The Best Daycare Centers in Leonard, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leonard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leonard
Whitewright Learning Center
Independent
Whitewright Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Leonard area with a comprehensive educational program. They implement a structured curriculum that focuses on early literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional development. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. They emphasize safety with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Sherman
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Sherman is a nationally recognized childcare provider serving families in the Leonard region with their Life Essentials® curriculum. This research-based approach integrates character development, STEM activities, and literacy throughout daily learning experiences. The academy employs degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure classrooms, interactive technology, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive video monitoring, and strict health protocols. The program includes hands-on learning activities, outdoor exploration, and regular assessments to track developmental milestones, with strong emphasis on parent partnership through their mobile app communication system.
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The Goddard School of McKinney
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in McKinney provides premium early childhood education serving families throughout North Texas, including the Leonard area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education-related fields and maintains exceptional staff-to-child ratios. Their purpose-built facility includes secure, bright classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and specialized learning environments for art, music, and STEM activities. The program emphasizes safety with secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety training. They offer enrichment programs including yoga, foreign language exposure, and technology integration, with detailed progress reporting and regular parent communication.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leonard, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Leonard, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Leonard, Texas, all licensed daycare centers and registered family homes must comply with the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Child Care Licensing (CCL) Division regulations. These standards cover staff-to-child ratios, background checks, health and safety training, facility inspections, and curriculum. To verify a provider's compliance and view their latest inspection reports, you can use the Texas HHS "Search for Child Care" online tool. You can search by the provider's name or by Leonard's zip code (75452). It's highly recommended to check this database and look for a "Listing Status" of "Licensed" or "Registered" and review any deficiencies noted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Leonard, TX?
In Leonard and the surrounding Fannin County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like Dallas, but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $125 to $175 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Registered family homes often range from $100 to $150 per week. These are estimates, and prices can be influenced by factors like the provider's curriculum, hours of operation, and whether meals are included. It's always best to contact providers directly for their current rates.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Leonard?
Yes, eligible families in Leonard 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 who are working, attending school, or participating in job training afford licensed or registered childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Applications are processed through the local Workforce Solutions Texoma board, which serves Fannin County. You can start the application process online through the Texas Workforce Commission website or by contacting the Workforce Solutions Texoma office in nearby Sherman for guidance.
How common are waitlists for daycare in Leonard, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Leonard, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, in particular, are common and can be several months long. Popular centers and well-regarded family homes often have limited capacity. To secure a spot, it's advisable to begin your search and make inquiries as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When you tour a facility, ask to be placed on their official waitlist, and be prepared to pay a small deposit if required to hold a future spot. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Bonham or Whitewright for more options.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a daycare or preschool in Leonard, specifically regarding their daily routines and safety policies?
When touring a facility in Leonard, ask specific questions tailored to a smaller community setting. For daily routines, ask: "What does a typical day look like, and how do you incorporate outdoor play given our local weather?" For safety, crucial questions include: "What is your staff's training in pediatric first-aid and CPR, and how often is it renewed?" "What is your protocol for severe weather, like tornadoes common in North Texas?" "How do you manage pick-up and drop-off to ensure only authorized individuals collect my child?" Also, inquire about their sick child policy and how they communicate with parents, as personal communication may differ in a small-town setting compared to larger apps used in cities.