The Best Daycare Centers in Springer, NM
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Springer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Springer
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility located approximately 25 miles from Springer. They employ a comprehensive curriculum that combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a fenced outdoor playground with safety surfaces, and comprehensive security systems. The curriculum emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and STEM activities tailored to each age group. They provide nutritious meals and snacks meeting USDA guidelines and maintain an open-door policy for parent communication and involvement.
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Raton Head Start
CYFD Head Start
Raton Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to the Springer area, located about 25 miles away. As part of the federally-funded Head Start program, they offer evidence-based curriculum focusing on school readiness, social development, and cognitive skills. The program employs degreed early childhood educators and provides comprehensive services including health screenings, dental care, nutrition education, and family support. Their approach emphasizes whole-child development with individualized learning plans, inclusive classrooms for children with special needs, and strong parent involvement components. The facility maintains high safety standards with secure access, regular inspections, and trained staff in pediatric CPR and first aid.
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Cimarron Memorial Hospital Child Development Center
Cimarron Memorial Hospital
Located approximately 30 miles from Springer, the Cimarron Memorial Hospital Child Development Center serves families throughout Colfax County with a hospital-affiliated childcare program that emphasizes health, safety, and developmental excellence. The center features a health-focused curriculum with emphasis on nutrition, physical activity, and preventive health practices. Staff includes early childhood professionals with background checks and ongoing training in child development best practices. The facility offers secure, modern classrooms with hospital-grade cleaning protocols, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play areas designed for developmental stimulation. Their program includes regular developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Springer, NM
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Springer, NM, and how do I find them?
In Springer, the primary licensed childcare options are Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) and Child Care Centers. FCCHs are smaller, home-based settings, which are common in rural communities like ours, often offering a more flexible and family-like environment. Centers are larger facilities that may offer more structured programs. To find licensed providers, you should use the official New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) Child Care Search tool online. This database allows you to filter by location (Springer, 87747), type of care, and age group. You can also contact the CYFD Early Childhood Services office for the Northeast Region for referrals. Due to Springer's size, options are limited, so it's also common for parents to network locally through community centers or churches to learn about trusted, licensed in-home providers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Springer, and is there financial assistance available?
In Springer and surrounding Colfax County, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major New Mexico cities like Albuquerque or Santa Fe, but availability heavily influences price. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $500 to $700 per month at a licensed home or center. Toddler care may range from $450 to $650 monthly. These are estimates, and you should contact providers directly for exact rates. Financial assistance is available through the New Mexico Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low- and moderate-income families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). You can apply through the CYFD website or your local Income Support Division office. Given the economic landscape of Springer, many families utilize this program.
Are there any daycare facilities in Springer that offer care for non-traditional hours, like evenings or weekends, for parents working in healthcare or shift work?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours in a small town like Springer can be challenging, as most licensed homes and centers operate on standard weekday hours (e.g., 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM). However, your best chance is to inquire directly with licensed Family Child Care Home providers. Some home-based providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, which are common in the region due to the nearby hospital in Raton and other 24-hour operations. We recommend clearly stating your schedule needs when you call providers from the CYFD list. You might also need to consider a nanny share or a private, trusted babysitter for these hours, as formal options are very limited. Networking with other local shift-working parents can sometimes lead to shared caregiver arrangements.
What are the state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Springer, and how can I verify a provider's license and inspection history?
All childcare providers in Springer must be licensed and regulated by the New Mexico CYFD, unless they are legally exempt (like caring for only children from one other family). Key requirements include background checks for all adults in the home or center, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), age-appropriate child-to-staff ratios, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view their compliance history, visit the CYFD Child Care Search website. You can search by the provider's name or location. The profile will show their license status (active, probationary, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any serious licensing violations or complaints from the last three years. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure basic health, safety, and training standards are met.
How long are waitlists typically for daycare spots in Springer, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of providers in Springer, waitlists can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers. It's not uncommon for a waitlist to be 3 to 6 months long, or even longer for the most sought-after providers. To secure a spot, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact every licensed provider in the Springer area (and consider nearby towns like Raton or Cimarron if commuting is an option) to get on their waitlists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common. Stay in regular, polite contact with providers every few months to express continued interest. Also, explore all options, including registered Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers, who may provide care in a less formal but still state-recognized arrangement.