The Best Daycare Centers in Crawford, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crawford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crawford
Primrose School of Waco
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Waco is a nationally accredited early education center serving families in the greater Waco area, including Crawford. They follow the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their degreed teachers implement a research-based approach that balances academic readiness with character development. The facility includes modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for music, art, and physical activity. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured curriculum, and nurturing environment.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Waco
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House in Waco provides comprehensive early childhood education serving the Crawford community with their Creative Curriculum® approach. The center features secure keypad entry, live streaming cameras for parent viewing, and structured learning environments. Their program includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning components. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios with qualified staff who receive ongoing professional development. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, age-appropriate playgrounds, and transportation for school-age children. Parent reviews highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and effective communication systems.
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The Goddard School of Waco
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in downtown Waco serves families throughout McLennan County, including Crawford residents. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning while developing academic and social skills. The school features purpose-built classrooms, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and creative arts with daily progress reports shared with parents. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, dedicated art areas, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its educational quality and professional staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crawford, TX
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Crawford, TX, and are there any local resources to help with affordability?
In Crawford and the surrounding McLennan County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $600 to $850 per month, while toddler care is generally between $550 and $750 per month. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often cost $500-$700 monthly. These rates are often more affordable than in larger cities like Waco, but options in Crawford itself are limited, so many parents look to nearby communities. For financial assistance, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers subsidized childcare through the Child Care Services program for qualifying families based on income and need. Additionally, local churches and community centers in Crawford sometimes offer subsidized or low-cost Mother's Day Out programs, which can provide part-time relief.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Crawford, Texas?
All licensed daycare centers and registered home providers in Texas are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You can search for any provider's official record, including their license status, capacity, and any cited violations, through the online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool on the HHSC website. It's crucial to search not only for "Crawford" but also nearby towns like McGregor or Waco, as many providers serving Crawford families may be located just outside city limits. You can also call the HHSC Child Care Licensing office for the Central Texas region for specific questions. Always visit in person and ask the provider for their most recent inspection report, which they are required to make available to parents.
Given Crawford's small-town setting, how long are daycare waitlists typically, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare facilities within Crawford's city limits, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's common for popular local in-home providers or the Crawford ISD-affiliated pre-K program to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For families needing infant or toddler care, it is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Many parents in Crawford expand their search to licensed home daycares in the surrounding rural areas or consider providers in nearby McGregor or Waco, where there are more options but may also have waitlists. Proactive and early planning is essential.
Are there any unique childcare options in Crawford that leverage the agricultural or community-focused lifestyle?
Yes, Crawford's rural and tight-knit community offers some unique alternatives. Many families utilize small, licensed family home daycares where providers often incorporate outdoor play, gardening, and animal interactions into daily activities, reflecting the local lifestyle. The Crawford Independent School District offers a state-funded pre-K program for eligible 4-year-olds, which is a popular option. Additionally, informal "nanny-shares" with neighboring families are common, as are seasonal or part-time programs at local churches and the Crawford Community Center, especially during summer and harvest times. Networking through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Crawford, TX Community") is often the best way to discover these hyper-local, word-of-mouth opportunities.
What should I know about the staff-to-child ratios and caregiver qualifications required by Texas law for daycares in our area?
Texas HHSC mandates strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. For licensed centers: infants (0-11 months) require a 1:4 ratio, toddlers (12-23 months) 1:5, 2-year-olds 1:9, 3-year-olds 1:15, and 4-year-olds 1:18. Licensed home daycares have different ratios, typically a maximum of 12 children with no more than 4 being under 24 months. All lead caregivers must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass background checks. They must also complete annual training in topics like CPR, first aid, and safe sleep practices for infants. In Crawford's smaller settings, you can often meet the primary caregiver directly; don't hesitate to ask for their qualifications and ongoing training records during your tour.