The Best Daycare Centers in Highlands, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highlands. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highlands
Kiddie Academy of Baytown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Baytown offers a comprehensive educational childcare program serving Highlands and surrounding communities. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, STEM learning, and social-emotional growth. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds, and age-appropriate learning environments. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and provide nutritious meals. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for developmental activities. Parents appreciate the regular communication through their mobile app and the focus on preparing children for kindergarten readiness.
Daycare Services:
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy of Baytown
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House in Baytown provides high-quality early education and care for children from infancy through school age. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, experienced teachers with ongoing professional development, and structured learning environments. They emphasize safety with comprehensive background checks, regular safety drills, and health protocols. The program includes nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and technology-enhanced learning activities. Parents consistently praise the caring staff and educational programming.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Mont Belvieu
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Mont Belvieu serves families in Highlands and the surrounding area with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on learning. The facility features secure entry systems, dedicated learning centers, and outdoor exploration areas. All teachers meet state certification requirements and receive ongoing training in early childhood development. The school maintains excellent safety records with comprehensive security protocols and health standards. Parents particularly value the strong communication, balanced curriculum, and the school's focus on developing the whole child.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highlands, TX
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highlands, TX?
In Highlands and the surrounding Baytown/Chambers County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $700 to $1,000 per month for infant care. Home-based licensed childcare (family daycare) is often more affordable, typically ranging from $500 to $800 per month. These rates are generally lower than those in nearby major metropolitan areas like Houston but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, formula, diapers, educational curriculum). Some local providers may offer sibling discounts, and state assistance programs like Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services may be available for qualifying families.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in Highlands?
All licensed childcare operations in Texas, including those in Highlands, are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Parents can and should use the official "Texas Child Care Search" website to look up any provider. This free public tool shows the facility's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and most importantly, a history of any minimum standard violations from state inspections. You can search by the provider's name, city, or zip code (77562 for Highlands). Always cross-reference this online information with an in-person visit, and don't hesitate to ask the director to see their most recent inspection report posted on-site, which Texas law requires them to display.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Highlands, and how far in advance should I apply?
Waitlists are common for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in the Highlands area, especially given the community's mix of families and shift workers from nearby industrial employers. For popular centers, it is advisable to begin your search and get on a waitlist at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date, particularly for infant care. For toddler or preschool spots, 3-6 months lead time is more typical. Many local home-based providers may have shorter or more flexible wait times. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their status.
What are the options for non-traditional hour childcare (nights, weekends, or rotating shifts) in Highlands?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours is a specific challenge in smaller communities like Highlands. While most standard centers operate from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, options for nights and weekends are extremely limited. Your best bet is to seek out licensed home-based providers who may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the local petrochemical and industrial sectors. Some providers may offer "drop-in" or part-time care for irregular schedules. Networking through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Highlands, Texas Community") or asking at major local employers can sometimes lead to recommendations for caregivers who accommodate shift work.
What local resources or programs are available to help parents find and choose quality childcare in Highlands?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Council of Greater Houston**, which serves the region including Highlands. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed childcare that meets their specific needs (hours, location, budget). They can be contacted via their website or phone line. Additionally, the **United Way of Greater Baytown Area & Chambers County** may have information on local early childhood programs and assistance. For school-age children, the **Highlands Independent School District** may offer after-school programs at its elementary campuses. Always supplement these resources with in-person tours, checking references from other local parents, and reviewing inspection reports.
Childcare Insights for Highlands
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and if you’re a parent in Highlands, Texas, you’re likely searching for a nurturing and reliable environment for your little one. The quest for the "best daycares near me" is deeply personal, blending practical logistics with the heartfelt need to know your child is safe, happy, and thriving. Fortunately, the Highlands community and its surrounding areas offer several wonderful options, each with its own unique character and strengths.
A great starting point is to consider what "best" means for your family’s specific needs. For many in Highlands, location is key. You’ll want to look at facilities not just within the Highlands zip code, but also in nearby communities like Baytown, Mont Belvieu, and Crosby, which many local parents commute through. Think about your daily route—a daycare that’s conveniently located near your workplace or along Highway 90 or I-10 can make those morning and evening transitions much smoother. Once you have a geographical focus, the real exploration begins. We are fortunate in this part of Texas to have a mix of established childcare centers, faith-based programs, and licensed home daycares, which often provide a smaller, family-like setting.
When researching, go beyond online listings. Personal recommendations are invaluable in a close-knit area like ours. Don’t hesitate to ask for insights from other parents at the Highlands Community Center, local parks, or neighborhood groups. They can offer honest perspectives on everything from staff turnover to how a center handles the humid Southeast Texas summers, ensuring plenty of safe, indoor play options on rainy or extremely hot days. Always plan to visit any potential daycare in person. This allows you to observe the cleanliness, security measures, and, most importantly, the interactions between caregivers and children. Look for engaged, patient teachers and a atmosphere that feels warm and structured, not chaotic.
Pay close attention to the curriculum and daily routines. The best daycares in the Highlands area will balance foundational learning with ample play. Ask about their approach to early literacy and social skills, and how they incorporate activities suited for our local environment. You might find programs that include elements of nature exploration or community involvement. Crucially, verify that any facility you are seriously considering is fully licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. You can easily check this online for both centers and home providers, giving you peace of mind about health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards.
Remember, the right fit will feel right. Trust your instincts as a parent during your visits and conversations. The goal is to find a place where your child is greeted with smiles, where their day is filled with stimulating and age-appropriate activities, and where you feel confident and comfortable as a partner in their care. Taking the time to thoroughly explore your options in and around Highlands will lead you to a daycare that feels less like a service and more like an extension of your own caring community.