Licensed Daycares in Texarkana, TX

Daycare & Childcare in Texarkana

Texarkana has 23 licensed childcare centers serving families across this Texas-Arkansas border community, with an average Google rating of 4.5 stars reflecting consistent parent satisfaction. Eight centers earn ratings of 4.5 stars or higher, including well-reviewed options like First Baptist Church Weekday Preschool, Hopscotch Learning Academy, and Texarkana Special Education Center. All centers are licensed through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), giving parents a straightforward way to compare options and find care that fits their family's needs.

What to know about childcare in Texarkana

Texarkana's childcare market has 23 licensed centers spread across the city, a modest supply for a community straddling the Texas-Arkansas border. Families here should expect that popular programs fill up, especially during school transitions in August and January, so starting your search early matters. The most-reviewed centers—First Baptist Church Weekday Preschool, Texarkana Special Education Center, and Hopscotch Learning Academy—tend to have established waitlists, but that popularity reflects real parent satisfaction rather than scarcity panic. As a regional hub with commuters traveling to both sides of the state line for work, Texarkana parents often juggle employment schedules that demand flexible childcare hours, making center selection about more than just availability—it's about matching your work pattern to program flexibility.

Pricing in Texarkana varies by program type and age group, though exact monthly costs depend heavily on whether you're enrolling a preschooler or need school-age care. Centers with specialized services, like Texarkana Special Education Center, typically charge differently than general preschool programs. Neighborhood location plays a role in pricing too, as centers in different parts of the city set rates based on local operating costs and parent demographics. Before committing, call multiple centers to compare what's included—some bundle meals and supplies, others don't—because sticker price alone won't tell you the real monthly expense.

Quality indicators in Texarkana require reading between the lines. None of the 23 licensed centers currently hold Texas Rising Star certification, which means you won't find that quality badge here. That doesn't mean centers are low-quality; it means they meet state licensing minimums through HHSC but haven't pursued the voluntary three-to-five-star Rising Star designation. Use Google ratings as one signal—eight centers rate 4.5 stars or higher—but pair that with a direct visit and conversation with staff. Ask about staff turnover, teacher training beyond state requirements, and what daily learning looks like. Google reviews tell you about parent experience; your visit tells you if that experience matches your family's values.

A critical resource for Texarkana families is the Texas Child Care Assistance Program, which helps eligible working parents cover childcare costs. Income thresholds vary by family size, but the program is designed for families earning below roughly 200 percent of the federal poverty line. To apply, contact your local HHSC office or visit the program website; you'll need proof of employment, income documentation, and your child's birth certificate. Processing takes time, so start the application while you're still searching for a center rather than waiting until you've enrolled.

Texarkana's position as a cross-state community creates unique childcare dynamics. Many families have one parent working in Arkansas and another in Texas, or commute regularly between both states. This means your ideal childcare center may need to accommodate drop-off or pick-up times aligned with I-30 commute patterns, not typical 9-to-5 office schedules. School district transitions also matter here—Texarkana ISD families plan childcare around specific school calendars and early dismissal days. When evaluating centers, ask directly about their flexibility with non-standard work hours and whether they coordinate with school district calendars.