The Best Daycare Centers in Matfield Green, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Matfield Green. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Matfield Green
Prairie Flower Montessori
Independent
Prairie Flower Montessori offers authentic Montessori education in a nurturing environment just 15 minutes from Matfield Green. The center features certified Montessori teachers with specialized training in child development, low student-teacher ratios (3:1 for infants, 6:1 for toddlers), and beautifully prepared classrooms with natural materials. Their curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, and individualized learning plans. The facility includes secure outdoor learning gardens, organic meal programs, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems and regular emergency drills. Parents consistently praise the center's peaceful atmosphere and the remarkable developmental progress they observe in their children.
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Kindercare Learning Center of Emporia
Kindercare Education
This Kindercare center provides comprehensive early childhood education serving families throughout Lyon County, including Matfield Green residents. The center employs state-qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and offers research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Features include secured keypad entry, live streaming for parents, modern playgrounds with safety surfaces, and USDA-approved meal programs. The center maintains excellent state licensing compliance records and offers flexible scheduling options. Their Before and After School program provides transportation to/from local elementary schools.
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The Sunshine House of Emporia
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House combines structured learning with creative exploration in a purpose-built facility serving the broader Matfield Green area. Their exclusive L.E.A.P. curriculum (Learning Experience Academic Program) incorporates literacy development, mathematics, science, and creative arts with daily progress reports shared with parents. The center features highly qualified staff with ongoing professional development, advanced security systems including fingerprint entry, and spacious age-appropriate learning environments. Their outdoor areas include separate playgrounds for different age groups with natural elements and safety-certified equipment. The center is known for its strong parent communication and inclusive community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Matfield Green, KS
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Matfield Green, Kansas?
In Matfield Green, due to its small, rural population, licensed childcare options are primarily limited to family childcare homes. These are private residences where a provider cares for a small group of children, typically up to 10, in a home-like setting. There are currently no large daycare centers in Matfield Green itself. Some parents may also utilize legally unlicensed "relative care" or in-home nannies. For more structured center-based care, parents often look to neighboring communities like Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, or Emporia, which may involve a commute of 20-30 minutes. All licensed providers in Kansas are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which sets standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in the Matfield Green area?
The most reliable resource is the Kansas Child Care Licensing website or the KDHE Child Care Search tool. You can search by zip code (66862) or county (Chase) to find licensed family childcare homes in and around Matfield Green. It's crucial to verify the provider's current license status, as KDHE lists any past violations or compliance issues. Given the tight-knit nature of the community, word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents at local gathering spots like the Matfield Green Community Building or the post office are invaluable. Always schedule an in-person visit to the home to observe the environment, ask about daily routines, and meet the provider.
What is the typical cost for childcare in Matfield Green, and is there any financial assistance available?
Costs for family childcare homes in Matfield Green and rural Chase County are generally lower than urban averages but can vary. You might expect to pay approximately $100-$150 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Rates may be slightly lower for preschool-aged children. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Kansas Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or training requirements. You can apply through the DCF website or your local Chase County DCF office. Some providers may also offer sibling discounts.
Are there any preschool or early learning programs specifically available for 3-5 year olds in Matfield Green?
There are no standalone preschools within Matfield Green. However, some licensed family childcare homes incorporate preschool curricula into their daily activities. The primary public option is the Chase County Elementary School's preschool program, located in Cottonwood Falls (USD 284). This program may have specific age, residency, and eligibility requirements, and transportation from Matfield Green is not typically provided. Another option is Head Start, which serves Chase County but is based in Emporia; this program provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support for income-eligible families and may offer transportation routes that include the area.
What should I consider regarding waitlists and planning ahead for childcare in a small town like Matfield Green?
Planning ahead is absolutely critical. Due to the very limited number of providers, spots in reputable family childcare homes in Matfield Green can fill up years in advance, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for parents to get on a waitlist during pregnancy. When contacting a provider, ask immediately about current availability and their waitlist policy. Be prepared to be flexible and consider providers in the surrounding towns of Cottonwood Falls, Strong City, or even El Dorado as a backup plan. Building a relationship with a provider early, even if just to express future interest, is key in a small community where personal connections matter greatly.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Matfield Green: