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First Place Academy

1121 E Main St, Van Buren, AR 729565.0· 1 review
licensed capacity
97
open each week
5 days
year first licensed
2008
Call (479) 474-1296WebsiteDirections

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About First Place Academy

First Place Academy is a licensed child care center in Van Buren, Arkansas. The state has licensed it since April 4, 2008, for up to 97 children, serving preschoolers.

It is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It describes a Faith-based approach, with preschool.

The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood made 8 visits in the last 3 years and cited 4 rules across 4 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

Faith-based

Ages served: preschoolers

From the state license. Ages it lists: children 2.5-5 years of age
Ask when you call: rates, current openings and staff-to-child ratio.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Preschoolers
Hours today
Closed today
Licensed capacity
97 children

Hours

Hours

Monday7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
From the state license

Programs

Programs and care

AgesPreschoolersFrom the state license. It lists: Children 2.5-5 years of age
ProgramsPreschool
ApproachFaith-based (Christian; ministry of First Baptist Church Van Buren)
EnrichmentArt, Spanish, music, weekly chapel
StaffLoving experienced and professional staff
MoreFounded 1992
Licensed capacity97 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

First Place Academy has not listed its tuition.

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.

State record

Inspection reports for First Place Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Child Care Center
Capacity
97 children
Ages
Preschoolers
First licensed
2008
License number
#25747
See the state's record

Summary

8 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Apr 30, 2026: 1 rule cited

Rules cited on 4 of 8 visits · 4 rules in all

  • Staff training and qualifications 1
  • Supervision and ratios 1
  • Discipline and child guidance 1
  • Background checks 1

For comparison: 44% of Arkansas daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 9 visits
  1. Apr 30, 2026Inspection1 rule cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule 300.306.4.02 All new staff, including volunteers who are counted in the ratios, shall receive the following orientation within three (3) months of employment (and every three (3) years thereafter) and shall not be left alone with children until this is completed.

  2. Nov 4, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  3. Aug 28, 2025Complaint investigation2 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule 300.301.9 The use of cell phones by staff while supervising children shall be prohibited except in emergency situations.

    • Discipline and child guidanceSerious deficiency

      Rule 500.501.5.h The following activities or threats of such activities are unacceptable as behavior guidance measures and shall not be used for children. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  4. Aug 28, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule 300.301.9 The use of cell phones by staff while supervising children shall be prohibited except in emergency situations.

    • Discipline and child guidanceSerious deficiency

      Rule 500.501.5.h The following activities or threats of such activities are unacceptable as behavior guidance measures and shall not be used for children. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  5. Mar 31, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  6. Nov 13, 2024Inspection1 rule cited
    • Background checks

      Rule 100.109.1.b The following persons shall be required to have their background reviewed through an Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check. Prospective employees who have not lived in the State of Arkansas during the preceding five (5) years will be subject to current federal guidelines regarding conducting a child maltreatment background check in any states where they resided during the past five (5) years.

  7. Feb 1, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  8. Nov 15, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
  9. Oct 12, 2023InspectionNo rules cited

Copied from the Arkansas Office of Early Childhood on October 4, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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Daycares near First Place Academy

Home daycareAccepts child care subsidy

Tate's Tots

Van Buren, AR 72956 · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families

Call (479) 208-9589

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FAQ

Questions about First Place Academy

Is First Place Academy licensed?

Yes. The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood lists it as licensed and operating, first licensed April 4, 2008.

When was First Place Academy last inspected?

The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood lists the most recent visit on April 30, 2026, with 1 rule cited. It lists 8 visits in the last 3 years.

Has First Place Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 4 rules across 4 of 8 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 44% of Arkansas daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

How many children can First Place Academy care for?

97, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve preschoolers.

Does First Place Academy accept child care subsidies?

The state record does not list it as accepting subsidies. Ask the provider directly.

What are First Place Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does First Place Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (479) 474-1296 to ask.

What is First Place Academy's phone number?

(479) 474-1296.

Where is First Place Academy?

1121 E Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956.

Sources: The Arkansas Office of Early Childhood (license and visits).