The Best Daycare Centers in Higgins, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Higgins. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Higgins
Children's Lighthouse of Lubbock
Children's Lighthouse Learning Centers
Children's Lighthouse provides a comprehensive values-based curriculum with character development integrated into daily learning. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies with dedicated learning centers. Features secure facilities with keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and nutritious meal programs. Staff maintain CPR and First Aid certifications with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention with structured daily schedules that balance educational activities and play.
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Primrose School of Lubbock
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lubbock offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy development, STEAM activities, and character development programs. Features secure facilities with strict check-in procedures, outdoor learning environments, and healthy chef-prepared meals. All teachers meet state certification requirements and receive ongoing training. The school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and provides regular developmental assessments and parent communication.
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Lampasas Child Development Center
Independent
Lampasas Child Development Center provides a nurturing environment with a play-based learning approach that encourages exploration and discovery. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness skills. Features secure facilities with fenced playgrounds, developmentally appropriate classrooms, and structured daily routines. Staff maintain required certifications with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family involvement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Higgins, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Higgins, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Higgins, Texas, all licensed childcare operations must comply with the strict Minimum Standards set by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). This includes background checks for all staff, specific child-to-caregiver ratios based on age, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view their latest inspection reports, you can use the Texas HHSC Child Care Licensing Search website. You can search by the provider's name or by the city of Higgins. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed or registered homes, as this ensures a baseline of safety and oversight. Unlicensed care is risky and not regulated.
With Higgins being a smaller rural community, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Given Higgins's size in Lipscomb County, your primary options will be licensed family homes and possibly a smaller childcare center. There are fewer large commercial facilities compared to urban areas. Licensed family homes offer a home-like environment for a smaller group of children, which can be appealing. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care. It's crucial to start your search early—often during pregnancy—and get on multiple waitlists. Networking with other local parents through community groups or churches can also help you discover lesser-known, reputable in-home providers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Higgins, TX?
While costs are generally lower than in major Texas metros, full-time daycare in Higgins typically ranges from **$400 to $650 per month** for one child, with infants at the higher end of that scale. Licensed family homes may sometimes offer slightly lower rates than a center-type operation, if one is available. Prices can vary based on the provider's experience, included amenities (like meals), and the age of your child. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what the fee includes. For financial assistance, Texas offers the Child Care Management Services (CCMS) subsidy program for qualifying families; you can apply through the Panhandle Community Services agency, which serves this region.
Are there any state or local programs in Higgins that help with childcare costs or provide preschool preparation?
Yes, there are key programs to explore. For cost assistance, the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is administered in Texas as the CCMS program, as mentioned. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (like working or attending school). For preschool preparation, the federal **Head Start** program is a vital resource. While Higgins itself may not have a center, the Region 16 Education Service Center based in Amarillo oversees Head Start services for the Texas Panhandle, including Lipscomb County. They may offer home-based options or have a center in a nearby town like Canadian or Perryton. Contacting Region 16 directly is the best way to learn about availability and transportation options.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare or family home in Higgins, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates), and how caregivers interact with children. In a rural setting like Higgins, also note the outdoor play area security and sun/weather protection. Ask these local-specific questions: 1. **"What is your plan for severe weather, like tornadoes or blizzards common in the Panhandle?"** (They should have a clear shelter-in-place protocol.) 2. **"How do you handle closures for county-wide events or livestock shows that might affect staff?"** 3. **"Given our distance from major hospitals, what is your emergency medical plan and relationship with local EMS?"** 4. **"Do you provide transportation to/from the local Higgins ISD for before/after-school care?"** 5. **"Can you provide references from other local families in the community?"** Personal recommendations carry significant weight in small towns.