The Best Daycare Centers in Burlingame, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burlingame. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burlingame
Burlingame Child Care Center
Community-based non-profit
Burlingame Child Care Center is a community-focused facility offering comprehensive childcare services with a play-based learning approach. The center features qualified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and cognitive skills. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences. Their long-standing presence in the community and commitment to individualized care make them a trusted choice for local families.
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Tiny Tots Daycare
Family-owned operation
Tiny Tots Daycare provides personalized, family-style childcare in a home-like environment with structured educational programming. The facility employs experienced early childhood professionals who implement a curriculum blending Montessori and play-based approaches. Features include secure indoor learning centers, fenced outdoor playground, and homemade nutritious meals. The center is known for its warm, nurturing atmosphere and flexible scheduling options. Their small group sizes allow for individualized attention and strong relationship building between caregivers, children, and families.
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Carbondale Child Care Center
Independent childcare provider
Located just 15 minutes from Burlingame, Carbondale Child Care Center serves families throughout Osage County with high-quality early childhood education. The center features state-licensed teachers implementing Creative Curriculum with emphasis on kindergarten readiness. Their facility includes modern security systems, age-separated playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, literacy, and STEM activities. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers comprehensive developmental assessments. Their experienced staff and structured learning environment provide consistent, quality care for working families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burlingame, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Burlingame, KS, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Burlingame, Kansas, all childcare facilities serving four or more 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 provider's license and compliance history, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool. It's also advisable to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted. For very small, in-home care (three or fewer children), registration with the state is optional, so parents should conduct extra diligence.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Burlingame, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Burlingame and the surrounding Osage County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $130 to $200 per week. Costs can vary based on the provider's type (center vs. home-based), hours, and included amenities like meals. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to contact the Osage County Health Department or the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) for guidance on local resources and application processes.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Burlingame, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare options in a smaller community like Burlingame, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's common for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For parents expecting a child or planning to return to work, it is strongly advised to begin contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and pay a small deposit to secure your spot. Flexibility on your start date can also improve your chances.
Are there any daycare facilities in Burlingame that offer preschool or early learning curriculum for older toddlers?
Yes, some providers in Burlingame integrate early learning into their programs. While dedicated preschools are limited, several licensed daycare homes and the local center-based options often provide structured preschool-like activities for children ages 3-5. These may include basic literacy, math concepts, social skills, and creative play aligned with Kansas Early Learning Standards. It's important to ask providers directly about their daily curriculum, teacher qualifications in early childhood education, and how they prepare children for kindergarten. The Burlingame Elementary School may also have information about community-based pre-K partnerships or recommendations.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Burlingame, given the specific considerations of a small-town setting?
When touring a daycare in Burlingame, beyond standard checks for cleanliness and safety, consider factors unique to a smaller community. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common in Kansas (like tornadoes) and their protocol for communication during power outages. Inquire about local field trips or community connections, such as visits to the city park or library. Assess the outdoor play area for safety and shade. Given that many providers may be known in the community, ask for references from other local parents you might know. Also, discuss their policy on sick children, as options for backup care in a small town can be very limited. Finally, observe how staff interact with children to ensure a warm, engaging environment.