The Best Daycare Centers in Johnson, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Johnson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Johnson
The Goddard School of Olathe
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Olathe offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers who hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets them apart is their comprehensive approach including yoga, music, and Spanish instruction integrated into daily activities, along with strong parent communication through regular updates and an app-based reporting system.
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Primrose School of Olathe
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Olathe provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and social studies, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. Their standout features include the exclusive Harmony & Heart® music program, structured learning activities that prepare children for kindergarten, and their commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children develop confidence and life skills.
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Sunshine Academy Early Learning Center
Sunshine Academy
Sunshine Academy offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum® standards. Their qualified teaching staff focuses on individualized development across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, nutritious meal programs, and age-appropriate learning environments. What makes them exceptional is their low child-to-teacher ratios, ongoing staff development training, and strong emphasis on creating a home-like atmosphere while maintaining high educational standards. They provide regular developmental assessments and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Johnson, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Johnson, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Kansas, all childcare facilities caring for more than two children unrelated to the provider must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes and childcare centers. Licensed providers in Johnson must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, health and sanitation, and staff training in areas like CPR and First Aid. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's "Child Care Search" tool on their official website. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this ensures a baseline of safety and oversight. You can also contact the local KDHE regional office for the latest information on any specific provider in our area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Johnson, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Johnson and the surrounding rural areas of Kansas, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but can vary. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $120-$180 per week at a licensed family daycare home, and $150-$220 per week at a childcare center. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower. These are estimates, and rates can differ based on the provider's amenities, hours, and meal provisions. 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, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's best to inquire directly with providers and contact the DCF office to determine your eligibility for state aid.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Johnson, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare facilities in a smaller community like Johnson, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if you're not certain of your future needs. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common. Stay in regular contact (every 2-3 months) to confirm your continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Stafford or Kinsley, as commuting for childcare is a reality for many rural Kansas families.
Are there any unique childcare options in Johnson, KS, such as part-time, drop-in, or overnight care, given the rural and agricultural nature of the community?
Given the agricultural and sometimes non-traditional work hours of parents in the Johnson area, some providers offer flexible arrangements, though they are less common than standard full-time care. Licensed family daycare homes may be more likely to accommodate part-time schedules or occasional drop-in care, especially for school-aged siblings. Overnight or weekend care is extremely rare in a town of this size and would likely require a private, in-home nanny arrangement. For farm families during peak seasons like planting or harvest, it's common to rely on family networks or to arrange shared care with other local families. It's crucial to discuss your specific scheduling needs directly and in detail with any potential provider, as their policies will vary.
What should I look for and ask during a daycare tour in Johnson, especially considering the local environment?
When touring a daycare in Johnson, beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, ask locally-relevant questions. Inquire about their plan for severe weather common to Kansas, such as tornadoes: where is the storm shelter, and do they practice drills? Ask about their outdoor play policy and how they handle extreme heat or cold. For rural settings, ask about their policy on farm-related visits or if children are ever transported for field trips (and verify driver/vehicle safety). Check the cleanliness and security of the facility. Ask for references from other local parents. Finally, observe the interaction between staff and children to gauge warmth and engagement. Trusting your instincts about the caregiver's demeanor and the environment's feel is just as important as checking off licensing boxes.