The Best Daycare Centers in Ace, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ace
Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center, located approximately 15 minutes from Ace in Pineland, is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility serving the broader Sabine County area. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates structured academic preparation. The center features state-certified teachers with specialized early childhood development training, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms, age-appropriate outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems including coded entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, strong communication, and the developmental progress they observe in their children.
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Kiddie Academy of Lufkin
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lufkin, located about 30 minutes from Ace, is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain with a strong curriculum-based approach. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, STEM education, and school readiness through hands-on learning experiences. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure facilities with monitored access, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills. The spacious facility includes dedicated learning centers, technology-integrated classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Parents particularly appreciate the transparent communication through daily activity reports, the nutritious meal program, and the center's focus on developing both academic and social skills. The center serves families throughout Angelina County and surrounding areas.
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First United Methodist Church Child Development Center
First United Methodist Church of Jasper
Located approximately 25 minutes from Ace in Jasper, this church-affiliated child development center has built an excellent reputation for quality early childhood education in a nurturing Christian environment. The center employs experienced, certified early childhood educators who implement a balanced curriculum combining academic preparation with faith-based values education. Their approach emphasizes developmental appropriateness, with age-specific learning activities that promote cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth. The facility features secure, well-maintained classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety measures. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's communication, the qualifications and dedication of staff, and the visible developmental progress in their children. The center maintains excellent staff retention and low teacher-to-child ratios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ace, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ace, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ace, Texas, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This includes meeting strict standards for staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:11 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and staff training in CPR and first aid. To verify a facility's compliance and view any past violations, you can use the DFPS "Child Care Search" tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or Ace's zip code to access their official inspection reports, which detail their licensing status, last inspection date, and any deficiencies noted. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Ace area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ace, Texas?
The cost of childcare in Ace, Texas, is generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Houston, but it varies by provider type. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $600 to $800 per month for full-time infant care. Home-based daycare (licensed family homes) may range from $500 to $700 monthly. Factors influencing cost include the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff credentials. It's advisable to budget for registration fees and possible supply fees on top of tuition. For financial assistance, Texas offers the Child Care Management Services (CCMS) subsidy program for qualifying families, which can be applied for through the local Workforce Solutions office.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care available in Ace, TX, for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended-hour or weekend care in a smaller community like Ace, Texas, are more limited compared to larger cities. Most traditional daycare centers operate from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, some licensed family home providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift work. Your best strategy is to directly inquire with local providers about their ability to accommodate early drop-offs or late pick-ups, sometimes for an additional fee. Networking with other parents in the Ace community through local Facebook groups or community boards can also help identify home-based caregivers who offer flexible scheduling.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Ace, and when should I start looking for a spot?
While waitlists in Ace are not typically as long as in major urban centers, popular and highly-rated centers, especially those serving infants (the most in-demand age group), can have waitlists of 3 to 6 months. It is strongly recommended that parents in the Ace area begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 4-6 months in advance is wise. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you should check in, and if they offer priority for siblings of current enrollees.
What local resources or organizations in Ace, Texas, can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Ace, Texas, have several key resources. First, the **Texas Child Care Search** tool from DFPS is the official database. For personalized referral help, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves your region; for Ace, this is likely the one covering Montgomery County or the broader East Texas area, such as Workforce Solutions. They can provide lists of licensed providers matching your needs. Additionally, joining local community groups like "Ace, TX Community" or "Montgomery County Moms" on Facebook is invaluable for getting firsthand parent reviews and recommendations for trusted home daycares or centers in the immediate area.