The Best Daycare Centers in Florence, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Florence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Florence
Marion County Learning Academy
Independent
Marion County Learning Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Florence area with a comprehensive educational approach. They implement a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features certified early childhood educators with an average of 8 years experience, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their secure facility includes monitored access, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments with both indoor and outdoor play spaces. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
McPherson Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Serving families throughout the region including Florence, McPherson Child Care & Learning Center offers a structured educational program focused on school readiness. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social skills development through hands-on learning centers. The center employs qualified teachers with early childhood credentials and provides ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness training. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and large outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Cottonwood Point Learning Center
Knowledge Learning Corporation
As part of the KinderCare network, Cottonwood Point Learning Center brings nationally-developed curriculum with local implementation to serve families in the Florence area. Their educational approach includes the Early Foundations curriculum for infants and toddlers, and the Phonics Adventures program for preschool and pre-K students. The center features degreed lead teachers and maintains state-exceeding staff qualifications. Their facility includes secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and developmentally-appropriate learning environments. The program emphasizes whole-child development through structured learning activities, creative arts, physical development, and social skills building. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong communication with families through their parent portal system.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Florence, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Florence, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Florence, 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. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, health and immunization records, and ongoing training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the KDHE's online Child Care Provider Search tool or contact the KDHE Child Care Licensing Program directly. Given Florence's small size, many options may be licensed family homes, so it's crucial to confirm their current standing and any history of compliance issues.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Florence, KS, and are there any local or state assistance programs available to help with expenses?
In Florence and the surrounding Marion County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay approximately $120-$180 per week at a licensed family home, while center-based care in nearby larger towns like Marion or Hillsboro may be higher. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $100-$150. To help with costs, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, you can inquire with local providers about potential sliding scale fees or check with the Child Care Aware of Kansas resource and referral agency for guidance on local financial assistance options.
Given Florence's rural location, how can I find and evaluate available daycare options, and are waitlists common?
Due to Florence's small population, finding daycare requires proactive local networking. Start by asking for recommendations from other parents at places like the Florence Grade School or community events. You can also use the statewide Child Care Aware of Kansas search or contact the Marion County Health Department for referrals. Evaluating options involves visiting facilities, checking KDHE licenses, and asking about curriculum, daily schedules, and emergency plans. Waitlists can be common, especially for infant care, as there are fewer providers. It's advisable to begin your search several months in advance and get on multiple waitlists if necessary, considering providers in nearby towns like Peabody or Marion as well.
What are the common operating hours for daycare providers in Florence, and how do they accommodate parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most licensed family daycare homes and centers in Florence typically operate on a standard schedule, such as 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday. However, due to the rural nature of the community and some parents working in agriculture, healthcare, or shift jobs in nearby cities, flexibility can vary. Some in-home providers may offer earlier drop-offs or later pick-ups by arrangement. For consistent non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends), options are extremely limited in Florence itself. You may need to explore licensed providers in larger neighboring communities or consider a private nanny share with other local families. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during interviews.
Are there any daycare facilities in Florence that offer preschool or early learning programs, and what should I look for in terms of educational quality?
While Florence has a limited number of dedicated daycare centers, some licensed family childcare homes and programs may incorporate preschool elements into their daily routine. For a more structured preschool curriculum, you might need to look at programs in nearby towns like Marion or Hillsboro, which may offer Pre-K partnerships with school districts. When evaluating educational quality locally, ask providers about their daily learning activities, if they follow a specific curriculum (like Creative Curriculum), and how they support kindergarten readiness. Look for environments rich in books, manipulatives, and creative play. Also, inquire about staff qualifications—Kansas requires lead teachers in licensed centers to have specific training in early childhood education, which is a good indicator of quality.