The Best Daycare Centers in Concordia, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Concordia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Concordia
Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare
Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare
Little Lambs is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare center serving Concordia families with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features a structured educational curriculum that balances academic preparation with faith-based values, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and provides individualized attention. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's commitment to each child's developmental milestones.
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Concordia Child Care Center
Concordia Child Care Center
Concordia Child Care Center operates as a community-focused nonprofit facility providing quality early childhood education and care. The center employs state-licensed teachers who implement a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math readiness, and social skills development. Their comprehensive program includes nutritious meal service, regular developmental assessments, and family engagement activities. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and certified staff in CPR and first aid. Parents appreciate the consistent quality of care and the center's strong community partnerships.
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Tiny Tots Learning Center
Tiny Tots Learning Center
Located in nearby Beloit (approximately 30 minutes from Concordia), Tiny Tots Learning Center serves families throughout Cloud County with their comprehensive early childhood programs. The center features a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. Their qualified teaching staff includes early childhood education specialists who provide individualized learning plans and regular progress reports. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated infant and toddler areas, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Despite being located in Beloit, many Concordia families choose this center for its exceptional educational quality, experienced staff, and comprehensive programming that accommodates working parents' schedules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Concordia, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Concordia, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Concordia and the surrounding Cloud County area, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often cost between $100 and $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary based on the provider's licensure, curriculum, and meal provisions. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Locally, you can apply through the North Central Regional Planning Commission's Community Services office, which serves Cloud County. Additionally, some local daycare centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Concordia is properly licensed and what are Kansas's key regulations for child-to-staff ratios?
All licensed daycare homes and centers in Kansas are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can verify a provider's license status and review any past inspection reports by using the KDHE's "Child Care Licensing Search" tool on their official website. For Concordia-specific providers, you can also call the KDHE Northwest Region office for assistance. Key state-mandated child-to-staff ratios for licensed facilities are: 1:3 for infants (0-12 months), 1:5 for toddlers (1-2 years), 1:10 for 2-year-olds, 1:12 for 3-year-olds, and 1:15 for 4-5 year olds. These ratios are strictly enforced to ensure safety and quality care. Unlicensed care is legal in Kansas for small groups but is not subject to these regulations or routine inspections.
What is the availability of infant care in Concordia, and should I expect to join a waitlist?
Infant care (for children under 12 months) is often the most limited childcare slot in Concordia due to the lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. There are a handful of licensed daycare homes and centers that accept infants, but spaces fill quickly. It is very common for expecting parents in Concordia to place their child on a waitlist several months before their needed start date, sometimes even during the second trimester of pregnancy. We recommend contacting providers as early as possible, touring facilities, and getting on multiple lists if needed. Networking with other parents through local groups or the Cloud County Health Center's prenatal classes can also provide leads on potential openings.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or after-school care options available for school-age children in Concordia?
Yes, there are several options for school-age care in Concordia. The Concordia Unified School District 333 offers Tiger Club, a before- and after-school program typically held at the elementary school(s). Some licensed daycare centers and homes also provide after-school care, including pickup from local schools. For part-time or occasional drop-in care, your options are more limited and typically depend on the individual policies of home-based providers. Some may offer care on school in-service days or during summer breaks. It's best to contact providers directly to inquire about their flexibility for school-age children. The Cloud County Resource Center can also be a helpful hub for information on youth programs.
What are some local resources in Concordia to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the Cloud County Child Care Resource & Referral service, often accessed through the North Central Regional Planning Commission. They maintain a current list of licensed providers in the county and can help match your family's needs. For evaluations, always schedule in-person tours and ask for references from current parents. The Concordia Public Library often has community bulletin boards with childcare advertisements. Furthermore, connecting with other parents through the Cloud County Health Department's "Welcome Baby" visits, local churches, or the Concordia Area Chamber of Commerce can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations, which are crucial in a smaller community like ours.