The Best Daycare Centers in Novice, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Novice. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Novice
Coleman Head Start
Community Action Corporation of South Texas
Coleman Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in the Coleman County area, serving Novice and surrounding communities. The center follows the federally-funded Head Start curriculum focusing on school readiness, cognitive development, and social-emotional growth. All teachers meet Head Start qualification standards with ongoing professional development. The program includes nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support services. Their play-based learning approach emphasizes literacy, math, and social skills through structured activities and free play in a nurturing, safe environment.
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Kiddin' Around Learning Center
Independent
Kiddin' Around Learning Center in Brownwood serves families throughout Brown County and surrounding areas including Novice. The center offers a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum for each developmental stage. Their approach combines structured learning with creative play, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The facility features secure classrooms, age-specific playgrounds, and monitored access systems. Teachers are CPR/first-aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with strong emphasis on safety protocols and individualized attention.
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The Goddard School of Brownwood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Brownwood provides high-quality early childhood education serving families throughout the region, including Novice residents. Operating under the nationally recognized Goddard Systems framework, the school offers the F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development in purpose-built classrooms with modern educational technology. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields, with low student-teacher ratios ensuring personalized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate outdoor learning environments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Novice, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Novice, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Novice, Texas, all licensed child-care operations must comply with the strict standards set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This includes background checks for all staff, minimum staff-to-child ratios based on age groups, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's compliance and view their latest inspection reports, you can use the DFPS "Child Care Search" tool online. For very small, registered home-based operations (caring for up to 6 children), regulations are slightly different. It's crucial to ask any provider for their license or registration number and check their status, as this is your primary assurance of meeting state-mandated safety standards.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Novice, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Novice area, which is a smaller community, daycare costs can vary. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $450 to $650 per month for full-time care for an infant or toddler. Registered home daycares may be slightly less, ranging from $350 to $500 per month. These rates are generally lower than in larger Texas metropolitan areas. For financial assistance, Texas Workforce Solutions (TWS) administers the Child Care Services (CCS) program for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the TWS office serving Coleman County. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Novice, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to Novice's small size and limited number of providers, quality daycare spots can be scarce. It is not uncommon for popular licensed home providers or the nearest center in a neighboring town to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if expecting, or at least 6 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and check in periodically. Flexibility on your start date can also improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in the Novice, TX area?
Parents in Novice primarily have three types of options, each with a different scale of availability. First, **Licensed Child-Care Centers**: There are no large centers in Novice itself, but families often look to nearby towns like Coleman or Santa Anna. Second, **Registered or Listed Family Homes**: This is a common option in Novice, where a provider cares for a small group of children in their own home (up to 6 children for registered homes). These offer a home-like setting. Third, **Relative/Neighbor Care**: In tight-knit communities like Novice, informal arrangements with trusted individuals are frequent. However, these are not regulated by the state unless they care for more than 3 unrelated children. It's important to weigh the structure and oversight of licensed/registered care against the convenience of informal care.
Are there any daycare facilities in Novice that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents with shift work or irregular schedules?
Finding childcare with extended, weekend, or overnight hours in a small community like Novice is very challenging. Most licensed home providers and centers in the surrounding area operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best chance for flexible care is to seek out a registered family home provider who may be willing to accommodate a unique schedule on a case-by-case basis, often for an increased rate. Another option is to explore a nanny-share arrangement with another local family who has similar scheduling needs. For reliable, state-regulated care during non-traditional hours, you will likely need to expand your search to larger towns like Abilene, which is over an hour's drive away.