The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Leavenworth, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Leavenworth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth Child Development Center
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leavenworth
The Fort Leavenworth Child Development Center is a Department of Defense-certified facility offering high-quality childcare primarily for military families. It features a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum aligned with USDA nutritional standards and Army standards for safety and development. The center employs highly qualified staff with backgrounds in early childhood education, maintains low teacher-to-child ratios, and emphasizes social-emotional learning through structured play and activities. Facilities include age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play areas, and the center is known for its robust parent communication and involvement programs, including regular developmental milestone tracking.
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KinderCare of Leavenworth
KinderCare Learning Companies LLC
KinderCare of Leavenworth provides a nationally recognized early education curriculum focused on whole-child development, including literacy, math, and social skills. The center boasts state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood education, and it maintains rigorous safety protocols, including secured entry and regular health inspections. The facility features modern classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and a nutrition program that meets federal guidelines. Parent satisfaction is high due to consistent communication, flexible scheduling, and a diverse, inclusive environment that supports children from infancy through school age.
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Leavenworth Early Learning Center
Community Childcare Solutions
Leavenworth Early Learning Center is a locally owned facility known for its play-based and Montessori-inspired curriculum that promotes cognitive, physical, and emotional growth. The center employs experienced educators with degrees in early childhood development and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with video monitoring, background-checked staff, and clean, stimulating environments. The center offers nutritious meals, inclusive programs for diverse learners, and strong parent partnerships through regular updates and events. Its community-oriented approach and focus on kindergarten readiness make it a trusted choice for families in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Leavenworth, KS
What are the main types of licensed childcare available on and around Fort Leavenworth, and how do I find them?
In Fort Leavenworth, parents have several licensed options. On-post, the **Child Development Center (CDC)** offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old, accredited by the Department of Defense. There are also **Family Child Care (FCC) homes** operated by certified providers in on-post housing, offering a home-like setting. Off-post in the Leavenworth area, you'll find state-licensed childcare centers and family daycare homes regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The best starting point is the **Fort Leavenworth Child & Youth Services (CYS)** website or Parent Central Services (Building 210, 684-4954). They maintain the primary referral list for on-post options and can also provide information about local off-post providers. For KDHE-licensed providers, you can search the state's online database.
As a military family new to the installation, how do I navigate the waitlist for the Fort Leavenworth CDC, and what are my backup options?
Waitlists for the on-post CDC are common, especially for infants and toddlers. Your first step is to register with CYS Parent Central Services as soon as you have orders, even before you arrive. Placement is based on priority categories (e.g., dual-military, single active duty, DoD civilians) and the date of request. To manage the wait, **immediately explore the on-post Family Child Care (FCC) network**. These certified homes often have more immediate openings and provide a consistent, on-post alternative. You can request a list of available FCC providers from Parent Central. Additionally, get on the waitlist for multiple off-post centers in Leavenworth and Lansing. Being proactive with multiple applications is key to securing care in this transient military community.
What are the typical costs for childcare in Fort Leavenworth, and are there financial assistance programs for military families?
Costs vary by type and location. **On-post**, the CDC and FCC homes use a sliding fee scale based on your Total Family Income (TFI), making care significantly more affordable than many civilian rates. Your cost is calculated after you submit a pay chart from your finance office. **Off-post** in the surrounding Kansas area, full-time center care can range from approximately $225 to $350+ per week per child, with infant care at the higher end. Military families should utilize the **Child Care Fee Assistance (CCFA)** program through CYS, which can subsidize care at off-post, state-licensed providers if on-post care is unavailable. You must be registered with CYS and have a placement authorization to apply. Always confirm a provider's KDHE license is current to be eligible for assistance.
How does Kansas state licensing for off-post daycares differ from the standards of the Fort Leavenworth CDC, and what should I look for?
Both systems ensure safety but have different oversight. The **Fort Leavenworth CDC** operates under stringent **Department of Defense (DoD) standards** and is accredited by a national body like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). DoD standards often exceed state requirements in areas like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility safety. **Kansas-licensed providers** follow **KDHE regulations**, which set minimum standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, and ratios. When evaluating an off-post center, ask about their KDHE license status (view inspection reports online), their accreditation (many seek NAEYC or similar), and staff turnover. A key advantage of on-post care is the seamless integration with the military community and understanding of deployment schedules, which may not be as prevalent off-post.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options in Fort Leavenworth for parents with irregular schedules, students, or those needing occasional care?
Yes, flexible options exist. On-post, the CDC and many FCC homes offer **hourly care** subject to availability, which is ideal for appointments, classes, or part-time work. You must be registered with CYS to use it. The **CYS School-Age Care (SAC)** program also provides before/after-school care and full-day care on school closure days for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. For occasional evening or weekend care, inquire with the FCC network, as some providers may offer this. Off-post, some local centers in Leavenworth may offer part-time or drop-in care, but it's less common; you will need to call and ask directly. For true emergency or backup care, your best resource is the list of FCC providers, as they may have more flexibility than larger centers. Always plan and reserve hourly or drop-in care as far in advance as possible.