The Best Daycare Centers in Horton, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Horton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Horton
TLC Early Learning Center
TLC Early Learning Center
TLC Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Horton area from nearby Atchison. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants through preschool. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness skills. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, outdoor play areas, and structured learning activities that balance academic preparation with creative expression and physical development.
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Northeast Kansas Community Action Program Head Start
NEK-CAP
NEK-CAP Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education services directly in Horton, focusing on school readiness for children from low-income families. The program employs qualified early childhood educators and follows research-based curriculum standards. Services include health screenings, nutritional support, family engagement activities, and individualized learning plans. The center maintains excellent safety standards with regular inspections and trained staff in CPR/first aid. Their holistic approach supports cognitive, social, and physical development while providing family support services and parent education opportunities.
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Kids Connection Learning Center
Kids Connection Learning Center
Kids Connection Learning Center serves the Horton area from nearby Hiawatha with a structured educational program that emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social development. The center features certified early childhood educators, modern security systems, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes hands-on learning activities, STEM exploration, and character education. The facility offers spacious classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents appreciate the strong communication, regular progress updates, and the center's focus on preparing children for academic success while nurturing individual growth and creativity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Horton, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Horton, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Horton, 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, group daycare homes, and daycare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks for all employees, health and immunization policies, and ongoing training. To verify a facility's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this ensures a baseline of safety and oversight for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Horton, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Horton and the surrounding rural area of Brown County, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Kansas cities but can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant care. A licensed family daycare home may range from $100 to $150 per week. Costs for toddlers are typically slightly less. 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 attendance. Additionally, local organizations like the Horton Area Community Foundation or United Way of Brown County may occasionally offer grants or support; contacting them directly is advised.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Horton, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare options in a smaller community like Horton, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots. It is not unusual for popular centers or highly-regarded in-home providers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend that expectant parents begin researching and contacting providers as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. When you tour a facility, ask directly about their current waitlist length and their policy for securing a spot (e.g., deposit requirements). Being proactive is key to ensuring you have care when you need to return to work.
Are there any daycare facilities in Horton that offer non-traditional hours for parents working night shifts or weekends?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, weekends) is a significant challenge in Horton, as most licensed providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. There are very few, if any, licensed facilities that advertise 24/7 care. Your best options are to: 1) Inquire directly with individual family daycare home providers, as some may offer limited evening or weekend care by private arrangement. 2) Explore the possibility of a shared nanny or babysitting co-op with other parents in the community who have similar schedules. 3) Check with providers in nearby larger towns like Hiawatha or Sabetha, though commute time becomes a factor.
What resources are available in Horton to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare provider?
Beyond verifying state licensing, parents in Horton have several local resources. First, you can contact the **Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP)**, which serves Brown County and may have referral services or quality improvement programs. Second, utilize **word-of-mouth recommendations** through local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Horton, KS Community Chat"), churches, and your pediatrician's office at the Horton Community Hospital. Finally, schedule in-person tours and ask providers for references from current parents. During tours, look for Kansas-specific quality indicators like participation in the state's voluntary "Kansas Star Quality Rating" program, which assesses providers on higher standards of learning environment, professional development, and family engagement.