28 Child Daycare & Preschools in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Discover the finest Child Daycare & Preschools in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Seamlessly navigate our website's meticulously selected Child Daycare & Preschools. Whether you're staying in city centers or in the peaceful countryside, our list of Child Daycare & Preschools guarantees an incredible daycare search experience for your child.

Daycare Centers in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith, Arkansas has about 28 daycares providing essential child services for families in the state. Finding the right daycare center for your child is crucial. And understanding the landscape of childcare services in Fort Smith can make the decision-making process smoother.

When seeking a daycare center in Fort Smith, arkansas it's essential to consider various factors, including statistics and the previous performance of these facilities such as . Here's an overview of recent developments in the daycare sector, average fees, and other relevant insights:

Compare the average fees charged by daycare centers in Fort Smith. Consider your budget while ensuring that the chosen daycare offers the necessary services and quality care.

Making an informed decision about a daycare center involves considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Take the time to visit prospective daycares, speak with staff, and gather as much information as possible to ensure the well-being and happiness of your child.

Remember, each child is unique, so finding a daycare center that aligns with your family's values and meets your child's specific needs is paramount.

What is the cost of Childcare in Fort Smith

The 2024 monthly average cost of a center based childcare in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $548.00 per month per child. The cost can be higher than $548.00 based on the level of facilities, care, and location.

The average cost of providing center-based care for an infant in the U.S. is $1,230 per month. The federal definition of affordable child care should costs 7% or less of annual household income. However, in Arkansas, average cost of childcare is 27.4% of a single parent median income, and 8.3% of a married couple annual income in the state.

The average cost of child care in Arkansas is higher than the national average. The monthly cost is $284.99 higher than the national average, and the annual cost is $3,419.82 higher than the national average. This data is based on the average in the state, not this city.

Average Cost	Montly Costs ($)	Annual Costs ($)
Average Cost of childcare in the US	$832.90	$9,994.82
Average Cost of childcare in state Arkansas	$547.92	$6,575.00

States with lowest costs of childcare

State	Montly Costs ($)	Annual Costs ($)
Mississippi	$453.25	$5,439.00
Arkansas	$547.92	$6,575.00
South Dakota	$556.42	$6,677.00
Kentucky	$570.08	$6,841.00
Missouri	$588.50	$7,062.00
Florida	$598.83	$7,186.00
Alabama	$606.67	$7,280.00
Oklahoma	$626.67	$7,520.00
Georgia	$635.83	$7,630.00
Louisiana	$650.00	$7,800.00

Daycare types in Fort Smith: Total
Center Based in Fort Smith: 28

All Daycare Centers in Fort Smith

Bright Start Early Learning Center

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 501 S 20Th St
Telephone: (479) 785-1232

Immaculate Conception Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 300 Lexington Ave
Telephone: (479) 783-6798

Community Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 9201 Dallas St
Telephone: (479) 452-9201

Quality Child Care Inc

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 2015 Savannah St
Telephone: (479) 646-3479

Great Beginnings

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1501 Dodson Ave
Telephone: (479) 784-8134

First Lutheran Preschool/Daycare

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 2407 Massard Rd
Telephone: (479) 452-5522

Fort Smith Montessori Children'S House

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 2000 Louisville
Telephone: (479) 646-7225

Woods Elementary Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 3201 Massard Rd
Telephone: (479) 452-5808

Elite Learning Academy Llc

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 2415 S 57Th St
Telephone: (479) 646-5350

Milestones Learning Academy

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1001 Towson Ave
Telephone: (479) 414-3273

Interfaith Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1200 N 5Th St
Telephone: (479) 783-3443

Grace Place Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 4001 Brooken Hill Dr
Telephone: (479) 646-6503

Happy Steps Christian Nursery & Preschool Of Quality Child Care

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 9408 Gate Nine Cutoff
Telephone: (479) 252-6543

Cutie Pies Childcare & Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 3118 Midland Blvd
Telephone: (479) 353-1561

Hobson Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 116 N 12Th St
Telephone: (479) 783-4552

Princeton Prep Academy

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 7917 Highway 271 S
Telephone: (479) 434-2138

Lincoln Child Care Center

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1415 N 9Th St
Telephone: (479) 782-4997

Jack And Jill Childcare

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 2905 Briar Cliff Ave
Telephone: (479) 646-4633

A Smart Start Academy

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 3101 N 32Nd St
Telephone: (479) 434-4243

The Sandbox Child Care

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1812 S P St
Telephone: (479) 782-4599

Bost Inc/Hand In Hand Child Development Center-South

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 7701 Zero St
Telephone: (479) 478-5655

