The Best Daycare Centers in Lehigh, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lehigh. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lehigh
Lehigh Head Start
Community Action
Lehigh Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness for low-income families. The program emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning and structured activities. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum with small class sizes. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, and family engagement programs. The center maintains strong community partnerships and offers parent education workshops to support whole-family development.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Located in nearby McPherson (approximately 30 minutes from Lehigh), Little Learners Academy offers a comprehensive early childhood program with STEM-focused curriculum and creative arts integration. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood certifications, secure entry systems, and modern learning environments. Their approach includes hands-on learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and technology integration appropriate for each age group. The academy emphasizes character development and provides regular progress reports to parents.
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Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Independent
Serving families from Lehigh and surrounding communities (approximately 40 minutes away), Bright Beginnings Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with research-based curriculum. The center features age-appropriate learning labs, certified early childhood educators, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured access and emergency preparedness training. Their program includes literacy development, math readiness, social skills building, and physical activity programs. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lehigh, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lehigh, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lehigh, 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 center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's compliance and view any past inspection reports, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool. It's highly recommended to check this database and ask the provider directly for their current license certificate. Due to Lehigh's smaller, rural setting, many providers may be licensed family homes, which are a common and regulated option in the area.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Lehigh, and when should I start looking?
Given Lehigh's size and limited number of formal childcare options, waitlists can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers. It is not uncommon for popular licensed family homes or the nearest center-based facilities in surrounding towns to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask about their specific waitlist policies, and check in periodically to maintain your spot.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Lehigh, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Lehigh and the surrounding rural area of Marion County, costs are generally lower than urban averages but vary by provider type. Licensed family daycare homes typically charge between $120-$180 per week for full-time care, while center-based care in nearby larger towns like Hillsboro or Marion may range from $150-$220 per week. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, some local employers or community organizations may offer referrals or limited support, so it's worth inquiring with your employer and the Marion County Department on Aging (which often has community resource information).
Are there any part-time or flexible childcare options available in Lehigh for parents with non-traditional work hours?
Flexible childcare is one of the biggest challenges in small communities like Lehigh. Most licensed family homes and centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Options for evenings, weekends, or overnight care are extremely limited. Your best bet is to network within the community to find a trusted, licensed in-home provider who may be willing to accommodate a flexible schedule for an agreed-upon rate. Another option is to explore shared nanny arrangements with other local families or utilize registered but unlicensed "relative care" if you have family in the area. Be sure to discuss your specific schedule needs upfront during your search.
What resources are available in Lehigh to help me find and evaluate potential daycare providers?
A key local resource is Child Care Aware of Kansas, which serves as a referral agency. You can contact them via their website or hotline for a customized list of licensed providers in Lehigh and Marion County. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. Within the community, talk to other parents at the Lehigh City Park, the local church, or the Lehigh Pride Pre-K-8 school for personal recommendations. When evaluating a provider, ask for references from current clients, observe the environment for safety and engagement, and confirm their emergency plans for severe weather—a relevant concern in Kansas. The Marion County Health Department can also provide information on local health and safety regulations.