The Best Daycare Centers in Princeton, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Princeton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Princeton
Little Learners Daycare & Preschool
Independent
Little Learners Daycare & Preschool is Princeton's premier local childcare facility, offering a comprehensive early childhood education program. They utilize a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM foundations. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes daily outdoor play in fenced playgrounds, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital portfolios. What sets them apart is their strong community integration and personalized attention to each child's developmental needs.
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The Goddard School of Ottawa
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just 15 minutes from Princeton in Ottawa, The Goddard School offers a nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and arts through hands-on learning experiences. The center boasts highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, modern classroom environments, and extensive outdoor play spaces. Their comprehensive approach includes character development programs and regular developmental assessments.
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Tiny Treasures Learning Center
Independent
Serving families throughout Anderson County including Princeton, Tiny Treasures Learning Center provides a nurturing Christian-based educational environment. Their curriculum integrates faith-based values with comprehensive early learning standards, focusing on cognitive, physical, and spiritual development. The center features experienced early childhood professionals with ongoing training in child development best practices. Safety protocols include secure facility access, comprehensive emergency procedures, and strict health and hygiene standards. The program emphasizes literacy development through daily reading sessions, hands-on mathematics activities, and creative arts. Their spacious indoor and outdoor play areas support physical development and social interaction skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Princeton, KS
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Princeton, Kansas, and how do I find them?
In Princeton, Kansas, licensed childcare options primarily include family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence) and licensed daycare centers. Given Princeton's smaller, rural community, family childcare homes are a common and popular choice, often offering a home-like environment with flexible hours. To find licensed providers, your primary resource is the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Care Search tool available online. You can filter by location (using Princeton's zip code, 66078), type of care, and age of your child. Additionally, local word-of-mouth recommendations through community Facebook groups (like those for Franklin County) or connections at the Princeton United Methodist Church or Princeton Grade School are invaluable for discovering trusted local providers who may not be heavily advertised.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Princeton, KS, and are there financial assistance programs?
In the Princeton area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Kansas but can vary. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for an infant/toddler. A spot in a larger daycare center in a nearby town like Ottawa may range from $150 to $220 per week. The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) administers the Child Care Subsidy program to assist eligible families with these costs. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). You can apply through the DCF Self-Service Portal or contact the DCF Service Center in Ottawa for assistance. Local providers in Princeton are typically familiar with this subsidy program.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Princeton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Princeton, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care which has stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to start inquiring during your second trimester. When contacting a provider, ask directly about their current availability and waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances. Don't hesitate to get on multiple waitlists, and consider expanding your search to nearby communities such as Pomona or Ottawa if you are willing to commute.
What are Kansas state licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a provider's license and inspection history?
All childcare providers in Princeton caring for more than two unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas DCF. Key requirements include background checks for all adults in the home or center, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), ongoing professional development, and adherence to strict ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:7 for 2-year-olds in a home setting). Homes and centers are also subject to annual unannounced inspections. You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and read inspection reports (which note any deficiencies) for free on the Kansas DCF Child Care Licensing Search website. This is a critical step for parents to ensure a provider meets state safety and quality standards.
What questions should I ask a potential daycare provider in Princeton during a tour or interview, given the local context?
Beyond general questions, tailor your inquiries to Princeton's specific setting. Ask about their emergency preparedness for severe weather common in Kansas (tornado shelter location and procedures). Inquire about their policy on school closures or delays for Princeton Grade School, especially if you have older siblings. For family homes, ask about the provider's planned vacation or sick days and what backup care they recommend locally. Discuss their outdoor play area and how they handle outings in a small town. Finally, ask for references from other Princeton families—in a close-knit community, a provider's reputation is paramount, and talking to current clients will give you the most authentic insight into the daily experience.