The Best Daycare Centers in Bedford, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bedford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bedford
The Goddard School of Bedford
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bedford offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based 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 classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app.
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Primrose School of Bedford
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Bedford provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their accredited program features dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, structured learning centers, and technology-enhanced classrooms for older children. The school maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entrances, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Their degreed teachers implement research-based curriculum with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, while also offering music, art, and physical education enrichment.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Bedford
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids of Bedford features their exclusive Brain Development curriculum designed to nurture the whole child through advanced literacy programs, STEM activities, and character education. The facility includes interactive whiteboards in classrooms, secured webcam access for parents, commercial-grade kitchen providing nutritious meals, and multiple age-appropriate playgrounds. Their highly qualified staff maintains CPR and First Aid certifications, with ongoing professional development in early childhood education best practices. The academy emphasizes school readiness with a structured yet nurturing environment that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development through hands-on learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bedford, TX
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bedford, TX?
In Bedford, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care often falls between $950 and $1,250 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility—national chain centers, local church-affiliated programs, and licensed in-home daycares each have different pricing structures. Factors like the provider's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (meals, enrichment activities) also influence cost. It's important to note that Bedford is part of the competitive Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, so prices can be slightly higher than in more rural parts of Texas. Many facilities offer sibling discounts, and some may provide limited financial assistance or accept state subsidies through the Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services program.
How do I verify that a daycare in Bedford is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All licensed daycare centers and registered family homes in Bedford must be regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You can verify a provider's license and review its detailed compliance history online through the Texas HHSC "Child Care Licensing Search" portal. This free tool allows you to search by provider name or location to see their license status, any reported violations, and the outcomes of recent inspections. For added due diligence, parents can also contact the local HHSC Child Care Licensing office that serves Tarrant County. It's highly recommended to review the last 2-3 years of inspection reports, paying close attention to any repeat violations related to health, safety, or staff-to-child ratios, which are strictly defined by Texas Minimum Standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Bedford, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Bedford, especially for infant rooms. Due to high demand and regulated capacity limits, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, and even earlier (up to 12 months) for infant care. Some popular centers affiliated with schools or corporate chains may have year-long waitlists. To manage this, parents should create a shortlist of 3-5 preferred providers, get on multiple waitlists (note that some charge a non-refundable fee), and maintain regular contact with the directors. Exploring a mix of centers, church-based programs, and licensed family homes can increase your options and potentially shorten the wait.
What are some of the key enrichment programs or unique features offered by daycares in Bedford?
Many Bedford daycares incorporate enrichment programs to stand out in the local market. Common features include structured early literacy programs (like Mother Goose Time or Frog Street), introductory Spanish language exposure, and movement or music classes. Given Bedford's proximity to the DFW metroplex, some centers partner with external organizations for weekly activities like soccer (Soccer Shots), gymnastics, or STEM workshops. Outdoor learning is also emphasized, with several facilities featuring nature-based playgrounds and gardens. Furthermore, several programs offer extended hours (from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM) to accommodate commuter parents, and some provide live streaming video access for parents to check in during the day—a popular feature for working families in the area.
What local resources in Bedford can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Bedford parents have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Associates (CCA)**, which is the local Child Care Management Service for Tarrant County. They offer a free referral service through their website and hotline, helping parents find licensed providers that meet specific needs like hours, location, and age. The **Bedford Public Library** often hosts community resource fairs and can provide information. Additionally, local online parenting groups on Facebook (e.g., "Bedford, TX Moms") are excellent for getting unfiltered recommendations and reviews from other parents. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in the **Texas Rising Star** program, a voluntary quality rating system above minimum licensing standards; several Bedford centers hold this certification, indicating higher-quality care and learning environments.
Childcare Insights for Bedford
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a parent makes, and if you're searching for "top rated daycares near me" in Bedford, Texas, you're in a community that values family and offers several wonderful options. The process can feel overwhelming, but focusing on what makes a daycare truly stand out in our specific area can help guide your search. In Bedford and the surrounding Tarrant County region, top-rated programs often share common threads: a strong emphasis on safety, engaging developmental curricula, and clear, compassionate communication with families.
Begin your search by looking beyond star ratings alone. While platforms like Google Reviews and state licensing records from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services are excellent starting points, the true measure of quality often comes from conversations. When you call or visit a daycare in Bedford, ask specific questions about their staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications. Texas has minimum standards, but the best centers in our area often exceed them, ensuring more individualized attention for your child. Inquire about staff tenure as well; low turnover is a hallmark of a positive work environment, which directly benefits the children's sense of security and routine.
Consider the unique rhythm of life in Bedford. Many families here appreciate centers that balance structured learning with ample outdoor play, taking advantage of our Texas sunshine. Ask about daily schedules and how they incorporate both educational activities and physical movement. Given our community's proximity to major highways like SH 121 and SH 183, logistics matter. A top-rated daycare for your family might be one that offers convenient hours that align with a commute to Dallas-Fort Worth or nearby cities, or one that provides a seamless experience from infant care through pre-K, eliminating the need for another transition down the line.
Nothing replaces a personal visit. Schedule tours at a few of your top contenders, and aim to visit during active hours. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children—are they down on the floor engaging, or supervising from a distance? Notice if the children seem happily occupied and if the environment is clean, safe, and stimulating. Trust your instincts about the atmosphere. A warm, welcoming feeling is just as crucial as a checklist of amenities. Don't hesitate to ask for references from current parents; hearing firsthand about their experiences with a Bedford daycare can provide invaluable insight.
Finally, remember that "top rated" is ultimately what feels right for your child and your family's values. Whether you prioritize a faith-based curriculum, a particular educational philosophy like Montessori, or a strong focus on social-emotional learning, Bedford has diverse programs to consider. By combining diligent research with your parental intuition, you can find a nurturing childcare environment right here in our community where your child can learn, grow, and thrive.