The Best Daycare Centers in Kiowa, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kiowa. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kiowa
Kiowa Head Start
Community Action, Inc.
Kiowa Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness for children from low-income families. The program emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning and structured activities. Staff are trained in early childhood development and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Family engagement is a core component, with regular parent-teacher conferences and family support services.
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Medicine Lodge Head Start
Community Action, Inc.
Located just 15 miles from Kiowa, Medicine Lodge Head Start offers high-quality early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, and social skills development. The center features certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention in small classroom settings. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health screenings. The program includes family-style meal service, outdoor learning environments, and transportation services for eligible families in the Kiowa area.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Serving families throughout south-central Kansas including Kiowa, Little Sprouts Learning Center in Pratt (approximately 30 miles away) offers a comprehensive educational program from infancy through school age. The center utilizes Creative Curriculum with STEM integration and literacy emphasis. Features include secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, USDA-approved meal program, and large outdoor playgrounds. Staff maintain CPR/first aid certification and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its warm, nurturing environment and strong parent communication system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kiowa, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kiowa, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Kiowa, 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 childcare centers. 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 Lookup" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's a crucial first step for any parent in Kiowa, as it provides a baseline of safety and quality assurance. You can also ask the provider to show you their current license certificate.
Given Kiowa's small-town setting, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
In a rural community like Kiowa, options often include licensed family childcare homes, which are the most prevalent, and potentially a local childcare center or preschool program, which may be limited. Some providers offer care in their own homes for a smaller group of children, which can provide a home-like environment. Due to the limited number of providers, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care and popular preschool programs. It's highly recommended for Kiowa parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, sometimes even during pregnancy, to secure a spot.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Kiowa, Kansas?
While costs can vary by provider and type of care, in Kiowa and the surrounding Barber County area, full-time care for an infant in a licensed family home typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week. Toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $160 per week. These rates are generally lower than urban areas in Kansas but are a significant household expense. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what the weekly fee includes (meals, snacks, supplies) and inquire about any additional costs for registration, late pickup, or part-time schedules.
Are there any local resources or programs in Kiowa that help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are key resources available. For finding providers, parents can contact the South Central Kansas Child Care Association or use the statewide referral service, Child Care Aware of Kansas. For financial assistance, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) administers the Child Care Subsidy program for income-eligible families. You can apply through the DCF office serving Barber County. Additionally, some local employers or community organizations may have information on shared or cooperative childcare arrangements, which can be valuable in a small community.
What are some important questions to ask a potential daycare provider in Kiowa during a tour or interview?
Beyond verifying licensing, Kiowa parents should ask location-specific and practical questions. These include: "What is your sick child policy, and how do you handle closures for severe weather common in Kansas?" "What is your daily schedule and philosophy on learning/play?" "Can you provide references from other local families?" "What are your hours, and are you flexible for farm or shift work schedules common in the area?" "How do you handle meals and naps?" "What is your outdoor play space like, and how often do children go outside?" Visiting the home or center during operating hours gives you the best sense of the environment and routine.