The Best Daycare Centers in Bison, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bison
The Goddard School of Hays
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Hays offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and security-enhanced facilities with keypad entry. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and dedicated infant care rooms with live streaming for parent viewing. Serves families throughout Ellis County including Bison residents.
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Little Blessings Daycare & Preschool
Little Blessings Early Education Center
Family-owned Christian daycare center serving Rush and surrounding counties with comprehensive early childhood programs. Features developmentally appropriate curriculum that integrates faith-based values with academic preparation. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with extensive training in child development. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. Offers nutritious meal programs, large outdoor play areas, and structured learning activities that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. Many families from Bison commute for their respected programs.
Daycare Services:
Great Bend Early Learning Center
Community Children's Center
NAEYC-accredited center providing high-quality early childhood education to Barton County and surrounding areas. Implements Creative Curriculum® with focus on play-based learning and school readiness. Features highly qualified teaching staff with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, maintained low child-to-staff ratios, and comprehensive assessment tracking. Facilities include secure classrooms, age-specific learning centers, large motor skill development areas, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. Strong emphasis on parent partnership with regular progress reports and family engagement events. Serves as a regional hub for quality childcare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bison, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bison, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Kansas, all childcare facilities caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers in Bison must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this ensures a baseline of health, safety, and quality standards are being met for your child.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bison, KS?
Childcare costs in Bison and the surrounding rural areas of Kansas are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas, but options are fewer. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed family daycare home. Center-based care, if available locally, may range from $140 to $220 per week. These are estimates, and rates vary based on the provider's experience, program offerings, and included amenities (like meals). It's important to ask exactly what is included in the weekly fee. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program; eligibility is based on income, and you can apply through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Bison, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Bison's small, rural nature, licensed childcare slots can be very limited and in high demand. It is not uncommon for popular family daycare homes or the limited center options to have waitlists, especially for infants. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 9 months before you need care, or as soon as you know you are expecting. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their current availability and waitlist process, including any fees to hold a spot. Exploring providers in nearby towns like Ness City or La Crosse may also be necessary to find an opening.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Bison, Kansas?
Given Bison's size, the most prevalent form of licensed childcare is the Family Daycare Home (FDH). These are providers who care for a small group of children (typically up to 10, including their own) in their private residence. They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment. Larger childcare centers are less common in very small towns like Bison, so parents may need to look in neighboring communities for center-based options. Another alternative is a "Daycare Group," which is a licensed arrangement where two providers work together in one home, potentially allowing for more children. Informal, unlicensed care (for three or fewer unrelated children) also exists but does not undergo state oversight.
What local resources or organizations in Bison or Rush County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency that serves your region. For Rush County and Bison, this is likely provided by the Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO) network or a partner agency. They maintain updated lists of licensed providers, can help with referrals, and offer guidance on what to look for. You can contact them via the KCCTO website or by calling their hotline. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups, the Bison School District, or your employer (if applicable) can provide personal recommendations and insights into the reputation and quality of local daycare providers.