The Best Daycare Centers in Farmington, IA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farmington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farmington
Little Saints Daycare & Preschool
St. Michael's Catholic Church
Little Saints Daycare & Preschool operates as a faith-based childcare center providing comprehensive early childhood education. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms with structured learning environments, focusing on developmental milestones through play-based curriculum. Staff members maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and are certified in CPR/First Aid. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks, secure entry systems, and both indoor and outdoor play areas. Their preschool program emphasizes kindergarten readiness with literacy, math, and social skills development, while maintaining a nurturing Christian environment that serves the broader Farmington community.
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Kiddie Korner Child Care Center
Independent
Located in nearby Fort Madison (approximately 10 miles from Farmington), Kiddie Korner Child Care Center serves families throughout Lee County with comprehensive childcare services. The center implements Creative Curriculum with STEAM integration, focusing on hands-on learning experiences. Qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and individualized attention. The facility features secure access control, modern learning materials, age-specific playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes developmental assessments, parent communication portals, and transportation services for school-age children, making it accessible to Farmington residents.
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Keokuk Area Christian Child Care & Preschool
Independent Nonprofit
Serving the broader Southeast Iowa region including Farmington families, Keokuk Area Christian Child Care provides quality early childhood education in a Christian environment. The center offers developmentally appropriate curriculum with emphasis on social-emotional learning, literacy development, and faith-based values. Certified teachers implement structured learning activities while maintaining nurturing care routines. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and nutritional meal programs. With transportation options available and flexible scheduling, this established center has built a strong reputation for quality care and educational excellence throughout the tri-state area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farmington, IA
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available to parents in Farmington, Iowa?
In Farmington and the surrounding Van Buren County area, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare. These include licensed child development homes (in-home daycare, often with a smaller number of children), licensed childcare centers, and preschool programs. Due to Farmington's size, most options are in-home providers or small centers. It's also common for families to utilize registered child development homes, which have slightly different regulations than licensed ones. For the most current list, parents should check the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) website or contact the Southeast Iowa Community Action (SEICA) agency, which serves this region and maintains a referral database.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Farmington, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Farmington, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers to get on their lists, inquire about their specific policies (some require a deposit), and check in periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Bonaparte, Keosauqua, or even Fort Madison, which may have more options. Building a relationship with a provider early can be key in a tight-knit community.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Farmington, IA?
Costs in Farmington are generally lower than in Iowa's urban areas but can vary based on the provider type and the child's age. For a licensed child development home (in-home daycare), you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week for full-time care. A childcare center, if available locally, may range from $140 to $180 per week. Infant care is typically at the higher end of these ranges. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies). Many families in Van Buren County may qualify for the Iowa Child Care Assistance (CCA) program to help offset these costs based on income.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and how do they impact care in Farmington providers?
Iowa DHS sets strict ratios to ensure safety and quality. For infants (0-24 months), the ratio is 1 caregiver to 4 children. For 2-year-olds, it's 1:6, and for 3-year-olds, it's 1:8. In Farmington's smaller in-home settings, these ratios are critically important as they directly limit capacity and influence the personalized attention your child receives. A provider at their ratio limit cannot accept another child without hiring more staff. When touring a facility, ask about their current enrollment versus staff. These ratios are a minimum standard; the best providers often operate with even better ratios to provide higher-quality care.
Are there any local resources or programs in Farmington that help parents evaluate or choose a quality childcare provider?
Yes, there are several key resources. First, all licensed and registered providers in Iowa have inspection reports and compliance history available publicly on the Iowa DHS "Child Care Facility Search" website. This is an essential tool. Locally, parents can contact **Southeast Iowa Community Action (SEICA)**, which offers Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services for Van Buren County. They can provide free, personalized referrals and information on quality indicators. Additionally, you can ask providers if they participate in Iowa's **Quality Rating System (QRS)**, called "Iowa's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)," which rates programs on a star scale. While not all small-town providers are rated, those who are have voluntarily met higher standards.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Farmington: