The Best Daycare Centers in Haven, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Haven. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Haven
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center in nearby Hutchinson serves Haven families with a comprehensive educational approach featuring Creative Curriculum and age-appropriate developmental programs. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and structured outdoor play areas. Specializes in kindergarten readiness with literacy-focused activities, STEAM integration, and social-emotional learning. Offers nutritious meal programs and extended hours to accommodate working families.
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YMCA Early Learning Center
YMCA of Hutchinson
The YMCA Early Learning Center provides quality childcare with a focus on whole-child development through play-based learning and character education. Certified teachers implement HighScope curriculum with daily planning and assessment. Features include secured facilities, age-appropriate playgrounds, indoor gross motor areas, and swimming opportunities for older children. Emphasizes health and wellness with physical activity integration and nutrition education. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences.
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Primrose School of Wichita at Bradley Fair
Primrose Schools
This nationally accredited Primrose School serves families throughout the region with Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Features exclusive partnerships with organizations like The Juilliard School for music curriculum and NASA for STEM activities. Staff include degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. Facility includes secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, commercial-grade kitchen, and expansive playgrounds with safety surfaces. Emphasizes character development and school readiness through literacy-rich environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Haven, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Haven, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Haven, Kansas, all childcare facilities serving four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes and center-based programs. 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 Search" tool. You can search by provider name, city (Haven), or zip code. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider, as this offers a baseline of regulatory oversight and safety for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Haven, KS?
In Haven and the surrounding Reno County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Kansas cities like Wichita. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed family daycare home. Center-based care may range from $140 to $220 per week. These rates can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for eligible families.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Haven, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Haven's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed daycare slots is limited compared to demand, especially for infants. It is common for popular providers, both centers and highly-regarded home daycares, to have waitlists. We recommend starting your search at least 3 to 6 months before you need care, and if you are expecting a new baby, getting on a list during your second trimester is advisable. Be proactive: call multiple providers, ask about their current waitlist length and process, and consider putting your name on more than one list while you make your final decision.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Haven, KS?
Haven primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Daycare Homes and Child Care Centers. Family homes are smaller, often run by a single provider in their residence, offering a more intimate, home-like setting. Centers are larger facilities, often with multiple staff and structured classrooms. Given Haven's size, family daycare homes are a very common and popular option. There are also faith-based preschool programs, often attached to local churches, which may offer part-day options for ages 3-5. For school-age children, Haven Elementary School may offer before and after-school care programs. Exploring options in nearby towns like Hutchinson may provide additional center-based choices for commuting parents.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Haven?
When touring a daycare in Haven, go beyond the basics. First, ensure the license is visibly posted. Observe the interactions: are caregivers engaged with children at their level? Is the environment clean, safe, and well-lit? Check for secure outdoor play areas. Ask about their daily schedule, discipline policy, and emergency procedures for severe weather common in Kansas. Inquire about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and their plan for staff absences. For home daycares, confirm how they separate childcare spaces from their family living areas. Trust your instincts about the warmth and professionalism of the provider. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Haven parents.