The Best Daycare Centers in Encino, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Encino. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Encino
The Goddard School of Laredo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Laredo offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through the Goddard Connect app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background checks for all staff.
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Little Einsteils Bilingual Academy
Little Einsteils Educational Centers
Little Einsteils Bilingual Academy provides a comprehensive bilingual education program in English and Spanish, serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years. Their curriculum emphasizes cognitive development, social skills, and cultural awareness through hands-on learning activities. The center features modern security systems, dedicated infant rooms, STEM learning centers, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with small class sizes. The academy offers extended hours, nutritious meal programs, and regular progress reports. Their safety protocols include secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training.
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Sunshine Learning Center
Sunshine Early Education
Sunshine Learning Center has been serving the Laredo area with quality childcare and early education for nearly two decades. Their play-based curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social development through structured learning centers. The facility includes secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning spaces for different age groups. Experienced teachers hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing training in child development and safety procedures. The center maintains strict health and safety standards, including regular sanitization, secure check-in systems, and emergency response protocols. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Encino, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Encino, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Encino, Texas, all licensed daycare centers and registered family homes must comply with the strict regulations set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This includes background checks for all staff, minimum staff-to-child ratios based on age, health and safety standards, and ongoing training. To verify a facility's compliance and view any past violations, you can use the DFPS "Child Care Search" tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (like 78119 for the Encino area) to access their official inspection reports, licensing status, and history. This is a critical first step for any parent in the area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Encino, TX?
Childcare costs in Encino and the surrounding rural areas of Brooks County are generally more affordable than in major Texas metros, but prices can vary. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $450 to $650 per month for full-time care for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare may be slightly less, around $400 to $550 monthly. Costs are influenced by the program's hours, curriculum, and amenities. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Encino, securing a spot at a preferred facility may be a higher priority than price shopping alone.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with daycare costs for families in Encino?
Yes, eligible families in Encino can apply for financial assistance through the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Child Care Services (CCS) program. This state-administered subsidy helps low-income families, those in job training, or parents working or attending school pay for childcare at participating providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Since Encino is in Brooks County, you would apply through the local Workforce Solutions board that serves your region. You can start the application process online via the Texas Workforce Commission website or by contacting the Workforce Solutions office in a nearby city like Alice or Kingsville for guidance.
Given Encino's rural location, what are the typical operating hours for local daycares, and is after-school care available for older children?
Due to the agricultural and commuting nature of the community, many daycare providers in Encino offer hours tailored to working families, often opening around 6:30 or 7:00 AM and closing between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. However, options are more limited than in urban areas. Dedicated after-school care programs for school-age children can be scarce within Encino itself. Parents often rely on family home daycares that may accept school-age children, or they may need to arrange for care through the local school district's programs (if available) or with in-home babysitters. It's crucial to inquire about hours and age ranges very early in your search.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in the Encino area, and when should I start looking?
In a small community like Encino, where there are only a handful of licensed providers, waitlists for infant and toddler spots can form quickly and may be several months long. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care. For popular providers, contacting them during the second trimester of pregnancy is not uncommon. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and to consider licensed family homes in the area as a viable and often more available alternative. Persistence and flexibility are key due to the limited supply of childcare slots.