The Best Daycare Centers in Umbarger, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Umbarger. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Umbarger
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and development tracking. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups, with emphasis on safety and developmental appropriateness.
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Kids Kingdom Learning Center
Independent
Kids Kingdom Learning Center offers a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with creative expression. Their curriculum includes phonics, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and arts integration. The center employs state-certified teachers and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Safety features include secured access, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The facility features modern classrooms, a large outdoor playground, and dedicated spaces for different developmental stages. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular progress updates.
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The Goddard School of Amarillo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that incorporates play-based learning with academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts. The center features highly qualified teachers with ongoing professional development, advanced security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning materials. They provide enrichment programs in music, yoga, and foreign language exposure, along with comprehensive parent communication through daily activity reports and digital portfolios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Umbarger, TX
What are my main options for licensed childcare in Umbarger, Texas?
In Umbarger, a small unincorporated community in Randall County, your primary options are typically licensed home-based daycares or family childcare homes. Due to its size, there are no large commercial daycare centers within the community itself. Many families look to nearby cities like Canyon (approx. 10 miles away) or Amarillo (approx. 20 miles away) for center-based options. To find licensed providers in Umbarger specifically, you should use the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Child Care Search tool online, filtering by the 79078 zip code. This will show you state-regulated home providers who meet health, safety, and training standards. Given the limited local options, it's common for parents to form small, informal childcare cooperatives or hire in-home nannies.
How much does daycare typically cost in the Umbarger area, and are there financial assistance programs?
For home-based daycare in Umbarger, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates for preschool-age children are slightly lower. Costs for centers in nearby Canyon or Amarillo are higher, often ranging from $180 to $250+ per week. Financial assistance is available through the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Child Care Services program, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families, those in job training, or those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). You apply through the TWC board serving the Panhandle region. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. Given the rural nature of the area, securing a subsidy spot can be competitive, so apply early.
What should I look for when evaluating a home daycare in a rural community like Umbarger?
First and foremost, verify the provider's current license with Texas HHS. You can ask to see their license and any recent inspection reports. For a rural home daycare, pay special attention to: 1) **Emergency Preparedness:** Ask about their plan for severe weather common to the Texas Panhandle (like tornadoes) and medical emergencies, given the distance to major hospitals. 2) **Transportation:** Clarify if they provide any transportation to/from local schools (like Umbarger Elementary) or for activities, and ensure their vehicle is insured and safe. 3) **Outdoor Space:** Evaluate their outdoor play area for safety and age-appropriate equipment. 4) **Backup Care:** Inquire about their plan if the provider is sick, as alternative care in a small community can be scarce. Personal recommendations from other local families are invaluable.
Are there any part-time or non-traditional hour childcare options available in Umbarger for shift workers?
Finding part-time or non-traditional hour care (evenings, weekends, overnight) is a significant challenge in Umbarger due to the limited number of providers. Most licensed home daycares operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. For shift workers, especially those employed at nearby meatpacking plants, farms, or in healthcare in Amarillo, your best options are to: 1) **Network Locally:** Ask other parents at Umbarger Elementary or community gatherings for leads on providers who offer flexible hours. 2) **Consider a Nanny Share:** Partnering with one or two other families to hire a shared nanny can create a more customizable schedule. 3) **Expand Your Search:** Look for 24-hour centers in Amarillo, though this adds a substantial commute. Be prepared for higher rates for non-standard hours.
How do waitlists work for daycare in this area, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited capacity in Umbarger, even home-based daycares often have short waitlists, especially for infant care. For providers in Umbarger, you should start your search at least 3-4 months before you need care. For popular centers in Canyon or Amarillo, you may need to get on a list 6-12 months in advance, particularly if you need care for an infant under 18 months. When contacting a provider, ask specific questions: Is there a fee to be on the waitlist? How often is the list updated? Do they give priority to siblings or local residents? It's highly recommended to get on multiple lists and maintain contact every few months. For school-year programs associated with Umbarger Elementary, inquire with the school district about Pre-K or after-school care options and their registration timelines.