The Best Preschools in Arlington, AL
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Arlington. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
First Baptist Church Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Selma
First Baptist Church Child Development Center provides high-quality early childhood education with a Christian foundation. Serving the Selma area including Arlington communities, they offer structured preschool programs that focus on academic readiness, social development, and spiritual growth. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-student ratios and employs qualified early childhood educators. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills training in a safe, nurturing environment. The facility has maintained consistent high ratings from parents for its educational quality and caring staff.
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Selma Early Learning Center
Community Action Agency of South Alabama
Selma Early Learning Center operates as part of the Community Action Agency network, providing comprehensive early childhood education services to families in Dallas County including Arlington. The center offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs with a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness. They employ certified early childhood educators and maintain excellent safety standards. The program includes health screenings, nutritional services, and family support components. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the center's commitment to holistic child development and strong community partnerships.
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Valley Grande Baptist Church Preschool
Valley Grande Baptist Church
Valley Grande Baptist Church Preschool serves families throughout Dallas County, including the Arlington community, with a comprehensive early learning program. The preschool emphasizes academic preparation through play-based learning and structured activities. Their curriculum includes language development, early math concepts, science exploration, and social studies. The center maintains small class sizes and employs experienced early childhood educators. Safety is a top priority with secure facilities and thorough background checks for all staff. The program has earned strong parent reviews for its nurturing environment and effective kindergarten preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Arlington, AL:
What are the typical costs for preschool in Arlington, AL, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Arlington and the surrounding rural areas, preschool costs can vary widely, often ranging from $100 to $250 per week depending on the program's structure and hours. For financial assistance, Alabama's First Class Pre-K program provides free, high-quality preschool at select locations, though availability in small towns like Arlington may be limited. It's also recommended to inquire directly with local churches or community centers that host preschools about potential sliding scale fees or scholarships.
How can I assess the quality and safety of a preschool in a small community like Arlington?
First, verify the preschool is licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), which sets health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. You can ask to see their current license and inspection reports. In a close-knit community, also seek personal recommendations from other parents and observe the facility's cleanliness, secure entry points, and the staff's interaction with children during a visit.
What types of preschool programs are most common in Arlington, AL?
Given Arlington's size, the most common options are often faith-based preschools operated by local churches, which may offer part-day programs a few times a week. Some in-home family child care providers may also offer a preschool curriculum. For more structured, state-funded programs, families may need to look at the wider county or neighboring towns for Alabama's First Class Pre-K or private daycare centers with preschool classrooms.
When should I start looking and applying for preschools in this area, as spaces seem limited?
Due to limited slots in small communities, it is advisable to begin your search and application process at least 6-12 months before your desired start date, especially for the highly sought-after First Class Pre-K programs which have a statewide lottery system. For local church or private programs, contact them directly in the early spring prior to the fall semester, as their enrollment periods can fill quickly.
Are there any specific considerations for preschool transportation in Arlington, AL?
Most preschools in small towns like Arlington do not provide transportation services; parents are typically responsible for drop-off and pick-up. It's important to factor commute time into your decision, as you may need to drive to a program in a neighboring community. When evaluating a preschool, assess the safety and convenience of the drop-off/pick-up area at that specific location.
Nearby Cities
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