The Best Daycare Centers in Leawood, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Leawood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Leawood
Primrose School of Leawood
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Leawood is renowned for its Balanced Learning® approach, which blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to foster academic, social, and emotional growth. The research-based curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and character development, with all lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The facility features secure keypad entry, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and a dedicated art studio. Parents consistently praise the center's strong communication, daily updates via the Primrose app, and nutritious meal programs prepared on-site. Its low student-to-teacher ratios and focus on holistic development make it a top choice for families seeking a structured yet nurturing environment.
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The Goddard School of Leawood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Leawood offers a play-based learning environment with a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, tailored to each child's developmental stage. Teachers are trained in early childhood education and follow a F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes creativity and critical thinking. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, secure facilities with CCTV monitoring, and allergen-aware meal options. Parents highlight the school's inclusive atmosphere, regular progress reports, and engaging extracurricular programs like yoga and music. Its commitment to safety and individualized attention has earned it high parent satisfaction and a reputation for excellence in early childhood care.
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Children's Lighthouse Learning Center - Overland Park
Children's Lighthouse Franchise Company
Children's Lighthouse in nearby Overland Park serves the Leawood community with a values-based curriculum that integrates literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities and character education. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and uses the Lighthouse C.A.R.E.S.® program to teach respect and empathy. Safety is prioritized with secured entrances, regular drills, and sanitized classrooms. The facility includes interactive smartboards, spacious play areas, and a kitchen providing healthy meals. Parents appreciate the transparent communication, flexible scheduling options, and focus on school readiness, making it a trusted choice for comprehensive childcare in the Kansas City metro area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Leawood, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Leawood, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Leawood, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while toddler and preschool programs generally cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per month. These costs reflect the city's high-quality facilities, lower child-to-staff ratios, and extensive programming. While Leawood itself does not offer municipal assistance, Kansas state programs like the Child Care Subsidy Program (through the Department for Children and Families) can help eligible families. Additionally, many local centers offer sibling discounts or may have scholarship opportunities. It's also worth checking with your employer, as several major corporations in the Kansas City metro area offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or referral services.
How long are waitlists for infant care at highly-rated daycare centers in Leawood, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for infant rooms (children under 18 months) at top-rated centers in Leawood can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. This is due to strict Kansas state ratios (1:3 for infants) limiting capacity and high demand. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask detailed questions about their list (e.g., Is there a fee? How often should I check in?), and consider getting on lists for both daycare centers and licensed in-home providers. Some parents also secure a spot in a preschool program for the toddler years while using a nanny or family care during the infant stage.
What are the key differences between Kansas-licensed daycare centers and licensed family childcare homes in Leawood?
Both are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), but they offer different environments. **Daycare Centers** in Leawood are often larger facilities with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staff teams. They typically have more amenities (like dedicated playgrounds) and may offer more consistent coverage for staff absences. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** provide care in a provider's residence, usually for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (max of 10, including the provider's own). This can offer a more home-like, flexible setting with potentially lower child-to-staff ratios and often lower costs. The choice depends on your preference for a structured educational environment versus a familial setting. Always verify a provider's current KDHE license status online before enrolling.
Are there any unique enrichment or educational programs commonly offered by Leawood daycares and preschools?
Yes, many Leawood childcare providers emphasize robust enrichment programs to complement their standard curriculum. It's common to find centers offering optional, integrated classes such as **Spanish language immersion**, **music and movement** (often with programs like Kindermusik), **yoga for kids**, and **STEM/STEAM activities**. Given Leawood's community focus on education and wellness, you may also find programs with organic meal options, gardening projects, and character development curricula. Several preschools are affiliated with local private schools (e.g., Pembroke Hill, Barstow) and follow specific educational philosophies like Montessori or Reggio Emilia. Always ask for a sample weekly schedule to see how these enrichments are incorporated.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Leawood, and what questions are specific to Kansas regulations?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, child engagement, and staff-child interactions. Specifically for Kansas compliance, ask to see the facility's current **KDHE license** posted publicly. Key questions include: "What is your staff turnover rate?" (high turnover can be a red flag), "How do you handle emergency preparedness and drills?" (required by state law), and "Can you explain your sick child policy and exclusion guidelines?" (per KDHE rules). Inspect the outdoor play area for safety and ask about sun protection. Inquire about staff qualifications—Kansas requires specific training in health/safety, CPR, and First Aid. Finally, ask about their communication with parents (daily reports, apps) and their policy for unannounced visits from parents, which is a good sign of transparency.
Nearby Cities
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