The Best Daycare Centers in Barstow, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barstow. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barstow
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Odessa serves the broader West Texas region including Barstow with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms with modern learning materials. Their curriculum includes STEAM activities, language development, and character education, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. The school emphasizes play-based learning while preparing children for kindergarten success.
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Primrose School of Midland
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Midland provides high-quality early education serving families throughout the Permian Basin region, including Barstow. Their Balanced Learning® approach combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, commercial-grade air purification systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Certified teachers deliver research-based curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school maintains excellent staff retention and provides regular progress reports to parents. Their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, art, and movement into daily learning.
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Children's Lighthouse of Midland
Children's Lighthouse Franchise Company
Children's Lighthouse of Midland serves the West Texas region with a values-based curriculum that emphasizes character development alongside academic preparation. Their proprietary Clean Learning Environment® protocol ensures exceptional hygiene standards throughout the facility. The school features secure entry systems, video monitoring, and age-specific playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their literacy-rich curriculum includes the Zoo-phonics® program and incorporates Spanish language exposure. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The center offers flexible scheduling and provides nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences to discuss child development progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barstow, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Barstow, Texas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Barstow, as in all of Texas, childcare operations are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Providers must be licensed, registered, or listed depending on the number of children cared for and the setting. Licensed centers and homes undergo rigorous inspections for health, safety, and educational standards. To verify a provider's status, you can use the free, official "Texas Child Care Search" tool on the HHSC website. Simply enter "Barstow, TX" or the provider's name to see their license type, inspection history, any deficiencies, and compliance history. This is a crucial first step for any parent in our small community to ensure their child's safety.
Given Barstow's rural location, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are there often waitlists?
Due to Barstow's small, rural population in Ward County, childcare options are more limited than in larger Texas cities. Your primary choices will typically be licensed family homes (caring for up to 12 children) and possibly one or two smaller daycare centers. There are no large corporate chains here. Because options are scarce, waitlists are common, especially for infants and toddlers. It's highly recommended to start your search during pregnancy or several months in advance. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can provide leads on potential in-home providers who may not be widely advertised.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Barstow, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
While specific costs can vary, full-time daycare in Barstow for an infant typically ranges from $400 to $600 per month, which is generally lower than the state average due to the lower cost of living in rural West Texas. For toddlers, it might be slightly less. It's important to get detailed quotes directly from providers. For financial assistance, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers subsidized childcare for eligible families through programs like Workforce Solutions. The local board for this region is Workforce Solutions Permian Basin, which serves Ward County. Eligibility is based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You can apply through their office or website.
How do daycare schedules in Barstow accommodate parents who work in the local oil, gas, or agricultural sectors, which may have non-traditional hours?
This is a very relevant concern for Barstow's economy. Most standard licensed daycares operate on a typical Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, finding care for overnight, weekend, or rotating shifts is challenging. Your best bet is to seek out licensed family homes that may offer more flexible arrangements or inquire about potential shift-based care from individual in-home providers. Some parents in the area form small, private nanny shares to cover odd hours. Clearly communicating your specific work schedule (e.g., 7 days on/7 days off common in oil fields) during your initial inquiries is essential.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Barstow, considering our local environment?
When touring a facility in Barstow, pay close attention to factors unique to our area. First, check the outdoor play area for safety and shade—West Texas sun is intense, and adequate shade structures are a must. Ask about their policy on high-wind days or dust storms, which are common. Inquire about water safety if there are any pools or irrigation ditches nearby. Given our distance from major hospitals, ask about their emergency medical protocols and staff CPR/first-aid certification. Also, notice how they secure the premises, as rural properties can be more isolated. Finally, observe the caregiver-to-child ratio to ensure it meets or exceeds Texas HHSC standards for personalized attention.