The Best Daycare Centers in Amherst, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Amherst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Amherst
Littlefield Learning Center
Independent
Littlefield Learning Center serves the Amherst area with a comprehensive educational approach focused on early childhood development. The center features a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. What makes this center stand out is their strong emphasis on school readiness, with structured learning activities balanced with creative play. They maintain excellent safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills, along with nutritious meal programs that support healthy development.
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Kiddie Kollege Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege serves the broader region including Amherst with a developmental approach to early childhood education. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, language development, and creative arts. Highly qualified staff members hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated nap areas, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Their standout feature is the comprehensive parent communication system with daily updates and progress reports. The center maintains exceptional safety standards including coded entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular facility inspections.
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Primrose School of Lubbock Southwest
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lubbock Southwest serves families in the Amherst region with their nationally recognized Balanced Learning curriculum that blends academic preparation with character development. The center features dedicated learning spaces for each age group, including infant nurturing rooms and preschool learning centers. All teachers meet state certification requirements and participate in ongoing Primrose training programs. The facility includes secure outdoor learning environments and modern indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials. What distinguishes this center is their exclusive partnerships with leading educational organizations and their focus on developing independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Amherst, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Amherst, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Amherst, Texas, all licensed daycare centers and registered family homes must comply with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Minimum Standards. These standards cover staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety protocols, staff training, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's compliance and view their latest inspection reports, you can use the DFPS "Child Care Search" tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (79312 for Amherst) to access their licensing status, any deficiencies, and the history of complaints. Given Amherst's smaller, rural setting, many local options may be registered family homes, which have different capacity limits than larger centers, so checking their specific license type is important.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Amherst, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare facilities in Amherst itself, waitlists for the nearest centers in surrounding towns like Littlefield or Plainview can be several months long, especially for infant care. It's highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers, ask about their specific waitlist policies (some require a deposit), and check in periodically to express continued interest. Exploring licensed in-home daycare providers within Amherst may offer more immediate availability. Utilizing local community Facebook groups or asking for referrals from other parents in the Amherst area can also help you find lesser-known options.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in the Amherst area?
Childcare costs in the Amherst area are generally lower than state and national averages, reflecting the rural cost of living. For a full-time infant, you can expect to pay approximately $400 to $550 per month at a licensed center in a nearby town. In-home family daycare within Amherst may range from $350 to $450 per month. For toddlers, costs typically drop by about $50-$75 per month. It's crucial to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). For financial assistance, Texas offers the Child Care Management Services (CCMS) subsidy program for eligible families; you can apply through the local Workforce Solutions South Plains office, which serves Lamb County.
Are there any part-time or drop-in childcare options available for parents in Amherst?
Traditional part-time and drop-in daycare options are very limited in Amherst due to its small size and the structured enrollment needs of most providers. Most licensed homes and centers in the region require set weekly schedules to maintain staff ratios and financial stability. However, some in-home providers may offer more flexible arrangements by individual agreement. For occasional or emergency care, your best bet is to network with other local parents for babysitter recommendations or explore registered family homes that might have occasional openings. For more consistent part-time needs, consider coordinating with a small group of families to share a nanny or sitter, a practice that can be more feasible in a tight-knit community like Amherst.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to facilities in a rural area like Amherst?
When touring a daycare in Amherst or the surrounding rural communities, pay special attention to factors unique to the area. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plans for severe weather common to the South Plains, such as tornadoes, and their protocol for power outages. Ask about their water source (municipal or well) and how they ensure safe drinking water. Given the agricultural surroundings, check the outdoor play area for security and ask about pest/insect control measures. Transportation is also a key point; confirm if they provide any and what their policies are for school-age children who may attend different districts. Finally, observe how they incorporate local community elements into their learning, which can be a sign of a well-integrated, community-focused program.