The Best Daycare Centers in New Century, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Century. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Century
Bright Horizons at Gardner
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Gardner is a nationally recognized childcare center located just minutes from New Century. They offer a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on whole-child development through their World at Their Fingertips approach. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, low teacher-to-child ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their program includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, has spacious indoor and outdoor play areas, and maintains excellent safety records with regular health and security protocols.
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The Goddard School of Olathe
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Olathe serves families throughout Johnson County, including New Century residents. Their FLEX Learning Program combines play-based learning with academic preparation, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes foreign language exposure, yoga, and music programs. The center maintains excellent parent communication through daily reports and a proprietary mobile app, and has outstanding safety records with rigorous background checks and emergency preparedness protocols.
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Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Olathe
Kids 'R' Kids International
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy in Olathe provides premium childcare services to families in the New Century area with their advanced curriculum and secure facilities. Their Brain Development curriculum focuses on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development through hands-on learning experiences. The academy features highly qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, secure facilities with electronic entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent peace of mind. Their program includes phonics-based literacy, STEM activities, and character development. The center offers nutritious meals prepared on-site, large playgrounds with safety surfaces, and maintains excellent health and safety standards with regular inspections and staff training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Century, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Century, KS?
In New Century and the surrounding Johnson County area, full-time daycare costs are generally in line with the Kansas state average, which tends to be slightly lower than major metropolitan areas but can still be a significant household expense. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay approximately $225 to $300 per week at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates often range from $200 to $275. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically between $150 and $225 per week. It's important to note that costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. Many centers in the area offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through state programs like the Child Care Subsidy Program administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in New Century, and how can I secure a spot?
Due to high demand for quality childcare in Johnson County, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at highly-rated centers in New Century can be substantial. It is not uncommon for families to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended to begin your search and tour facilities during your second trimester of pregnancy. When touring, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update families on their position, and their policy for guaranteeing a future spot. Some centers may offer a "pre-registration" option for a deposit. Exploring a mix of larger centers, smaller church-affiliated programs, and licensed in-home providers in New Century and nearby communities like Gardner or Olathe can increase your options and potentially reduce wait times.
What are the Kansas state licensing requirements for daycare providers that I should verify when choosing care in New Century?
All childcare providers caring for more than three unrelated children in Kansas must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:3 for infants 0-12 months, 1:5 for toddlers 1-2 years), **background checks** (KBI and FBI fingerprinting) for all staff and household members in a home daycare, **annual health and safety training**, and **proof of immunizations** for children and staff. Licensed providers are subject to unannounced inspections, and their compliance history is public. You can verify a provider's license status and review any past violations on the KDHE website. Always ask to see a current license during your tour.
Are there any unique local programs or resources for finding and vetting childcare in New Century, KS?
Yes, parents in New Century have access to several helpful local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Aware of Kansas** referral agency. You can contact them for a customized list of licensed providers in your zip code (66031) and surrounding areas. Additionally, the **Johnson County Department of Health and Environment** can provide information on local licensing and health regulations. For networking and personal recommendations, consider joining community Facebook groups such as "New Century, KS Community" or "Gardner Area Moms." These groups are often invaluable for getting honest parent reviews, learning about new in-home providers, and hearing about upcoming openings that may not be widely advertised.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in the New Century area if my regular provider is unavailable?
Planning for backup care is crucial. In New Century, options are somewhat limited but available. Some full-time daycare centers in the region may offer "drop-in" care for enrolled families on a space-available basis, but this is not guaranteed. A more reliable option is to seek out licensed in-home providers who may have more flexible capacity for occasional days. There are also regional drop-in childcare centers in nearby Overland Park or Olathe (a 20-30 minute drive), which require reservations. For true emergencies, networking with other local parents to form a "babysitting swap" co-op can be a lifesaver. Finally, consider pre-vetting a few babysitters from local college communities (like Johnson County Community College) who are available for daytime care. It's best to arrange and test your backup plan before you actually need it.
Childcare Insights for New Century
Finding the right daycare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, happy, and thriving while you work. For parents in New Century, Kansas, the search for "daycare near me" comes with its own unique local considerations. Nestled in Johnson County, this area offers a blend of community-focused living with access to the broader amenities of the Kansas City metro, which shapes the childcare landscape in meaningful ways.
When beginning your search in New Century, proximity is often the first filter. A shorter commute for drop-off and pick-up can dramatically reduce daily stress. Thankfully, the New Century area and its surrounding communities like Gardner and Edgerton host a variety of options, from licensed in-home providers offering a cozy, family-like setting to larger childcare centers that may provide structured educational curricula. It’s wise to consider not just the pin on the map but also your daily route. Many parents find that a provider located between home and their workplace in Olathe or Lenexa can be a perfect logistical solution. Don’t hesitate to drive through neighborhoods at different times of day to get a feel for the area and traffic patterns.
A key local advantage is the strong sense of community here. Tap into it by asking for recommendations at the New Century AirCenter if you work there, or from other parents at the Gardner Aquatic Center or the Edgerton City Park. Local Facebook groups for New Century and Gardner parents are invaluable, often filled with honest reviews and personal experiences that you won’t find on a generic website. Given the area's growth, many newer facilities have opened, but also look for established providers with deep roots; their longevity often speaks to consistent quality and trust within the community.
As you compile a list, remember that Kansas has specific licensing requirements through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Any reputable provider will be happy to share their license and discuss their compliance with state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and training. Schedule visits and trust your instincts. Observe how caregivers interact with the children—is it warm and engaged? Look for clean, safe, and stimulating environments with space for both active play and quiet time. Ask about their policies on everything from nutrition, often sourced from local Kansas farms, to how they handle sick days, which is a crucial practical consideration for any working parent.
Finally, think about the long-term fit. Your child’s needs will change, so inquire about programs for different age groups. Many centers in the New Century area offer infant care through pre-kindergarten, providing wonderful continuity. Finding the right "daycare near me" is about finding a partner in your child’s early development. By leveraging local insights and focusing on both the practical logistics of Johnson County life and the emotional needs of your family, you can find a place where your child will flourish and you can have peace of mind.