The Best Daycare Centers in Lovington, NM
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lovington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lovington
Lovington Learning Center
Independent
Lovington Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility that has served the community for over 15 years. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with age-appropriate curriculum for infants through school-age children. The center focuses on developmental milestones through structured learning activities, creative play, and hands-on experiences. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and participates in ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access, age-specific classrooms, outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents appreciate the center's family-oriented atmosphere and consistent communication about their child's progress.
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La Petite Academy of Hobbs
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Hobbs serves the Lovington community with their comprehensive early education programs located just 15 minutes away. As part of a national network with over 45 years of experience, they offer research-based curriculum including STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their Grow Fit® program promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity. The center features secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and webcam access for parents. Certified teachers provide individualized attention with small class sizes and maintain detailed progress reports. The center is known for its structured learning environment and experienced staff.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Hobbs
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House in Hobbs provides high-quality childcare services to families in Lovington and surrounding areas. With over 45 years of experience as a national organization, this location offers comprehensive early education programs featuring their exclusive Early Innovators® curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The center maintains excellent safety standards with secured facilities, regular safety drills, and strict pick-up procedures. Their qualified teaching staff receives ongoing training in child development and early education best practices. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, outdoor play spaces, and provides healthy meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the center's engaging learning environment and attentive staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lovington, NM
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lovington, NM, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Lovington, all childcare centers and family home providers must be licensed by the State of New Mexico's Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD). Licensing ensures facilities meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. For centers, the required ratios are 1:6 for infants and 1:12 for preschoolers. To verify a provider's license, you can use the CYFD's online "Look-Up a Licensed Provider" tool on their official website or contact the CYFD Licensing Bureau directly. It's highly recommended to check this status, as operating without a license is illegal and uninsured.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lovington, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lovington, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $450 to $650 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $400 to $550 per month. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger New Mexico cities like Albuquerque. For financial assistance, the primary resource is the New Mexico Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by CYFD. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school enrollment. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lovington, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Lovington, waitlists for licensed daycare centers, especially for infants, can be significant. It's common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6 months before care is needed. Contacting providers to get on multiple lists is a smart strategy. Family home daycares may have shorter or more flexible waitlists, so consider those as well.
Are there any unique childcare options in Lovington that cater to families with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Yes, given Lovington's location in an agricultural and oil & gas region, some providers offer flexible hours. While standard center hours are typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, a handful of licensed family home daycares may offer evening, overnight, or weekend care to accommodate shift workers. These spots are in high demand and very limited. It's crucial to inquire about specific hours and availability when you call. Additionally, some providers may offer drop-in or part-time care, which can be helpful for parents with variable schedules.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Lovington, and are there any local resources to help me compare options?
During a tour in Lovington, look beyond the basics: observe how staff interact with children, check for clean and safe outdoor play areas (important in our windy climate), ask about their emergency preparedness plan, and inquire about their curriculum or daily structure. Given the local context, ask about their policy for children with family in the oilfields or agriculture (e.g., understanding of long parental absences). For comparison, use the CYFD provider lookup tool which includes inspection reports. Also, word-of-mouth is powerful in a close-knit community like Lovington—ask for recommendations in local Facebook groups (e.g., "Lovington Community Chat") or from your pediatrician at Nor-Lea Hospital District.