The Best Daycare Centers in Erie, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Erie. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Erie
ABC Preschool & Child Care Center
Independent
ABC Preschool & Child Care Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, creative arts, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and safe outdoor playgrounds. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills. The center is known for its warm, nurturing environment and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Center
Independent
The Learning Center provides a structured educational environment with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum incorporates HighScope and Creative Curriculum elements, emphasizing hands-on learning and individualized instruction. Certified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The facility features modern classrooms, a dedicated library area, and multiple outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups. Safety features include keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular health and safety inspections. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong partnerships with local elementary schools for smooth transitions.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kollege Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege Child Development Center offers a well-rounded early childhood program with an emphasis on whole-child development. Their curriculum balances academic preparation with social skills development and physical activity. The center employs experienced teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education best practices. Facilities include bright, organized classrooms, a large motor skills room for indoor physical activities, and age-separated playgrounds with modern safety surfaces. The center provides transportation to and from local schools for school-age children and offers enrichment programs including music, movement, and introductory Spanish. Known for their family-centered approach, they host regular family events and maintain open communication with parents through digital portfolios and parent-teacher meetings.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Erie, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Erie, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Erie, 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 Search" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's highly recommended to always check this status, as it is your primary assurance that the facility meets minimum state safety requirements. You can also ask the provider to show you their current license certificate.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Erie, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Erie and the surrounding Neosho County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may cost between $110 and $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center), hours of operation, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Local resources like the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) can also help Erie families navigate the application process and explore other potential aid options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Erie, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited provider options in a smaller community like Erie, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers or popular home-based daycares can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It is crucial to begin your search and get on lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. To secure a spot, contact all available providers in Erie and nearby towns like St. Paul or Chanute. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, if applicable. Maintain regular, polite contact (e.g., a check-in every 2-3 months) to show continued interest. Also, consider being flexible with your start date, as sometimes spots open up unexpectedly.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Erie that cater to non-traditional work hours, like evenings or weekends?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight) is particularly challenging in Erie, as most licensed home providers and centers operate on standard weekday business hours (approximately 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best options are to: 1) Inquire directly with local family daycare homes to see if any are willing to accommodate a flexible schedule for an additional fee, 2) Explore hiring a licensed, in-home babysitter or nanny who can work specific shifts, and 3) Network with other parents in the community (through local Facebook groups or community boards) to find potential shared-care arrangements. There are currently no dedicated 24-hour childcare centers in Erie.
What local resources or organizations in Erie can help me find and evaluate quality childcare?
The primary local resource for finding licensed childcare is Child Care Aware of Kansas. You can contact their referral specialists online or by phone for a customized list of licensed providers in Erie and Neosho County. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. Additionally, you can connect with other parents through the "Erie, Kansas Community" Facebook page to get personal recommendations and insights. For evaluating quality, beyond checking the KDHE license, schedule in-person tours, ask for references from current parents, and observe the environment using Kansas's quality rating system (though not all providers participate, it's a good benchmark). The Erie Public Library may also have community bulletin boards with local provider information.