The Best Daycare Centers in Milford, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Milford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Milford
Little Apple Early Learning Center
Independent
Little Apple Early Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their certified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in modern, secure facilities with low student-teacher ratios. The center features indoor and outdoor play areas, nutritional meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. Parents praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and nurturing environment that balances structured learning with creative exploration.
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K-State Center for Child Development
Kansas State University
As part of Kansas State University's College of Health and Human Sciences, this center offers research-based early childhood education with highly qualified staff including certified early childhood educators. The curriculum emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices, literacy development, and STEM exploration. Facilities include dedicated age-specific classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and observation areas for parent involvement. The center maintains excellent safety records and provides nutritious meals while serving as a training site for early childhood education students.
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Discovery Center Child Care & Preschool
Independent
Discovery Center provides a structured educational environment with a balanced curriculum that includes Montessori-inspired activities and traditional preschool preparation. Their qualified teaching staff focuses on individualized learning plans, social skills development, and kindergarten readiness. The facility features secure access systems, age-appropriate learning materials, large outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Parents consistently note the center's organized approach, experienced leadership, and strong emphasis on both academic and social development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Milford, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Milford, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Milford, 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, group daycare homes, and daycare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license 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 license number. Local providers in Milford are also subject to any additional county health and fire safety codes.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in the Milford area, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Milford and the surrounding Geary and Dickinson County area, full-time daycare for an infant (under 18 months) typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $130 to $200 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), hours, and included services like meals. 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 providers may offer sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Junction City DCF Service Center for application details, as they serve the Milford region.
Are there any licensed daycare centers or preschools in Milford that offer part-time or drop-in care, which might suit families with irregular schedules?
Given Milford's smaller, rural community, most licensed daycare options are home-based providers who often require set, full-time schedules to maintain stable enrollment and income. However, some providers in the area may offer part-time care on a case-by-case basis, especially for preschool-aged children. Dedicated drop-in care is very rare. Your best strategy is to contact providers directly to discuss flexible needs. You might also explore options in nearby Junction City (about 15 miles away), where larger centers with more flexible scheduling are more common. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can also help identify providers willing to accommodate irregular hours.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare in Milford, and when should I start looking for care before I need it?
Due to limited providers in a small town like Milford, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be long and unpredictable. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search for childcare at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date, especially for an infant spot. For toddler or preschool care, a 3- to 6-month lead time is advisable. Many home-based providers in Milford have small capacities (6-12 children), so a single opening can fill quickly. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and maintain communication with providers. Don't hesitate to check back periodically, as situations can change.
Beyond basic licensing, what are some local considerations or questions I should ask when touring a daycare in Milford?
In a rural setting like Milford, specific local factors are important to inquire about. First, ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Kansas, such as tornadoes, and their protocol for power outages. Second, clarify their policy on farm or animal exposure if the home is on a rural property. Third, discuss transportation or field trips—are children ever transported, and in what vehicles? Fourth, ask about their flexibility regarding local school district schedules (like USD 475 Geary County Schools) for school-age children in after-school programs. Finally, inquire about their communication methods for closures due to rural road conditions in winter. These questions address the unique practicalities of childcare in a small Kansas community.