The Best Daycare Centers in Douglass, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Douglass. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Douglass
Primrose School of Wichita at 21st and Webb
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wichita at 21st and Webb is a nationally accredited early education center that serves families throughout the region, including Douglass. They follow the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and arts. All teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with educational technology. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain strong parent communication through a dedicated app with daily updates and photos.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Wichita
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Wichita provides high-quality early childhood education to families in Douglass and surrounding communities. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on play-based learning while developing academic, social, and emotional skills. The school features STEM-based curriculum, foreign language exposure, and yoga/mindfulness activities. All teachers hold degrees in education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure keypad entry, sanitization protocols, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor play areas. Parent communication is enhanced through a proprietary mobile app that provides real-time updates on child's activities, meals, and developmental progress.
Daycare Services:
Kindercare Learning Center at Rock and Harry
KinderCare Learning Companies
This KinderCare location serves families across the Wichita metropolitan area, including Douglass, with comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their research-based curriculum focuses on whole-child development through activities that build cognitive, emotional, physical, and social skills. The center offers phonics-based literacy programs, early math concepts, science exploration, and creative arts. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified with background checks, and lead teachers have early childhood education credentials. The facility features secured entrances, fenced playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated learning centers for different age groups. They provide balanced meals and accommodate various dietary needs while maintaining detailed progress tracking and regular parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Douglass, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Douglass, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Douglass, 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, group daycare homes, and daycare centers. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify the license status of a provider in Douglass, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this ensures a baseline of health, safety, and quality standards are being met for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Douglass, KS?
In Douglass and the surrounding Butler County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas of Kansas. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed family daycare home. Daycare centers may range from $150 to $220 per week. These are estimates, and rates can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and included services like meals. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate and if there are any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
Are there any local resources or programs in Douglass to help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are key local and state resources available to Douglass parents. The primary resource is Child Care Aware of Kansas, which serves Butler County. They offer a free referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs. For financial assistance, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) administers the Child Care Subsidy program for income-eligible families. You can apply through the DCF office or online. Additionally, some local employers or community organizations may offer assistance or flexible spending account (FSA) options. It's also a good idea to check with the Douglass Community Foundation or local churches for potential parent networks or cooperative childcare options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Douglass, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller, more rural nature of Douglass, waitlists can be unpredictable but are often shorter than in larger cities. However, for the most popular or highly recommended providers, especially for infant care, waitlists of 3 to 6 months are not uncommon. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 4-6 months before you need care. If you are expecting a new baby, starting your search during your second trimester is a prudent timeline. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on their interest lists, and schedule tours. Don't hesitate to also consider licensed family daycare homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are some specific questions I should ask when touring a daycare in Douglass, given its community setting?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask questions tailored to a smaller community like Douglass. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Kansas, such as tornadoes. Ask about their policy on local field trips—do they utilize community assets like the Douglass City Library or local parks? Given the agricultural surroundings, it's wise to ask about their outdoor play area safety and pest control. Also, ask about staff longevity and local connections; a provider with deep roots in the community often indicates stability and a strong network. Finally, ask how they communicate with parents and if they facilitate connections between families, as building a local support network is a valuable benefit in a small town.