The Best Daycare Centers in Chase, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chase. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chase
Little Learners Child Development Center
Little Learners CDC
Little Learners Child Development Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities tailored to each age group. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They emphasize individualized learning plans and regular parent communication through digital portfolios and daily reports.
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Stepping Stones Early Learning Center
Stepping Stones ELC
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center offers a balanced curriculum that combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning standards. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and school readiness skills. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and communication.
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Kidz World Learning Center
Kidz World LC
Kidz World Learning Center provides a comprehensive educational program with a focus on whole-child development through their proprietary curriculum that integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pickup authorization procedures. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and implements developmental assessments to track progress. The facility includes dedicated learning centers, computer labs for older children, and expansive playgrounds designed for different age groups with safety-certified equipment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chase, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Chase, Kansas, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Chase, Kansas, all childcare providers caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes, group daycare homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. 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 confirm licensing before enrolling your child, as this is a fundamental indicator of a regulated and monitored facility.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Chase, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Chase and the surrounding Rice County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $500 to $700 per month at a licensed in-home provider, while a center-based program could be slightly higher. Costs generally decrease as children get older. 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 sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact individual providers for exact rates and to inquire directly with the DCF about subsidy eligibility and application.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Chase, and what can I do to secure a spot for my infant?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Chase, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months or more. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often should you check in? Are spots offered based on the list order or other criteria? Building a relationship with providers and being flexible with your start date can improve your chances.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Chase, KS?
Given its small-town setting, Chase primarily offers licensed family daycare homes, where care is provided in a provider's residence for a smaller group of children. This setting often provides a home-like environment with mixed-age groups. There are also registered church-affiliated preschool programs that may offer part-day options for older toddlers and preschoolers. Larger childcare centers are less common and may require commuting to nearby cities like Lyons or Sterling. Exploring in-home providers and networking with other local parents through community groups or social media are the best ways to discover available options in Chase itself.
Are there any unique local resources or networks for parents seeking childcare in Chase and Rice County?
Yes, a key local resource is the Child Care Aware of Kansas agency, which serves your region. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed and registered providers in Chase and Rice County based on specific needs. You can contact them via their website or hotline. Furthermore, connecting with the Chase community through the local school district, the Rice County Health Department, or Facebook groups like "Chase, KS Community" can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations and upcoming openings that may not be widely advertised.