The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Scott, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Scott. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Scott
Little Learners Preschool & Daycare
Little Learners Preschool & Daycare
Little Learners Preschool & Daycare is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montessori-inspired activities with structured academic preparation. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. They emphasize developmental milestone tracking, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences.
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Wee Care Daycare & Learning Center
Wee Care Daycare & Learning Center
Wee Care Daycare & Learning Center provides quality childcare with a focus on early childhood development and school readiness. Their curriculum balances structured learning with creative exploration, incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center features certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood education and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks. Their program includes enrichment activities such as music, art, and physical education, with emphasis on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment that supports each child's individual growth and development.
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ABC Child Development Center
ABC Child Development Center
ABC Child Development Center, located in nearby Pittsburg, serves families throughout the Southeast Kansas region including Fort Scott. This established center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. They feature state-licensed teachers with advanced early childhood education degrees and maintain exceptional staff retention rates. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated infant rooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Their program includes specialized components for literacy development, STEM activities, and character education, with strong emphasis on parent partnership and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Scott, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fort Scott, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Fort Scott, Kansas, all childcare facilities caring for more than three children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family childcare homes, group childcare homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool or contact the KDHE Southeast District Office, which serves Bourbon County. It's a critical first step to ensure your child's care environment is regulated and monitored for safety.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fort Scott, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Fort Scott, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $120 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), hours, and included services like meals. For financial assistance, 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. Locally, you can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal or contact the Fort Scott DCF Service Center. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Fort Scott, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for daycare centers and highly-regarded home providers in Fort Scott can vary significantly. For infant spots, which are often the most limited due to strict staff-to-child ratios, waitlists can be 3 to 6 months long, or even longer at popular facilities. For toddler and preschool-age children, wait times may be shorter, often 1 to 3 months. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search at least 6 months before they need care. Contacting multiple providers to get on their lists early is a key strategy. Be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee, which is common and usually non-refundable.
Are there any daycare facilities in Fort Scott that offer non-traditional hours for parents who work evenings, nights, or weekends?
Finding childcare during non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, weekends) in Fort Scott can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers, which are common in the area due to local manufacturing and healthcare jobs. Your best approach is to call providers directly and inquire about their flexibility. As a backup, you might need to explore options like a nanny share with another family on a similar schedule or utilizing trusted in-home babysitters. The Fort Scott community networks and local Facebook groups can sometimes be helpful for finding these less conventional arrangements.
What resources are available in Fort Scott to help me find and compare different childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare in Fort Scott is the statewide referral service, **Kansas Child Care Aware**, which is managed by the Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas agency. You can call their referral line or use their online search tool to find licensed providers in Bourbon County by zip code, type of care, and hours. Locally, you can also contact the **Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce** for community recommendations. For hands-on comparison, we recommend visiting potential providers, asking for references from other local parents, and checking online reviews. Don't overlook the value of word-of-mouth through local parent groups on social media or community centers like the Fort Scott Public Library, which may have bulletin boards with provider information.