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.
Childcare Insights for Lehigh
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and if you're searching for "daycare around me" in Lehigh, Kansas, you're likely looking for a safe, nurturing, and convenient option for your little one. While Lehigh itself is a small, tight-knit community, this can be an advantage in your search, fostering a personal connection with caregivers who often become like extended family. The process here is less about sifting through hundreds of anonymous centers and more about understanding the local landscape and what it offers for your child's early years.
In a community like Lehigh, childcare options often include licensed in-home daycares, which are popular for their family-like atmosphere and flexible hours that can accommodate the schedules of local farming families or those commuting to nearby larger towns like Hillsboro or Marion. These providers are typically well-known within the community, so word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors, friends at the local churches, or other parents at the park are invaluable. Don't hesitate to ask around; personal experiences shared over coffee or after school events can lead you to a trusted caregiver. Additionally, some families in the area may utilize registered family childcare homes or explore smaller preschool programs that operate part-time, often within a short driving distance.
When evaluating daycare options in Lehigh, consider factors unique to our rural setting. Ask about outdoor play areas and how they incorporate the natural, wide-open spaces that define our area. A good provider will have safe, enclosed spaces for children to explore. Inquire about their policies for inclement weather, especially during harvest season or when road conditions might change quickly. It's also wise to discuss their communication style; in a small town, you'll want a provider who keeps you informed about your child's day and feels like a partner. Given the proximity to agriculture, if your child has allergies, this is an important point to discuss with any potential daycare.
Taking the next steps involves a personal touch. First, verify the provider's current license with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; this is a non-negotiable step for safety and quality assurance. Then, schedule a visit. Observe how the caregiver interacts with the children already in their care. Are they engaged and attentive? Is the environment clean, organized, and stimulating? Trust your instincts as a parent during this visit. Finally, have a clear conversation about daily routines, meals, fees, and their philosophy on discipline and learning through play. Finding the right daycare in Lehigh, KS, is about finding a second home for your child—a place where they are known, cherished, and given the foundation to grow, right here in the heart of our community.