The Best Daycare Centers in Perry, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry
Perry Lecompton Co-op Preschool
Perry Lecompton USD 343
Perry Lecompton Co-op Preschool operates within the USD 343 school district, offering a comprehensive early childhood education program focused on school readiness. The center features a play-based learning approach with structured academic components, emphasizing social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and kindergarten preparation. Certified early childhood educators maintain low student-teacher ratios in a safe, nurturing environment. The cooperative model encourages parent involvement and community engagement. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and access to school district resources. The program is known for its strong community ties and individualized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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The Goddard School of Lawrence
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lawrence serves families throughout the region including Perry, offering a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). The curriculum balances academic preparation with social development through hands-on learning activities. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The school provides STEM enrichment, foreign language exposure, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. Spacious classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers support developmental milestones. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular progress updates.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Lawrence
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy in Lawrence provides comprehensive childcare services for families in Perry and surrounding communities with a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness. The center employs the Grow Fit® initiative promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity alongside academic development. Features include age-specific learning environments, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and experienced teaching staff with ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes literacy development, mathematics foundations, and social skills through guided play and structured learning activities. Parent engagement includes regular communication, family events, and digital daily reports. The center maintains state licensing compliance and follows rigorous health and safety protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Perry, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Perry, Kansas, all childcare facilities serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Search" tool. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for providers with a current "Active" license. You can also contact the KDHE Northeast Regional Office, which serves Jefferson County, for additional verification or to ask about any past compliance issues.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perry, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Perry and the surrounding Jefferson County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, averaging $135 to $200 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center), hours of operation, and included amenities 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, family size, and need (such as employment or education). Parents in Perry can apply online through the DCF website or get help from the local Jefferson County DCF service center. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Perry, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Perry, waitlists for infant and toddler spots at licensed centers or highly-regarded home providers can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. It's crucial to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee if required. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Oskaloosa, McLouth, or even Lawrence, which may have more facilities but a longer commute. Stay in regular, polite contact with providers on your list to express continued interest.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Perry, KS, and how do they differ?
Perry primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **Family Child Care Homes**, which are operated in a provider's residence and typically care for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 10). They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment. The second is **Child Care Centers**, which are facility-based programs, like the Perry-Lecompton Early Learning Center, that may care for larger groups in age-specific classrooms with structured curricula. Centers often have more staff and set hours. Given Perry's size, family homes are more numerous, but some parents also utilize licensed providers in neighboring communities or unlicensed "drop-in" care for occasional needs, which is not regulated for ongoing care.
Are there any preschool programs integrated into daycare services in Perry, and what should I look for in a quality early learning environment?
Yes, several daycare providers in Perry integrate preschool curricula into their programs for children ages 3-5. The Perry-Lecompton school district may also offer community-based preschool options. When evaluating a quality early learning environment, look for a balanced schedule that includes structured learning (like letters, numbers, and pre-reading skills), ample free play, and outdoor time. Ask about staff qualifications—lead teachers should have training in early childhood education. Observe the classroom for a print-rich environment, engaging learning centers, and positive teacher-child interactions. Inquire about their approach to social-emotional learning and how they communicate with parents. A good program will follow Kansas Early Learning Standards and conduct developmental screenings.