The Best Daycare Centers in Wells, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wells. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wells
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy
The Learning Tree Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center located approximately 15 miles from Wells in Lufkin. They offer a comprehensive educational program with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning environments for each age group. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its nutritious meal program, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and strong focus on developmental milestones tracking.
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Kiddie Academy of Lufkin
Kiddie Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Lufkin is part of a nationally recognized childcare chain with a strong local presence serving the Wells area. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, academic readiness, and physical health through age-appropriate activities. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and modern learning materials. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, and the center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols. Parents particularly appreciate the regular photo updates, detailed progress reports, and the center's commitment to creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual development.
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First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education
First Baptist Church of Lufkin
First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education has been serving families in the Lufkin area, including Wells residents, for over two decades. This faith-based program combines early childhood education with Christian values in a nurturing environment. The curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, science exploration, and Bible stories. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a dedicated music room. Teachers are experienced early childhood educators with low turnover rates, and the program maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. The center is praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, strong community connections, and comprehensive approach to child development that addresses cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wells, TX
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Wells, Texas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Wells, Texas, all licensed childcare operations must comply with the strict Minimum Standards set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This includes background checks for all staff, specific child-to-caregiver ratios based on age, 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. Simply enter "Wells, TX" to find local listings. It's crucial to check this, as some smaller, legally exempt operations (like registered family homes caring for up to 6 children) exist, but they still have specific registration requirements with the state.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Wells, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a smaller community like Wells, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care. Many families look to nearby larger towns like Lufkin or Nacogdoches, which may have more options but also experience high demand. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact providers directly to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family homes in the Wells area, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Wells, Texas?
Childcare costs in Wells are generally lower than in major Texas metros but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $450 to $650 per month for full-time care. Licensed family homes often range from $400 to $550 per month. These rates are typically for children aged 2 and up; infant care (children under 18 months) is usually 10-20% more expensive due to stricter staffing ratios. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, curriculum). For financial assistance, you can apply for the Texas Workforce Commission's Child Care Services program, which provides subsidies to eligible families in Angelina County.
Are there any part-time or drop-in childcare options available in Wells for occasional needs?
Traditional, licensed daycare centers in Wells and the immediate rural area primarily offer full-time, scheduled care to maintain stable enrollment and staffing. Part-time or true drop-in care is very rare. Your best options for occasional care are to network with other local parents for babysitter recommendations or to inquire with licensed family home providers if they have flexibility for a part-time schedule. For more consistent part-time needs (e.g., 2-3 fixed days a week), some providers may accommodate if they have an opening in their ratio. For one-time events, parents often rely on trusted family members or sitters found through community networks or apps, as there are no formal drop-in centers in Wells itself.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare or family home in Wells?
When touring a facility in Wells, go beyond the basics. First, observe the interactions: are caregivers engaged with children at their level? Is the atmosphere calm or chaotic? Ask about their daily schedule, outdoor playtime (especially important in a rural setting), and their policy on sick children. Specifically for Wells, inquire about their emergency preparedness for weather events common to East Texas. Check the security of the premises—is access controlled? Notice the cleanliness and safety of both indoor spaces and outdoor play areas. Ask for references from current parents. Finally, trust your gut feeling about whether the environment feels warm, safe, and stimulating for your child.