The Best Daycare Centers in La Ward, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in La Ward. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in La Ward
Edna Head Start Center
Gulf Coast Community Services Association
Edna Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in Jackson County. The center follows a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, with qualified teachers holding Child Development Associate credentials. Services include educational programming, health screenings, nutritional meals, and family support services. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic preparation. As part of the Gulf Coast Community Services Association network, they offer structured learning environments with certified early childhood educators and comprehensive family engagement programs.
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Kiddie Academy of Victoria
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Victoria offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education and character development. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and modern learning environments. Their educational approach integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills through purposeful play. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated infant rooms with individual care plans, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents appreciate the real-time updates through the proprietary communication app and the center's focus on developing independence and critical thinking skills from infancy through school age.
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Primrose School of Victoria
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Victoria delivers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on whole-child development. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure campus with monitored access, and purpose-built classrooms designed for optimal learning. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while incorporating character development and life skills. The facility includes chef-prepared nutritious meals, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated music and art studios. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, qualified staff, and the visible developmental progress children make across all learning domains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in La Ward, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in La Ward, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In La Ward, as in all of Texas, daycare providers must be licensed or registered with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) unless they qualify for an exemption (like caring for only children from one unrelated family). Licensed centers and homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, facility safety, and curriculum. To verify a provider's status, you can use the HHSC "Search for Child Care" online tool, which shows their license type, inspection history, and any serious violations. Given La Ward's smaller, rural setting, many options may be licensed family homes. Always ask to see their current license certificate during a tour.
How available are daycare openings for infants and toddlers in La Ward, and should I expect a waitlist?
Due to La Ward's small population and limited number of providers, daycare openings for infants (under 18 months) can be particularly scarce. State-mandated low staff-to-child ratios for this age group limit capacity. It is very common for the licensed family homes and any local centers to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 3-6 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact all available providers in La Ward and nearby communities like Edna or Victoria to get on multiple lists and inquire about their typical wait times.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in La Ward, Texas, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the La Ward area, costs are generally lower than in major Texas cities but can vary. For a licensed family home, you might expect to pay between $120-$180 per week for full-time care of a preschooler. Infant care is typically more expensive, potentially ranging from $150-$220 per week. For financial assistance, the primary program is Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Child Care Services, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. You apply through the local Workforce Solutions board (the Golden Crescent Workforce Development Board serves this region). Some providers may also offer sibling discounts.
What are my options for before and after-school care for school-age children in the La Ward area?
For school-age children attending La Ward Elementary (part of the Edna Independent School District), structured on-site after-school programs may not be available directly at the school due to its size. Your primary options will be local licensed family homes that offer before and after-school care, including transportation to and from the school. You will need to confirm transportation arrangements directly with the provider. Some parents also form small, shared nanny arrangements or rely on in-home care from a trusted neighbor. Exploring options in Edna (a short drive away) may provide more structured programs.
Given La Ward's rural location, what should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan?
This is a crucial consideration. A quality daycare in La Ward should have a detailed plan for emergencies common to rural Texas, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and power outages. During your visit, ask specific questions: Where is the designated storm shelter? How do they handle a child's medical emergency given the distance to a hospital (the nearest is in Edna or Victoria)? Do they have backup generators, ample water, and non-perishable food? How will they communicate with parents if cell service is down? Providers should be able to show you their written emergency plan and evacuation routes. Their preparedness is a key indicator of overall operational quality.