The Best Daycare Centers in Burns, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burns. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burns
Marion County Learning Center
Marion County Learning Center
Marion County Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development. The center features qualified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certification, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Their curriculum includes age-appropriate activities, literacy development, and hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms and safe outdoor play areas with modern safety protocols including secure entry systems. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Hillsboro Early Learning Center
Hillsboro Early Learning Center
Hillsboro Early Learning Center offers a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with developmental appropriate practice. Their curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through literacy-rich environments, STEM activities, and social skills development. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Safety features include secure access control, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with age-specific learning materials. Parent involvement is encouraged through family events and regular progress updates.
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Little Lambs Preschool & Daycare
Little Lambs Preschool & Daycare
Little Lambs provides a nurturing Christian-based early childhood program that integrates faith-based values with comprehensive early learning. Their curriculum emphasizes character development alongside academic skills, using both structured learning and creative play. The center features experienced teachers with early childhood credentials and specialized training in child development. Safety is prioritized with monitored facilities, emergency preparedness plans, and health protocols. The program includes music, art, and physical activities in addition to core academic preparation. They maintain small class sizes to ensure individual attention and offer flexible scheduling options to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burns, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Burns, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Burns, 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 provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's a crucial first step for parents in the Burns area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and meets baseline safety standards.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Burns, KS, and are there any local or state assistance programs available?
In Burns and the surrounding rural Marion County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $600 to $800 per month at a licensed family daycare home, while center-based care may be slightly higher if available locally. Costs for toddlers and preschoolers are often a bit less. Given the rural setting, options may be limited, impacting price and availability. 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, local resources like the Marion County Department on Aging (which sometimes has connections to family services) or the United Way of the Plains can provide guidance on local support networks.
Given Burns's small, rural setting, how can I find available daycare openings, and should I expect long waitlists?
Due to Burns's small population, licensed daycare options are limited, and openings can be scarce. It's common for providers to have waitlists, especially for infant care. To find openings, start by asking for referrals from other parents at local gathering spots like the post office or community events. Check with the Burns City Hall or the Marion County Health Department, as they may maintain informal lists of licensed providers. Also, utilize statewide resources like Kansas Child Care Aware (call 1-877-678-2548), which offers referral services. It's highly recommended to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care, and to get on multiple waitlists if possible.
What are my options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Burns?
For school-age children attending Burns Elementary (part of USD 397 Marion-Florence), structured before and after-school programs within the district may be limited due to the rural setting. Your primary options will likely be licensed family daycare homes that offer transportation to and from the school bus stop or school. Some in-home providers specifically cater to school-age children with flexible hours. It's important to coordinate directly with providers about transportation logistics. Another potential option is to explore arrangements with other local families for shared care. Contacting the USD 397 district office may also provide information on any community-led initiatives or partnerships for school-age care.
Are there any unique considerations for daycare in a rural community like Burns, such as emergency preparedness or provider backup plans?
Yes, rural daycare in Burns comes with specific considerations. First, inquire about a provider's emergency plan for severe weather common to Kansas (like tornadoes) and their protocol for power outages. Ask how they handle medical emergencies, given that the nearest hospital is in Marion or Hillsboro. Second, because there are few substitute providers, ask about the provider's own backup plan for their illness or personal emergency—will they have a licensed assistant, or will the daycare close unexpectedly? Finally, consider transportation; some providers may not be on standard bus routes, so understanding drop-off/pick-up logistics is key. Building a strong, communicative relationship with your provider is especially important in a close-knit community where options are limited.