The Best Daycare Centers in Fulton, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fulton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fulton
Tender Heart Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Tender Heart Childcare & Learning Center is a highly-regarded facility located in nearby Iola, serving families throughout Allen County including Fulton. They offer a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern safety protocols. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Special emphasis is placed on social-emotional development and school readiness skills, with regular progress reports and parent communication.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides quality childcare services to families in the Fulton area with a focus on individualized learning and developmental milestones. The center employs state-certified teachers who implement a balanced curriculum combining academic preparation with creative expression and physical development. Facilities include secure, age-separated classrooms, monitored outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The academy emphasizes character development, literacy foundation, and STEM introduction through hands-on activities. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular updates, conferences, and family events.
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Anderson County Early Learning Center
Anderson County USD 361
Anderson County Early Learning Center, operated through the local school district, serves families throughout Anderson County including the Fulton area. This center offers a structured educational program aligned with Kansas Early Learning Standards, preparing children for kindergarten success. The facility features licensed early childhood educators, small class sizes, and comprehensive assessment tracking. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, math readiness, social skills, and independent thinking. The center maintains high safety standards with secure facilities, regular health inspections, and trained staff in pediatric first aid and CPR. Transportation options are available for school-aged children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fulton, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fulton, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Kansas, all childcare facilities serving more than two unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family childcare homes and center-based programs in Fulton. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the KDHE's "Child Care Search" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to always check this database, as it provides the license type, capacity, and any history of non-compliance or corrective actions. For very small, in-home care of just one or two children (often called "informal care"), licensing may not be required, so parents should conduct extra diligence.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fulton, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Fulton and the surrounding Bourbon County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $600 to $800 per month, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $550 to $700 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), hours of operation, and included amenities 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 need (such as employment or education). Parents in Fulton can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal or contact the local 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 Fulton, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Fulton, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers or highly-regarded home daycares can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they offer "sibling priority." Expanding your search to nearby towns like Fort Scott can increase options. Maintaining regular, polite check-ins (e.g., once a month) can also help keep your family top of mind.
What are the primary options for childcare in Fulton, KS, and how do I find reputable home-based providers?
Fulton offers a mix of childcare options, though choices are more limited than in larger cities. Your main options are: 1) Licensed childcare centers (which may be part of a church or independent business), 2) Licensed family childcare homes (smaller, home-based settings), and 3) Registered or informal in-home providers. To find reputable home-based providers, start with the KDHE online search tool. Additionally, local word-of-mouth is incredibly valuable in a small town. Ask for recommendations from your pediatrician's office (often in Fort Scott), local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Fulton, KS Community"), other parents at the Fulton City Park, or staff at the USD 234 school district offices. Always schedule an in-person visit to assess the environment and ask for references.
Are there any part-time, drop-in, or after-school childcare programs available for school-age children in Fulton?
Traditional drop-in or hourly daycare is very rare in Fulton due to licensing constraints and provider capacity. For school-age children, the most common after-school option is often provided through the local school district, USD 234. Programs may be based at the elementary school or involve transportation to a program in a neighboring community like Fort Scott. For part-time or occasional care, your best bet is to network with licensed family childcare homes to see if they have flexibility in their schedule or know of other parents seeking a "nanny share" arrangement. Some in-home providers may accommodate before/after school care for Fulton students, but you will need to inquire well in advance, as spots are limited.