The Best Daycare Centers in Manhattan, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Manhattan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Manhattan
Little Apple Early Learning Center
Independent
Little Apple Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility known for its comprehensive developmental approach. The center features age-appropriate classrooms with dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, utilizing Creative Curriculum to promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents consistently praise the center's strong communication, nutritious meal program, and focus on school readiness through structured learning activities and play-based exploration.
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Kansas State University Child Development Center
Kansas State University
The K-State Child Development Center operates as a laboratory school within the College of Health and Human Sciences, providing exceptional early childhood education while serving as a training ground for future educators. The center implements research-based curriculum with emphasis on developmental milestones and individualized learning plans. Highly qualified staff include master teachers with degrees in early childhood education and child development specialists. The facility features observation rooms for parent viewing, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The center is renowned for its strong parent partnerships, research-informed practices, and comprehensive assessment tracking of each child's progress.
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Bright Horizons at Manhattan
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Manhattan brings national early education expertise with locally tailored programs serving families throughout the Manhattan area. The center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes secure, age-segmented classrooms with advanced safety protocols, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and enhanced security systems. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in continuous professional development. The center is particularly noted for its employer partnership programs, flexible scheduling options, and comprehensive approach to developing the whole child through art, music, and physical activity integration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Manhattan, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Manhattan, KS?
In Manhattan, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For licensed daycare centers, infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. Toddler care (18 months to 3 years) is slightly less, usually between $700 and $950 per month. In-home licensed family childcare providers often charge 10-20% less. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that costs at facilities affiliated with Kansas State University or targeted at faculty/staff may be at the higher end of this range. Financial assistance may be available through the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Subsidy program for qualifying families.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Manhattan, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists in Manhattan can be significant, especially for infant rooms in high-demand centers. It is not uncommon for popular centers, particularly those near Kansas State University or in new residential areas, to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. For toddlers and preschoolers, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting a center, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to join (typically $25-$75, non-refundable), how often they update the list, and when they require a deposit to hold a spot. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed in-home providers can increase your options.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should look for when evaluating a daycare in Manhattan?
All childcare providers in Manhattan must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) unless they are legally exempt (e.g., caring for children from only one other family). Key licensing standards include: - **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For infants (0-12 months), 1:3; toddlers (1-2 years), 1:5; 2-year-olds, 1:8; 3-year-olds, 1:10. - **Background Checks:** All staff and household members in a home daycare must pass comprehensive background checks. - **Health and Safety:** Providers must have emergency plans, conduct fire drills, ensure safe sleep practices for infants, and meet specific sanitation standards. - **Training:** Staff must complete annual training in topics like CPR/First Aid, child development, and safe sleep. You can verify a provider's license status and review any past violations on the KDHE website. Always choose a licensed provider to ensure basic health and safety standards are met.
Are there childcare resources or referral services specific to the Manhattan area that can help me in my search?
Yes, the primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) service provided by the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program (NEK-CAP)**. This free service covers Riley County (where Manhattan is located) and can provide personalized referrals to licensed daycare centers, preschools, and family childcare homes based on your location, schedule, and child's age. They also offer guidance on evaluating quality, understanding costs, and applying for financial assistance. You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, Kansas State University's **Human Resources Department** offers childcare referral support for faculty, staff, and students, and local parenting groups on social media (like "Manhattan, KS Moms") can be valuable for personal recommendations and hearing about new openings.
What options are available for part-time, drop-in, or emergency childcare in Manhattan?
While full-time care is most common, Manhattan does offer some flexible options. A few daycare centers offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days per week), though these spots are limited and may cost more per day than a full-time weekly rate. For drop-in or occasional care, your best bets are: - **Registered Drop-in Centers:** Some centers, often those with larger facilities, may offer reserved drop-in care if space is available, usually requiring advance notice. - **In-Home Providers:** Some licensed family childcare homes are more flexible with scheduling and may accommodate irregular hours. - **Care.com/Sittercity:** These platforms are commonly used in Manhattan to find background-checked babysitters for date nights or emergency coverage. - **University-Based Options:** K-State's School of Family Studies and Human Services sometimes has lab preschools or student-provided care for research, which can offer limited slots. For true emergency backup care (e.g., when your regular provider is closed), planning ahead by identifying a trusted babysitter is crucial, as dedicated backup care centers are not currently established in Manhattan.