The Best Daycare Centers in Farlington, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farlington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farlington
Kiddie Kollege Early Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kollege is a highly-regarded early learning center located approximately 15 minutes from Farlington. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum that focuses on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access. Their program includes age-appropriate learning activities, nutritious meals, indoor and outdoor play areas, and regular progress reporting to parents. What sets them apart is their NAEYC-accredited curriculum and strong emphasis on school readiness through structured learning activities combined with play-based exploration.
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The Learning Tree Child Development Center
Independent
The Learning Tree provides quality childcare services to families in the Farlington area with a focus on individualized development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum standards with hands-on learning experiences in literacy, math, science, and arts. The center maintains excellent safety protocols including secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for different age groups, creating an optimal learning environment for children from infancy through school age.
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Little Lions Learning Center
Pittsburg State University Affiliated
Little Lions Learning Center, affiliated with Pittsburg State University, offers research-based early childhood education serving the Farlington community. Their program integrates best practices in early childhood development with university resources, providing exceptional teacher qualifications and cutting-edge educational approaches. The center features specialized learning environments, inclusive programming for children with diverse needs, and strong parent partnership models. Staff includes master teachers with advanced degrees and student teachers from PSU's education program, ensuring rich educational experiences. Their comprehensive approach includes language development, STEM activities, social-emotional learning, and family engagement programs that set them apart as a premier childcare option in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farlington, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Farlington, Kansas?
In Farlington and the surrounding southeast Kansas area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for an infant, and $110 to $160 per week for a toddler. These rates are for licensed family childcare homes and smaller centers. Larger facilities in nearby cities like Pittsburg might be slightly higher. It's important to note that Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Always ask providers if they accept subsidy payments and what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, formula, wipes).
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Farlington is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Kansas are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). To verify a provider's license and view their history, you can use the KDHE's "Child Care Licensing Search" tool available on their official website. You can search by provider name, city (Farlington), or zip code. This report will show the license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations or substantiated complaints from the past few years. We also recommend visiting the facility in person and asking the director to see their current license, which must be posted in a visible location. For registered family day care homes (caring for up to 6 children), ensure they have a current certificate from KDHE.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Farlington that offer part-time or drop-in care options?
Due to Farlington's smaller size, most local in-home providers operate on a full-time schedule to maintain stable enrollment and income. True drop-in care is very rare. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer part-time slots (e.g., 2-3 days a week) if they have availability, often at a slightly higher daily rate than the weekly pro-rata amount. For more flexible or part-time options, parents often need to look at centers in nearby Pittsburg, which may have preschool programs with half-day options. It's crucial to communicate your needs directly with providers in Farlington, as arrangements can sometimes be made on a case-by-case basis, especially for older preschoolers.
What is the average waitlist time for infant care in Farlington, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Infant care (children under 18 months) has the longest waitlists due to strict Kansas staff-to-child ratios. In Farlington, where options are limited, waitlists for a coveted infant spot at a licensed home can range from 3 to 8 months. To improve your chances, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$50). Follow up with a polite phone call every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include providers in nearby rural communities like Arcadia or Frontenac, as they may have shorter wait times while still being a manageable commute.
What resources are available in Farlington for finding and comparing different childcare providers?
The primary resource for families in Farlington is the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP). They administer the Child Care Subsidy and also maintain referral lists of licensed providers in Crawford County, including Farlington. You can contact their office in Pittsburg for personalized referrals. Additionally, the statewide resource "Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO)" website has a provider search function. Locally, the Farlington community Facebook page or forums for parents in Crawford County are often used for word-of-mouth recommendations, which are invaluable in a small town. Always cross-reference any recommendations with the official KDHE licensing database for compliance verification.