The Best Daycare Centers in OP, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in OP. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in OP
Primrose School of Overland Park
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Overland Park operates as part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools franchise system with a Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on developing literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development skills. Features include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and certified teachers with early childhood education backgrounds. The school emphasizes a safe, nurturing environment with low student-teacher ratios and comprehensive communication with parents through daily updates and regular assessments.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Overland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Overland Park provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The facility features modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and security systems including keypad entry. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education with regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences to track developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Leawood
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Overland Park in neighboring Leawood, The Learning Experience serves families throughout the Johnson County area with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that includes early literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. The center features colorful, engaging classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-specific learning centers. Programs include phonics, foreign language introduction, and manners/character development. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators with comprehensive background checks and ongoing training.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in OP, KS
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Overland Park, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Overland Park, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,000 to $1,400 per month. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (corporate center, in-home, faith-based) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Kansas administers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the Johnson County Child Care Resource & Referral agency for the most current information on costs and assistance options specific to OP.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Overland Park, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists for high-demand, licensed daycare centers in Overland Park can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search and get on lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask detailed questions about their list process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often do they update it?), and consider putting your name on lists for both corporate and high-quality licensed family childcare homes. Flexibility with your start date can also help. Regularly following up with centers every few months to express continued interest can keep your application active.
What are the key differences between Kansas-licensed daycare centers and licensed family childcare homes in Overland Park?
The primary differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. **Licensed Centers** are facilities specifically built or converted for childcare, often with multiple classrooms divided by age. They typically have larger staff teams, structured curricula, and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and playgrounds. In Kansas, they are regulated for staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds) and group sizes. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, offering a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. They are licensed for a maximum of 10 children (including the provider's own under age 6). The ratio is 1:6 for children under 16 months and 1:10 overall. Homes often provide more flexible hours and may be less expensive. Both types are inspected by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for health, safety, and licensing standards.
Are there any unique enrichment or educational programs commonly offered by daycare providers in Overland Park that align with local school district expectations?
Yes, many daycare providers in Overland Park, particularly those preparing children for the highly-rated Blue Valley or Shawnee Mission school districts, offer robust enrichment programs. It's common to find centers with structured early literacy and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities integrated into daily play. Many also offer optional extracurriculars such as foreign language (often Spanish), music and movement classes, and basic coding or robotics for preschoolers. Outdoor learning is emphasized, with many centers having nature-based play areas. When touring, ask about their curriculum alignment with Kansas Early Learning Standards and how they specifically prepare children for the kindergarten screening processes used by local districts.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a potential daycare in Overland Park, and what are some local red flags?
During a tour, observe: **1. Cleanliness & Safety:** Are outlets covered, is the playground equipment secure, and are cleaning supplies locked away? **2. Staff-Child Interaction:** Are caregivers engaged at the children's level, responding warmly, and is the overall mood happy? **3. Kansas Licensing Compliance:** The facility's current license and any recent inspection reports should be posted publicly—review them for any violations. **4. Daily Schedule & Meals:** Ask to see a sample menu and schedule. Many OP centers participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for nutritious meals. **Local Red Flags:** A center that cannot immediately produce its KDHE license; staff who are unclear about emergency procedures for Kansas-specific weather (like tornado drills); an unwillingness to provide parent references from the Johnson County area; or a high rate of staff turnover, which can indicate poor management. Trust your instincts about the environment's feel and professionalism.