The Best Daycare Centers in Crestline, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Crestline. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Crestline
The Goddard School of Overland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Overland Park 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. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Modern classrooms feature advanced learning materials and age-appropriate technology. Outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups with safety surfaces. Provides nutritional meals and snacks following USDA guidelines. Serves families throughout Johnson County including Crestline area.
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Primrose School of Lenexa at City Center
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lenexa delivers balanced learning approach through exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Features accredited early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. Offers music, art, and physical education specialists. Bright, spacious classrooms with natural lighting and age-appropriate learning centers. Large outdoor exploration areas with gardening opportunities. Partners with parents through regular communication and developmental milestone tracking. Serves families across western Johnson County including Crestline residents.
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The Learning Experience - Shawnee
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Shawnee provides comprehensive early education through L.E.A.P.® Curriculum (Learning Experience Academic Program) incorporating phonics, foreign language, and manners programs. Features proprietary Bubbles the Elephant® character curriculum teaching social skills and values. Staff includes early childhood credentialed teachers with ongoing training in child development. Secure facility with electronic entry systems and comprehensive safety protocols. Interactive learning environments with smart board technology and hands-on learning stations. Outdoor playgrounds with safety-certified equipment. Offers enrichment programs including soccer, dance, and yoga. Convenient for Crestline families with flexible scheduling options and extended hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Crestline, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Crestline, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Crestline and throughout Kansas, daycare providers caring for more than three children unrelated to the operator must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes (4-10 children) and group daycare homes or centers (12+ children). Licensing ensures facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's a critical first step for any parent in Crestline to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and meets baseline safety standards.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Crestline, KS, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a small community like Crestline, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care. Many families rely on licensed in-home providers in Crestline or neighboring towns like Pittsburg or Frontenac. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists, and follow up periodically. Be flexible with your start date if possible. Also, explore options with local churches or community organizations that may offer preschool or part-time care, which can sometimes have shorter wait times.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Crestline, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs available?
In Crawford County, which includes Crestline, average costs for full-time care typically range from $120 to $180 per week for a licensed family daycare home and $150 to $220 per week for a center-based program. Infant care is generally at the higher end of this range. Kansas offers financial assistance through the Child Care Subsidy Program administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). Parents in Crestline should contact the DCF Southeast Region Service Center or apply online through the Kansas Benefits portal to determine if they qualify for help offsetting these costs.
Are there any unique childcare options in Crestline that cater to parents with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Yes, given Crestline's rural setting and the prevalence of agricultural and shift work, finding flexible childcare is a common concern. While standard center hours may be 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, your best bet is to seek out licensed family daycare homes. These providers often offer more flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or occasional overnight care. It's important to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront. Additionally, building a network with other local families for shared, trusted babysitters can be invaluable. Some providers in the area may also offer drop-in or part-time care to accommodate variable harvest or shift schedules.
What resources are available in Crestline to help me evaluate the quality and fit of a potential daycare provider?
Beyond checking state licensing, parents in Crestline have several local resources. First, you can request references from other local families—word-of-mouth is powerful in a small community. Second, schedule in-person tours and observe interactions; trust your instincts about cleanliness, safety, and how staff engage with children. Third, utilize the state's online inspection records, which note any licensing violations. For a broader quality framework, ask if the provider participates in Kansas' voluntary quality rating system, "Kansas Star Ratings," though participation may be more common in larger nearby towns. Finally, connecting with other parents through local Facebook community groups or at the Crestline Post Office can provide unfiltered, local recommendations and experiences.