The Best Daycare Centers in Leavenworth, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leavenworth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leavenworth
KinderCare at Leavenworth
KinderCare Learning Companies, LLC
KinderCare at Leavenworth provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum focused on developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Their program includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning in secure, age-appropriate classrooms. The facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, structured learning environment, and nurturing staff who create strong bonds with children.
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The Learning Experience - Leavenworth
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience offers a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills development. The center features bright, modern classrooms with interactive learning stations and technology integration. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics, foreign language exposure, and character development. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with comprehensive progress tracking. The facility includes security cameras, keypad entry, and age-specific outdoor play areas. Parents highlight the center's engaging curriculum, clean facilities, and the visible developmental progress their children make.
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Bright Horizons at Lansing
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Lansing serves the broader Leavenworth County area with an emergent curriculum that builds on children's interests and natural curiosity. The center employs degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintains NAEYC-accredited standards. Their World at Their Fingertips curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and problem-solving skills. The facility features secure environments with observation windows, natural light classrooms, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Highly regarded for their teacher retention, comprehensive safety protocols, and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leavenworth, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Leavenworth, KS?
In Leavenworth, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $150 to $220. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, ranging from $130 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than the Kansas state average, partly due to Leavenworth's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Some centers may also have annual registration or supply fees.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Leavenworth is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare providers in Kansas, including those in Leavenworth, must be licensed or registered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can verify a provider's license and review their history online through the KDHE Child Care Licensing Survey & Inspection Reports portal. This public database allows you to search by provider name or location to see their current license status, inspection dates, and any cited violations or commendations. You can also contact the KDHE directly. Additionally, many local providers participate in Kansas' voluntary quality rating system, "Kansas Star Ratings," which can give you further insight into their program quality beyond basic licensing.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Leavenworth, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for infant care at popular daycare centers in Leavenworth can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. Due to the presence of Fort Leavenworth, which brings a transient military family population, demand for reliable childcare can be high. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6 months before their needed start date. For toddler and preschool-age spots, waitlists tend to be shorter (1-4 months). Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists, and be sure to ask providers about their waitlist policies, including any fees and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What resources are available in Leavenworth to help me find and choose a quality childcare provider?
Leavenworth parents have several local resources. The primary resource is the Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, which serves the region. They offer a free referral service to help match your family's needs with licensed providers, provide checklists for visiting centers, and educate on quality indicators. You can also contact the United Way of Leavenworth County for local guidance. Furthermore, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like Leavenworth-area Facebook groups) or networks at Fort Leavenworth can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations. The Leavenworth Public Library may also have community bulletin boards with provider information.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare in Leavenworth?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in Leavenworth can be challenging, as most licensed centers prioritize full-time enrollments. However, some in-home family daycare providers may offer more flexible part-time schedules. For true drop-in or emergency care, your best options are typically larger centers with greater capacity or specialized services. Some providers associated with gyms (like the YMCA) or faith-based centers might offer parents' day out programs on a periodic basis. For military families at Fort Leavenworth, the Child Development Center (CDC) sometimes offers hourly "reservation care" based on availability, but advance notice is usually required. It's crucial to establish a relationship with a provider in advance and understand their specific policies for occasional care.