Perspectives Behavioral Health Management Llc

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1340 S Waldron Rd
Telephone: (479) 783-5353

Childrens Paradise

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 4400 Kelley Hwy
Telephone: (479) 782-4010

Fort Smith Montessori Preschool

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 3908 Jenny Lind
Telephone: (479) 646-7225

Harvest Time Academy

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 3300 Briar Cliff Ave
Telephone: (479) 434-3211

Uams Kids First Fort Smith

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 6601 Phoenix Ave
Telephone: (479) 785-9091

Brighter Beginnings Child Care Center

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 5603 S 14Th St
Telephone: (479) 782-1821

Bost Inc/Hand In Hand Child Development Center-74

Type: Center Based
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas AR
Address: 1801 S 74Th St
Telephone: (479) 478-5577

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Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

Fred Rogers

What you need to know about before or after school daycare in the United States

Before or after school daycare, also known as latchkey care, is a type of child care that provides care for children before and after school. This type of care can be a great option for parents who work long hours or who have children who participate in extracurricular activities.

Here are some of the most important things to know about before or after school daycare in the United States:

Age Range: Before and after school daycare programs generally serve children of school age, typically from around 5 to 12 years old, covering elementary and sometimes middle school age groups.
Hours of Operation: These programs operate during specific hours before and after the school day. The exact timing may vary depending on the program and the needs of the local community. They often align with typical work hours to accommodate working parents' schedules.
Services Provided: Before and after school daycare programs offer a variety of services to meet children's needs. They typically provide a safe and supervised environment, facilitate homework assistance, offer age-appropriate activities, promote socialization, and may provide meals or snacks.
Enrichment Activities: Many programs offer additional enrichment activities beyond homework help, such as arts and crafts, sports, music, and other recreational opportunities. These activities aim to engage children and promote their social, emotional, and physical development.
Safety and Security: Before selecting a program, ensure that they prioritize the safety and security of the children. Ask about safety protocols, staff-to-child ratios, background checks for staff members, emergency procedures, and any other measures in place to ensure the well-being of the children.
Staff: The staff at before or after school daycare should be qualified and experienced in working with children. They should be able to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daycare centers often cater to children ranging from infants as young as six weeks old up to school-age children, typically around 12 years old.

Choosing the right daycare center involves considering factors such as location, operating hours, curriculum or educational approach, staff qualifications and experience, safety measures, cleanliness, and compatibility with your child's needs and preferences.

Daycare center staff typically undergo background checks and should have appropriate education, such as certifications in early childhood education or related fields. They may also receive training in child development, CPR, first aid, and behavior management.

The cost of daycare ranges between $250 - $1000 per week in the United States. Factors such as location, amenities, population, and childcare quality tend to affect the cost of daycare.

Operating hours can vary, but many daycare centers operate from early morning (around 7 or 8 a.m.) to late afternoon or early evening (around 5 or 6 p.m.). Some centers may offer extended or flexible hours to accommodate different schedules.

Yes, daycare centers are typically licensed and regulated by state agencies. Licensing requirements ensure that centers meet certain standards for safety, health, staff-to-child ratios, and other important factors.

Safety measures may include secure entry systems, supervision protocols, security cameras, emergency preparedness plans, background checks for staff, childproofing of the facility, proper sanitation practices, and adherence to health and safety regulations.

Daycare centers often offer a range of activities and programs designed to promote children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. These may include age-appropriate play, arts and crafts, music, storytime, outdoor activities, and early learning opportunities.

Daycare centers typically have established policies and procedures for discipline and behavior management. They may use positive reinforcement, redirection, time-outs, or other appropriate strategies to guide children's behavior and promote a safe and respectful environment.

Staff-to-child ratios vary depending on the age group of the children. For infants, the ratio is typically lower, such as one staff member for every three or four infants. For older children, the ratio may be higher, such as one staff member for every ten or twelve children.

Daycare centers should have protocols in place to handle medical emergencies or illnesses. This may include trained staff who can administer basic first aid, contact emergency services if needed, and communicate with parents or guardians about any health concerns.

Some popular daycare centers may have waiting lists due to limited availability. It is recommended to inquire about the enrollment process and any waiting list procedures in advance.

Daycare centers may have specific policies and procedures for potty training. They often work closely with parents or guardians to coordinate efforts and maintain consistency between home and the daycare setting.

The enrollment process typically involves completing an application, providing required documents (such as medical records and emergency contacts), paying any necessary fees, and meeting with the daycare center staff to discuss your child's needs.

Additional fees or expenses may include registration fees, supply fees, late pickup fees, field trip costs, or fees for specialized programs or activities. It's important to inquire about all potential costs upfront.