The Best Daycare Centers in DFW, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in DFW. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in DFW
Primrose School of Prestonwood
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Prestonwood stands out with its Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed teachers. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities. Features include secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and regular parent communication through the Primrose Schools app. The facility offers bright, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes social-emotional learning and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Frisco
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Frisco offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school employs highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains small class sizes. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social skills. The facility features bright classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Parents receive daily updates and photos through the proprietary mobile app. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and developmental milestone tracking.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Flower Mound
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Flower Mound utilizes the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, STEM learning, and literacy development. The academy features state-licensed teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintains optimal teacher-to-child ratios. Safety protocols include secured access, comprehensive monitoring systems, and strict health and cleanliness standards. The program includes technology integration, music and movement, and hands-on science activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. The academy provides nutritious meals and emphasizes parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in DFW, TX
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the DFW area, and are there significant price differences between cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and the suburbs?
In the DFW metroplex, the average cost for full-time infant care ranges from approximately $1,100 to $1,600 per month, with toddlers costing slightly less, typically between $950 and $1,400. Prices are generally highest in affluent Dallas neighborhoods like Uptown, Preston Hollow, and North Dallas, as well as in cities like Frisco and Southlake. Fort Worth and more suburban or southern areas like Arlington or Mansfield often have more moderate rates. The cost reflects factors like staff-to-child ratios, facility amenities, and curriculum. It's crucial to note that these are averages, and prices have been rising. Many centers also charge registration and annual supply fees. Texas offers financial assistance through programs like the Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services, which eligible DFW families can apply for.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in DFW, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers, especially for infants, can be notoriously long in DFW, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes even longer in high-demand areas like Plano, Frisco, or central Dallas. For infant care, it is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy. Many parents tour facilities and apply to multiple centers to secure a spot. Waitlists for toddler and preschool programs are usually shorter but can still be 3-6 months. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150). It's also wise to have a backup plan, such as a licensed home daycare or a nanny share, which may have more immediate availability.
What are the key differences between a Texas Licensed Child-Care Center and a Texas Registered or Listed Family Home in DFW, and how do I verify a provider's status?
In Texas, there are three main types of regulated childcare. **Licensed Centers** are commercial facilities subject to the most stringent state regulations, including regular inspections, required staff training, and specific child-to-staff ratios. **Registered Family Homes** are smaller operations in a caregiver's residence, serving up to 12 children; they are also inspected but may have different ratio rules. **Listed Family Homes** care for up to 3 unrelated children and are only required to pass a background check, with no routine inspections. For DFW parents, the safest first step is to always verify a provider's status and inspection history through the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) "Child Care Search" website. You can view licensing details, any reported deficiencies, and the results of recent inspections.
Are there specific resources or referral services in DFW to help parents navigate the overwhelming number of childcare options?
Yes, the primary and most trusted resource is the **Child Care Assistance (CCA) program administered by the local Workforce Solutions boards**. For Dallas County, it's Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas; for Tarrant County (Fort Worth), it's Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. These agencies offer free, personalized child care referrals based on your location, needs, and budget. They maintain databases of licensed and registered providers and can help you understand subsidy eligibility. Additionally, websites like **TexasChildCareSearch.com** are essential for direct research. Many local parents also rely heavily on hyper-local Facebook groups (e.g., "DFW Childcare Connection," "Moms of Frisco/Plano/McKinney") for word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into specific centers.
What should I know about DFW's weather and emergency preparedness when evaluating a daycare center?
Given DFW's severe weather risks—including tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail, and extreme summer heat—a center's emergency preparedness plan is a critical safety factor. When touring, ask specific questions: Where is the designated tornado shelter (should be an interior, windowless room on the lowest floor)? How do they handle extreme heat during outdoor play (e.g., limiting time outside, ensuring hydration)? What is their protocol for late pick-up during a weather emergency? Do they have backup power generators? Reputable centers will have detailed, written plans and conduct regular drills. Also, inquire about their sick policy regarding common local illnesses and their cleaning protocols, which is a year-round concern. A center's proactive communication plan for weather closures or emergencies is a strong indicator of its overall operational quality.