The Best Daycare Centers in Lansing, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lansing. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lansing
The Learning Experience - Leavenworth
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Leavenworth serves Lansing families with a comprehensive early education curriculum focusing on academic, physical, and social development. Their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum includes phonics, foreign language, manners, and fitness programs. Features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and secure check-in procedures. Certified teachers with early childhood education credentials provide individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios. Bright, modern classrooms and outdoor play areas designed for age-appropriate learning and development.
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Kiddie Academy of Lansing
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Lansing offers Life Essentials curriculum that balances education and character development. Their program emphasizes literacy, STEM, creative arts, and physical development within a safe, nurturing environment. Features secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and health safety protocols. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-specific learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and technology-integrated classrooms that promote hands-on learning experiences.
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The Goddard School of Leavenworth
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Leavenworth provides F.L.EX. learning program that combines play-based and academic approaches for comprehensive child development. Focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts through structured learning centers. Maintains rigorous safety standards including secured premises, emergency preparedness protocols, and health monitoring systems. Faculty includes degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training. Features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enrichment programs in music, yoga, and foreign language.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lansing, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lansing, KS, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Lansing, 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, group daycare homes, and daycare centers. 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 Provider Search" tool. This database allows you to search by provider name, city (Lansing), or zip code, and view their license type, capacity, any history of inspections, and compliance reports. It's a crucial first step for any parent researching options.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lansing, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Lansing area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $800 to $1,100 per month. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $700 and $950 per month. Family daycare homes may offer lower rates. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff qualifications, and facility amenities. 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 work or school requirements. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lansing, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care, many reputable daycare centers in Lansing do maintain waitlists, sometimes several months long. Popular centers near Fort Leavenworth or newer residential areas can have particularly long waits. To navigate this, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and ask specific questions about their list process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often should I check in?). Consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, which may have more immediate openings. Being flexible on your start date can also improve your chances.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Lansing, KS, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Lansing offers a variety of childcare options to suit different family needs. Beyond licensed daycare centers, you can find: * **Licensed Family Daycare Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings for a more intimate environment. * **Preschool Programs:** Many local churches and community organizations offer part-day preschool for ages 3-5, which can be combined with other care. * **Before & After-School Care:** Provided by the Lansing School District (USD 469) and some private centers for school-age children. * **Nanny Shares or In-Home Care:** A popular option among families in the area, sometimes coordinated through local community groups or online platforms. Given Lansing's proximity to Fort Leavenworth, there are also programs familiar with the needs of military families.
How does Kansas's quality rating system, KanCare, work, and are there highly-rated providers in Lansing?
Kansas's voluntary quality rating and improvement system is called **Kansas Star Ratings**, not KanCare (which is the state's Medicaid program). The Kansas Star Ratings program assesses licensed providers on criteria like staff education, learning environment, and family engagement, awarding ratings from 1 to 5 Stars. You can filter for Star-rated programs in Lansing using the KDHE provider search. While participation is voluntary, a higher Star rating indicates a program's commitment to exceeding minimum licensing standards. In Lansing, several providers participate in this system. When touring facilities, ask about their Star rating and what specific quality improvements they have made—it's a great indicator of a program's dedication to excellence.