The Best Daycare Centers in New Caney, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Caney. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Caney
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in New Caney offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based 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 qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Primrose School of Porter
Primrose Schools
Located just minutes from New Caney, Primrose School of Porter provides the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers. Their approach includes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, dedicated age-specific playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with ongoing training in early childhood development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, and offers nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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The Learning Experience - Kingwood
The Learning Experience
Serving the greater New Caney area, The Learning Experience in Kingwood offers the proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates technology, phonics, and foreign language instruction. Their programs include early literacy development, mathematics, and social skills building. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, modern classrooms, and safe outdoor play spaces. Highly qualified educators focus on creating a nurturing environment that promotes cognitive, physical, and social development. The center provides regular progress updates to parents and offers flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Caney, TX
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in New Caney, TX?
In New Caney, the cost of childcare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants and toddlers in a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month for full-time care. Preschool programs for children aged 3-5 are generally slightly less, ranging from $650 to $900 monthly. In-home daycare providers often offer more affordable rates, typically between $600 and $850 per month. These costs are generally lower than in nearby metropolitan areas like The Woodlands or Houston, but it's important to note that prices have been rising. Many facilities in the area offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through the Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services program for qualifying families.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in New Caney?
All licensed childcare operations in New Caney are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Parents can and should verify a provider's status by using the "Child Care Licensing Search" tool on the HHSC website. This free resource allows you to search by provider name, city, or zip code (77357, 77365 for New Caney) and view the facility's license type, capacity, and any reported violations or deficiencies from past inspections. It's crucial to look beyond just the license status; review the last 2-3 inspection reports to see the nature of any citations and confirm they were corrected. You can also call the HHSC Child Care Licensing office for the Region (which includes Montgomery County) to ask specific questions. Always visit a facility in person to see if their practices match their official record.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in New Caney, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots at reputable daycare centers in New Caney, especially given the area's continued population growth. For infant rooms (6 weeks to 18 months), it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Wait times can range from 3 to 8 months. For toddler and preschool slots, 3-6 months of lead time is often sufficient. Many centers require a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100). When touring facilities, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process, estimated timeline, and how often they update families on their position. Some smaller in-home providers may have more immediate openings, but their availability is also limited.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in New Caney ISD?
New Caney Independent School District (NCISD) partners with several local providers to offer on-campus or nearby after-school programs. The district itself typically runs "Kids Club" programs at its elementary schools, providing care from school dismissal until around 6:00 PM. These programs include homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Additionally, many private daycare centers in the area (like those on FM 1485 or near Valley Ranch) offer transportation to and from specific NCISD schools for their school-age programs. For more flexible or drop-in care, some local churches and community centers also offer after-school options. It's essential to register early, as these programs fill quickly. Costs for NCISD-affiliated after-school care generally range from $200 to $350 per month.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in New Caney?
When touring a daycare in New Caney, go beyond the basics. First, observe the cleanliness and safety: check for secure entrances, covered electrical outlets, and age-appropriate, well-maintained toys and playground equipment. Notice the caregiver-to-child ratios and if staff are actively engaged with children. Ask about their curriculum for different age groups and how they handle discipline. Inquire about their policies for sick children, especially regarding fever thresholds (common is 100.4°F) and their protocol for notifying parents of illness outbreaks. Given Texas weather, ask about their outdoor play schedule in extreme heat and where children go during severe weather alerts. Finally, trust your instincts on the overall atmosphere—is it a warm, nurturing environment? Ask for references from current parents, particularly those in your neighborhood.