The Best Daycare Centers in Bentley, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bentley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bentley
The Learning Tree
The Learning Tree Child Development Center
The Learning Tree offers a comprehensive educational program focused on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. Their certified early childhood educators implement Creative Curriculum with STEAM integration, providing age-appropriate activities that foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the experienced staff, clean environment, and strong communication about child progress and daily activities.
Daycare Services:
Kindercare Learning Center at Rock Road
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with developmentally appropriate curriculum including phonics, math, and science exploration. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood professionals who receive ongoing training. Safety features include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor play areas. Parents highlight the structured learning environment, consistent routines, and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten readiness.
Daycare Services:
Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Academy emphasizes a balanced approach to early childhood development with a curriculum that blends academic preparation with social-emotional learning. Their program includes literacy development, mathematics concepts, and hands-on science activities in a nurturing environment. The center features experienced educators with low staff turnover, modern security systems, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor play spaces. The academy is noted for its inclusive atmosphere, regular parent-teacher conferences, and comprehensive progress tracking. Families appreciate the warm, family-like environment and the center's commitment to individualized attention for each child.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bentley, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bentley, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Bentley, 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 center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's compliance and view any past inspection reports, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool. It's highly recommended to check this database and ask the provider directly for their current license certificate. Due to Bentley's smaller size, many options may be licensed family homes, which are held to the same core safety standards.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Bentley, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Bentley and the surrounding Harvey County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $600 to $850 per month at a licensed family home, while center-based care in nearby larger towns like Wichita tends to be higher. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are often slightly lower. Given Bentley's rural setting, availability and price can be limited. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, you can inquire with local providers about potential sliding scale fees or contact the Child Care Aware of Kansas resource and referral agency for guidance on local aid options.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Bentley, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to Bentley's small population, licensed daycare slots are limited and can fill up quickly, especially for infants and toddlers. It is not uncommon for popular family daycare homes or the few local centers to have waitlists of several months. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 9 months before you need care, and even earlier for infant care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists, and follow up periodically. Expanding your search to neighboring communities like Halstead or Newton may increase your options, though this adds commute time.
What are the main types of childcare available in Bentley, and what are their pros and cons?
Bentley primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers (which may be located in nearby towns). **Family Homes** are smaller, home-based settings often caring for mixed-age groups of up to 10 children. They often offer a more flexible, family-like atmosphere and may be more affordable, but they have limited capacity and depend heavily on the provider's schedule. **Centers**, typically found in larger nearby communities, offer more structured educational programs, multiple staff, and larger facilities, but are often more expensive and may have longer commutes. Given Bentley's size, family homes are the most common local option, so it's crucial to find a provider whose philosophy and environment align with your family's needs.
Are there any unique local resources or networks in Bentley to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, while Bentley itself is small, parents can tap into several Harvey County and state-wide resources. A key first step is to contact **Child Care Aware of Kansas**, which provides free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in your area. Locally, connecting with other parents through community hubs like the Bentley Community Center, the Bentley USD 440 school district (for preschool-age connections), or local Facebook community groups can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations. Additionally, the Harvey County Health Department can sometimes offer guidance. Visiting potential providers in person is especially important in a close-knit community like Bentley to assess the environment and ask detailed questions about daily routines and safety practices.