3 Headstart Programs in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Fort Smith

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

1. 1

   Goddard Preschool And Mother'S Day Out

   4.64 score

   5(9)

   1922 Dodson Ave, Fort Smith, AR · Church Daycare · Capacity: 119 children

   Reviews focus primarily on Goddard United Methodist Church rather than the daycare program specifically. Parents praise the welcoming congregation, strong music ministry, and community support services including assistance with utilities and food pantry access.

   Welcoming and family-like atmosphereexcellent choir and music programstrong youth and children ministriescommunity assistance and food pantry
2. 2

   Community Preschool

   4.56 score

   4.7(20)

   9201 Dallas St, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 68 children

   Reviews are primarily about the affiliated church rather than the daycare program itself. The one parent review specifically about the preschool praised it as the best option they've found, noting interactive teaching, strong student learning outcomes, and competitive pricing.

   Interactive teaching methodsstrong learning outcomescompetitive pricingwelcoming environment
3. 3

   Bright Start Early Learning Center

   4.46 score

   4.6(16)

   501 S 20th St, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 57 children

   Parents consistently praise Bright Start Early Learning Center for its welcoming, supportive staff and effective teaching methods. Reviewers highlight the center's ability to help students achieve educational goals, including GED completion and preschool programs. The facility is noted for creating a comfortable, confidence-building environment.

   Kind and helpful staffexperienced teacherseffective teaching methodssupportive environment
4. 4

   Uams Kids First Fort Smith

   4.42 score

   4.6(12)

   6601 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 223 children

   UAMS Kids First Fort Smith is a specialized center-based daycare highly praised for serving children with developmental delays and special needs. Parents consistently report significant progress when children begin therapies, and highlight the caring, knowledgeable staff who build strong relationships with families. The facility receives universal positive feedback for its therapeutic services and supportive environment.

   Staff knowledge and expertise with special needs childrennoticeable child progress with therapy servicescaring and emotionally invested stafffamily-oriented approach
5. 5

   Jack And Jill Childcare

   4.38 score

   4.5(15)

   2905 Briar Cliff Ave, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 122 children

   Jack and Jill Childcare receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, involved staff and director Margaret Grady. Parents consistently highlight the safe environment, quality education, developmental support, and engaging activities that prepare children well for kindergarten. Families express strong trust in the facility and recommend it highly to other parents.

   Caring and loving staffinvolved teacherssafe environment with upgraded security systemquality education and learning experiences
6. 6

   Princeton Prep Academy

   4.28 score

   4.4(11)

   7917 Highway 271 S, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

   Princeton Prep Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring staff, educational approach, and daily communication via app. However, one parent reported serious safety and behavioral concerns with their nonverbal toddler, including injuries, inadequate supervision, and staff inability to handle children with developmental needs.

   Caring and loving staffstrong parent-teacher relationshipseducational activities and learning outcomesdaily photo updates via app
7. 7

   Elite Learning Academy LLC

   4.11 score

   4.2(6)

   2415 S 57th St, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 82 children

   Elite Learning Academy receives mixed reviews with significant polarization between parents. Positive reviews praise staff friendliness, learning opportunities, and care quality, while negative reviews cite serious concerns about neglect, inadequate supervision, mixed age groups, staff inexperience, and inability to handle children with behavioral or developmental needs.

   Friendly and professional staffsafe neighborhood locationconvenient hourslearning opportunities
8. 8

   Hobson Preschool

   4.1 score

   4.2(5)

   116 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 102 children

   Hobson Preschool receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the caring and empathetic staff, with several reporting their children are happy and feel welcomed. However, one parent reported significant concerns about declining quality, inflexible policies on medical issues and potty training, and high costs.

   Caring and empathetic staffchildren enjoy attendinggoes above and beyond for anxious childrenreliable long-term care
9. 9

   Brighter Beginnings Child Care Center

   4 score

   4(7)

   5603 S 14th St, Fort Smith, AR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 38 children

   Brighter Beginnings receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the clean facility, caring staff, and structured activities. Parents consistently highlight owner Lily's responsiveness and the center's focus on outdoor play and developmental engagement. One parent reported poor communication when attempting to inquire about enrollment.

   clean facilitystructured programmingcaring and attentive staffoutdoor play twice daily with fenced play area
10. 10

    St John Headstart

    3.9 score

    3.8(5)

    1816 N 8th St, Fort Smith, AR · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 80 children

    St. John Headstart in Fort Smith receives mostly positive reviews, with parents praising caring teachers, family engagement, free meals, and resources provided through the Head Start program. However, one parent criticized the strict no comfort items policy, and another made unsubstantiated claims about inappropriate teacher behavior.

    caring and professional teachersencourages parent participationprovides free meals and resourcesfriendly staff

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