The Best Daycare Centers in Long Island, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Long Island. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Long Island
Phillipsburg Child Care Center
Independent
Phillipsburg Child Care Center is a highly-regarded local facility serving the Long Island area with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with all lead teachers holding Early Childhood Education credentials and CPR/First Aid certification. Their curriculum incorporates STEM activities, literacy programs, and outdoor learning in their secure playground. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and daily health screenings. Parents praise the center's nurturing environment, regular communication through a parent portal, and nutritious meal program that accommodates dietary restrictions.
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KinderCare Learning Center of Hays
KinderCare Education
As part of the national KinderCare network, this Hays location serves families across northwestern Kansas with a research-based curriculum focused on whole-child development. The center offers age-appropriate learning programs including phonics-based literacy, mathematics exploration, and character development activities. Facilities include secure classrooms with observation windows, age-specific playgrounds, and dedicated art and music spaces. Staff maintain high qualifications with ongoing professional development and average 8+ years of experience. The center features enhanced safety protocols including secured entry, comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, and real-time parent updates via the KinderCare app.
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Norton Child Development Center
Independent
Norton Child Development Center provides comprehensive early childhood education serving the Long Island region with a balanced approach that blends structured learning with creative exploration. The curriculum emphasizes language development, cognitive skills, and physical coordination through hands-on activities and individualized learning plans. The facility features modern classrooms with natural lighting, a large outdoor play area with safety surfacing, and a dedicated nutrition kitchen providing healthy meals and snacks. Staff members hold degrees in Early Childhood Education and participate in continuous training. The center is noted for its strong parent partnership program, including regular progress reports and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Long Island, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Long Island, Kansas, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Kansas, all childcare providers caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family childcare homes, group homes, and centers. For parents in Long Island, you can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the KDHE Child Care Licensing Search tool online. It's crucial to ensure any provider you consider is in good standing. Local providers must meet state standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health requirements. Always ask to see their current license during your visit.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Long Island, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In the Long Island area and surrounding Phillips County, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $500 to $750 per month at a licensed in-home provider, while a childcare center may range from $600 to $900 monthly. Rates for toddlers and preschoolers are generally slightly lower. These costs are often more affordable than in major metropolitan areas of Kansas. Financial assistance is available through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Subsidy program for eligible families based on income, work, or education requirements. Additionally, local resources like the United Way of the Plains or the Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center can provide guidance on local assistance options.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Long Island, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small, rural community like Long Island, waitlists can be significant and unpredictable. It is not uncommon for popular in-home providers or the nearest center in a neighboring town to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during your pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on multiple lists, and check back regularly. Networking with other parents in the community through local Facebook groups or community boards can also help you find potential openings.
What are my options for childcare in Long Island if I work non-traditional hours or need part-time care?
Finding care for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, overnight) or part-time schedules is particularly challenging in a small town like Long Island. Licensed centers with set hours are rare in the immediate area. Your primary options will likely be licensed family childcare homes, where providers may offer more flexible arrangements based on their own capacity. Another common solution is to seek care from a trusted, legally unlicensed provider (caring for 3 or fewer unrelated children), a relative, or a nanny share arrangement with another local family. Be sure to clearly communicate your schedule needs upfront and explore options in nearby towns like Phillipsburg or Stockton, which may have slightly more variety.
Are there any preschool or early learning programs integrated into daycare options in the Long Island area?
While Long Island itself is very small, there are early learning opportunities in the region. Some licensed family childcare providers and centers in Phillips County incorporate structured preschool curricula into their daily routines. The most formal and widely accessible program is the Phillipsburg USD 325 school district's preschool, which may be available for 3- and 4-year-olds, but transportation from Long Island would be a consideration. Additionally, Head Start programs, which provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutrition services, operate in the region through organizations like Northwest Kansas Community Action Program (N-CAP). It's important to inquire directly with local daycare providers about their educational philosophy and any specific preschool preparedness activities they offer.