The Best Daycare Centers in Great Bend, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Great Bend. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Great Bend
Great Bend Early Learning Center
Great Bend USD 428
The Great Bend Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded facility operated by the local school district, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones, social-emotional learning, and school readiness. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in age-appropriate instruction. The facility boasts modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. What sets this center apart is its integration with the school district's resources and its strong emphasis on preparing children for kindergarten transition through structured learning activities and individualized attention.
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The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree provides a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early childhood education, combining structured learning with play-based activities. The center offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. All teachers meet or exceed state licensing requirements with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access controls, CCTV monitoring, and age-specific learning environments. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, clean facilities, and the staff's dedication to creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where children thrive both academically and socially.
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Primrose School of Hays
Primrose Schools
While located in Hays (approximately 45 minutes from Great Bend), Primrose School serves families throughout central Kansas with their nationally-recognized Balanced Learning® approach. This accredited facility combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, STEM concepts, and creative expression. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms equipped with the latest educational technology. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through the Primrose Schools app and the school's commitment to developing the whole child through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Great Bend, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Great Bend, KS?
In Great Bend, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (6 weeks to 18 months), you can expect to pay between $130 and $180 per week at licensed daycare centers. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $120 to $160. In-home licensed family daycare providers often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $110 and $150 per week for full-time care. These costs are generally lower than the Kansas state average, reflecting the cost of living in the Great Bend area. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and wipes, as policies differ.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Great Bend is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Great Bend are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can verify a provider's license and view their inspection history online through the KDHE Child Care Licensing Search portal. This public database shows the facility's license status, capacity, ages served, and any cited regulatory violations. Additionally, you can contact the KDHE Central Office or the local KDHE field office serving Barton County to ask specific questions. We also recommend visiting the facility in person, asking to see their current license, and requesting references from other Great Bend parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Great Bend, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlist availability in Great Bend can vary significantly. For infant care spots, which are the most limited due to stricter staff-to-child ratios, popular centers may have waitlists of 3 to 6 months. For toddler and preschool-age children, openings are more frequent, but it's still common to encounter waitlists of 1-3 months at highly-regarded facilities. We strongly recommend starting your search at least 4-6 months before your needed start date, especially for infant care. Many local parents secure a spot while still pregnant. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists and check back regularly, as circumstances can change.
What resources are available in Great Bend to help lower-income families afford quality childcare?
Great Bend families have access to state and federal assistance programs. The primary resource is the Child Care Subsidy Program administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You can apply online through the DCF website or in person at the Great Bend DCF Service Center. Additionally, some local daycare providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For guidance, you can contact the Child Care Aware of Kansas resource and referral agency, which serves the region and can help navigate subsidy applications and identify participating providers in Barton County.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the city limits of Great Bend?
Parents in Great Bend typically choose from three main types of licensed options: 1. **Childcare Centers:** These are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms and structured curricula. Examples in Great Bend include faith-based centers, early learning academies, and those affiliated with local employers or community organizations. 2. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** These are in-home providers caring for a smaller group of children (typically up to 10) in a residential setting, often offering a more home-like environment and flexible hours. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Many local churches, community centers, and the Great Bend USD 428 school district offer part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which focus on school readiness. There are also licensed before-and-after-school programs for school-age children at various elementary schools and community sites.