The Best Daycare Centers in Raymond, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Raymond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Raymond
Kiddie Academy of Wichita
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Wichita provides comprehensive educational childcare with a proprietary Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals, and extensive indoor/outdoor play areas. Serving families throughout Sedgwick County, they offer flexible scheduling and transportation options for Raymond-area families.
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The Learning Experience - Wichita East
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Wichita East offers a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills development. The center features state-certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and modern security systems including coded entry. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, foreign language exposure, manners and etiquette lessons, and character development. The facility includes interactive learning stations, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated art/music rooms. They provide transportation services and serve families throughout the greater Wichita metropolitan area.
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Primrose School of Wichita East
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Wichita East delivers Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends academic, creative, and physical development with character-building experiences. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who maintain low teacher-child ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. Their secure facility features monitored access, comprehensive safety protocols, and age-appropriate learning environments. The program includes hands-on STEAM activities, literacy development, music and movement classes, and balanced nutrition. They maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events, serving families across Sedgwick County including Raymond residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Raymond, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Raymond, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Raymond, 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, group daycare homes, and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, health protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license type, any history of non-compliance, and the facility's current standing. For very small, in-home care (three or fewer children), licensing is not required, so parents should conduct thorough interviews and reference checks.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Raymond, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Raymond and the surrounding Rice County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $130 to $200 per week. Costs 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, family size, and work or education requirements. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Rice County DCF office or the Child Care Aware of Kansas hotline for personalized guidance on available aid.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Raymond, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a smaller community like Raymond, waitlists for infant and toddler spots can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. Popular centers and home-based providers may have even longer lists. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if you're considering options in nearby towns like Sterling or Lyons. Be proactive—check in every few months to confirm your spot remains on the list. Some providers may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a future opening. Exploring a mix of daycare centers and licensed family homes increases your options.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in Raymond, KS, for parents with irregular schedules?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in a small town like Raymond can be challenging, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable income. However, some family daycare homes may offer more flexible arrangements. Your best bet is to network within the community—ask neighbors, local churches, or check community boards at the Raymond City Hall or the Rice County Health Department. Some parents in the area form small, informal babysitting co-ops. For more structured drop-in care, you may need to look at facilities in larger nearby cities like Hutchinson or McPherson, which sometimes offer hourly rates, though this involves a commute.
Are there any daycare facilities in Raymond that offer preschool or early learning curricula, and how do they prepare children for kindergarten?
Several licensed daycare providers in Raymond integrate early learning into their programs. For example, some family childcare homes and local centers use structured play-based curricula that align with Kansas Early Learning Standards. These programs focus on developing pre-literacy skills (like letter recognition), basic math concepts, social-emotional learning, and motor skills. When touring a facility, ask specifically about their daily schedule, learning objectives, and staff qualifications in early childhood education. Given Raymond's proximity to Sterling College, some providers may have staff or resources connected to early childhood education programs. Preparing for kindergarten in this community often involves fostering independence and social skills suited for the local Sterling or Lyons Unified School Districts.