The Best Daycare Centers in Anthony, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Anthony. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Anthony
Anthony Early Learning Center
Independent
Anthony Early Learning Center is the primary childcare facility serving the Anthony community with a comprehensive early childhood education program. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates literacy development, math readiness, and social-emotional learning. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low student-teacher ratios and focuses on individualized attention. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, maintain strict safety protocols including secure entry systems, and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families in the Anthony area.
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Kidz Academy
Independent
Located in nearby Harper (approximately 20 minutes from Anthony), Kidz Academy serves families throughout the region with a structured educational program that balances academic preparation and developmental play. The center uses Creative Curriculum with emphasis on kindergarten readiness skills including phonics, number recognition, and social development. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who provide individualized learning plans. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety measures including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness protocols.
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Wee Care Daycare & Preschool
Independent
Wee Care Daycare & Preschool in Wellington (approximately 30 minutes from Anthony) provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum integrates Montessori-inspired activities with traditional preschool learning, emphasizing independence, problem-solving skills, and creative expression. The center maintains excellent staff retention with many teachers having 5+ years of experience. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated nap areas, secure outdoor play spaces, and commercial-grade kitchen for meal preparation. They offer extended hours and comprehensive communication systems to keep parents informed about their child's daily activities and developmental progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Anthony, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Anthony, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Anthony, Kansas, all childcare facilities serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes and group daycare centers. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks for employees, health and immunization policies, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool or contact the South Central Regional KDHE office directly. It's highly recommended to only use licensed providers to ensure state-mandated health, safety, and educational standards are being met.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Anthony, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Anthony and the surrounding Harper County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers, the cost may be slightly lower, around $110 to $140 per week. In-home family daycare is often more affordable. These rates are generally lower than state urban averages but are significant for local family budgets. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Locally, you can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal or contact the Harper County DCF service center for guidance. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited assistance or sliding-scale options.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Anthony, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to Anthony's smaller, rural population, the number of licensed daycare providers is limited. It is common for established, high-quality providers—especially licensed centers and popular in-home daycares—to have waitlists, sometimes for several months. Immediate openings are more likely with newer providers or during specific times of the year (e.g., after older children move to preschool). We strongly recommend starting your search at least 3-4 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to inquire about current availability and waitlist procedures. Expanding your search to include providers in nearby towns like Harper or Attica may increase your options, though this adds commute time.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Anthony: daycare centers, in-home family daycares, or preschool programs?
In a community like Anthony, in-home family daycare homes are often the most prevalent and accessible option. These are typically smaller, home-based settings that offer a more flexible, family-like environment. There are also a limited number of licensed daycare centers, which may offer more structured programs and larger peer groups. For children ages 3-5, Anthony USD 361 and local churches may offer part-day preschool programs, but these are not full-day childcare solutions. Many parents in Anthony use a combination, such as a family daycare for younger children and a preschool program for pre-K age. The choice often depends on the child's age, the family's schedule, and personal preference for setting.
How do daycare programs in Anthony handle school closures, holidays, and inclement weather common to Kansas?
Policies vary, so this is a critical question to ask any provider. Most licensed providers in Anthony follow their own published calendar, which typically includes major holidays (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's) and may have 1-2 weeks of scheduled closure for staff training or breaks. For inclement weather common to Kansas (severe thunderstorms, ice, snow), providers generally make independent closure decisions based on local road conditions and safety. Unlike the public school district (USD 361), daycares do not automatically close when schools do, though many smaller in-home providers may align with school closures. Always clarify the policy on late pick-ups due to weather, backup care options, and whether you are required to pay for days the facility is closed.
Childcare Insights for Anthony
Finding reliable weekend childcare can feel like searching for a hidden treasure, especially in a close-knit community like Anthony, Kansas. As parents, we know that life doesn’t adhere to a Monday-through-Friday schedule. Whether it’s a shift at the hospital, a rare date night, or essential weekend errands, knowing your children are in safe, caring hands is paramount. If you’re typing “weekend daycare near me” into your search bar, you’re not alone, and there are avenues to explore right here in Harper County.
First, it’s important to understand that traditional, center-based daycare with regular weekend hours can be limited in smaller towns. However, this doesn’t mean options don’t exist. Your best starting point is to connect with local networks. The Anthony community is known for its supportive spirit. Consider reaching out to your child’s current weekday daycare provider or preschool. Sometimes, individual caregivers or small in-home providers offer weekend care by private arrangement, even if it’s not advertised publicly. A casual conversation at pick-up time or a question in a local parent group on social media can yield valuable personal recommendations. The “Anthony, KS Community” Facebook page is often a hub where parents share trusted contacts.
Another excellent resource is exploring flexible in-home childcare providers or licensed family daycare homes. These settings often offer more personalized care and can be more adaptable to non-traditional hours. The Kansas Department of Children and Families maintains a online provider search tool; while you may need to call individual providers listed for Anthony and the surrounding area to inquire specifically about weekend availability, it’s a solid foundation. Don’t overlook the possibility of a nanny share with another local family who has similar weekend needs. This can be a cost-effective solution that provides consistent care in a familiar environment.
When evaluating any weekend care option in Anthony, ask specific questions. Inquire about the caregiver’s experience, their planned activities, and their policies on meals and outdoor time. Given our Kansas weather, a provider with a safe indoor play space for windy or cold days is a plus. It’s also wise to discuss how they handle communication; you’ll want updates if you’re working a shift at one of the local agricultural facilities or retail stores. Always, without exception, plan a visit with your child present to see the space and feel the dynamic. Trust your instincts—the same community values that make Anthony a wonderful place to raise a family often extend to its caregivers.
Remember, securing weekend care may require a bit more legwork here than in a larger city, but the reward is finding someone who becomes a trusted part of your family’s village. Start your search early, tap into the local grapevine, and be clear about your needs. With patience and these community-focused strategies, you can find the supportive weekend childcare that allows you to meet your commitments while knowing your little ones are happily engaged right here in Anthony.