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Derry, NM, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to Derry's smaller size and limited number of dedicated childcare centers, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care (children under 2 years old). It is not uncommon for families to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents in Derry begin researching and contacting providers as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. For popular centers, getting on a list before the baby is born is often essential. Be sure to ask about waitlist fees, how often you need to confirm your continued interest, and the estimated timeline when you make initial inquiries.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Derry, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs available?
In Derry and the surrounding rural areas of New Mexico, full-time childcare costs can vary. For a daycare center, you might expect to pay between $500 and $750 per month for a preschooler, while infant care is typically higher, ranging from $650 to $900 per month. Home-based daycare may be slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the New Mexico Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by CYFD. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the YES-NM website or your local CYFD office. Additionally, some providers in Derry may offer sliding scale fees based on income.
Are there any unique childcare options in Derry, NM, such as programs affiliated with local farms, cultural centers, or faith-based organizations?
Given Derry's rural character in Lincoln County, childcare options often reflect the community. You may find small, licensed family childcare homes that incorporate outdoor and agricultural experiences. There are also faith-based preschool programs operated by local churches, which may offer part-day options for toddlers and preschoolers. Due to the small population, there are no large cultural center-based programs within Derry itself, but some providers might integrate local heritage into activities. Networking through community centers, the Derry post office, or local Facebook groups is a great way to discover these smaller, home-based providers that might not have a large online presence.
What should I look for when touring a daycare in a rural area like Derry, especially regarding safety and emergency preparedness?
Touring a daycare in Derry requires attention to factors important in a rural setting. First, inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather, wildfires (common in NM), and medical emergencies. Ask about the proximity to the nearest hospital and if staff are certified in pediatric first aid/CPR. Check the security of the outdoor play area, ensuring it's fenced and free from rural hazards like unfarmed equipment or unsecured animal pens. Given potential distances, clarify their policy and capability for transporting children if needed. Also, ask about their plan for communication and reunification with parents during a widespread emergency that could affect cell service or road access, which can be more challenging in rural New Mexico.