The Best Daycare Centers in Highland, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Bright Beginnings Early Education
Bright Beginnings Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility located approximately 15 miles from Highland. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones with certified early childhood educators. The center features age-appropriate learning environments, secure entry systems, and structured daily schedules that balance educational activities with play. Their program includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication from teachers.
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Tiny Tots Childcare & Preschool
Tiny Tots Early Learning Centers
Tiny Tots Childcare & Preschool serves families throughout Doniphan County including Highland residents. They employ state-licensed early childhood professionals and follow Kansas Early Learning Standards. The center features a play-based learning approach with structured curriculum components including phonics, mathematics readiness, and creative arts. Safety is prioritized with secured facilities, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Their outdoor play area is designed for age-appropriate physical development activities.
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St. Joseph Early Learning Center
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Located approximately 25 miles from Highland in St. Joseph, Missouri, this accredited early learning center serves families across the regional area. The center offers a faith-based educational environment with certified teachers and comprehensive early childhood curriculum. Their program includes language development, cognitive skills, social interaction, and spiritual growth. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure playgrounds, and dedicated infant care areas with specialized staff. The center maintains Kansas and Missouri licensing compliance and participates in quality rating improvement systems. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive developmental tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Highland, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Highland, Kansas, all childcare facilities serving more than three 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 provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool. It's highly recommended to check this database and also ask the provider directly to see their current license certificate during a tour. Local providers in Highland are also subject to periodic unannounced inspections, reports of which are public record.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Highland, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Highland and the surrounding Doniphan County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $130 to $200 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center), hours, and included services 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). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the DCF office or your chosen provider directly to discuss subsidy acceptance and application procedures.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Highland, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Highland, waitlists for quality childcare, especially for infants, can be significant. It's common for popular providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, start your search early, ideally during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if they are not your top choice initially. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common. Stay in regular contact (every 2-3 months) to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Wathena or Troy, but factor in the added commute.
What are the primary types of childcare options available specifically within the city limits of Highland, KS?
Within Highland city limits, parents typically have two main options. First, licensed family childcare homes, which are often run out of a provider's residence and offer a smaller, home-like setting for a limited number of children. Second, there is the Highland Early Learning Center, which is a licensed center-based program often associated with the local school district or community organization, providing structured preschool and daycare services. Due to the town's size, there are no large corporate daycare chains. Some parents also utilize legally unlicensed "relative care" or small in-home providers caring for three or fewer children, but these are not regulated by the state.
Are there any daycare or preschool programs in Highland that offer part-time or drop-in care, which might suit parents with flexible or non-traditional work schedules?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in a small town like Highland can be challenging, as most providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable income and staffing. However, some family daycare homes may offer more flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis, especially for school-age children before/after school. The Highland Early Learning Center primarily operates on a standard full-time or part-time weekly schedule. For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bet is to network with other local parents to find a trusted, licensed home provider willing to accommodate irregular hours, or to look for providers in larger neighboring communities like St. Joseph, MO, which may have more flexible options, albeit with a longer drive.
Childcare Insights for Highland
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most pressing concerns for families, and if you’re searching for “cheap childcare near me” in Highland, Kansas, you’re likely balancing your budget with the need for quality care. This charming community in Doniphan County offers a close-knit atmosphere, which can be a real advantage in your search. The key is knowing where to look and how to navigate the local options to find care that is both economical and trustworthy.
Start by tapping into the local network that makes Highland special. Talk to other parents at the park, the Highland Public Library, or community events. Personal recommendations are invaluable and often lead to discovering licensed home daycare providers who offer competitive rates. These smaller, home-based settings can provide a nurturing environment with more flexible hours, sometimes at a lower cost than larger centers. Be sure to ask about any potential openings and if they participate in state assistance programs. Another excellent local resource is the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program (NEK-CAP), which serves Doniphan County. They administer the Child Care Subsidy program for eligible families and can provide a referral list of licensed providers in the Highland area. This subsidy can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs, making quality care much more accessible.
It’s also worth exploring options that might involve a short commute to neighboring towns like Wathena or Troy. Sometimes expanding your search radius by just a few miles can reveal more choices and better rates. When inquiring with any provider, be clear about what “cheap” or affordable means for your family. Ask for a detailed breakdown of all costs: weekly or monthly rates, registration fees, charges for early drop-off or late pick-up, and whether meals and supplies are included. A transparent fee structure helps you avoid unexpected expenses. For parents with non-traditional work hours, seeking a provider with inherent flexibility can prevent you from paying premium rates for extended care.
Remember, affordable care should never compromise on safety and quality. Always verify that any provider you consider is licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can check their online database for compliance history and inspection reports. Visit the daycare, observe how caregivers interact with children, and trust your instincts about the environment. In a town like Highland, providers often take great pride in their role within the community. Finally, don’t overlook potential alternatives that can supplement traditional daycare. Coordinating a shared care arrangement with another local family or exploring part-time preschool programs at local churches can create a hybrid solution that eases the financial burden. Finding cheap childcare in Highland, KS, requires a blend of community connection, diligent research, and utilizing available state resources, but a solution that brings you peace of mind is absolutely within reach.