The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Paul, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Paul. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Paul
Saint Paul Child Care Center
Independent
Saint Paul Child Care Center is the primary licensed childcare facility serving the Saint Paul community, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness. With small class sizes and low teacher-to-child ratios, the center provides individualized attention. Qualified early childhood educators implement developmentally appropriate practices in a safe, nurturing environment. The facility includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Strong parent communication and community involvement make this a trusted local option for families in the Saint Paul area.
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Little Learners Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Located in nearby Girard (approximately 15 miles from Saint Paul), Little Learners serves families throughout Crawford County with a comprehensive early childhood program. The center employs state-licensed teachers who implement a structured curriculum focusing on cognitive development, social skills, and school readiness. Features include secure entry systems, modern learning materials, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through centers, creative arts, music, and movement. Parent reviews consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong educational foundation provided. Transportation services may be available for school-age children in the broader service area.
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SEK Multi-County Head Start - Pittsburg Center
Community Action of Southeast Kansas
As part of the regional Head Start program serving multiple counties including Crawford County, this Pittsburg facility (approximately 20 miles from Saint Paul) provides high-quality early childhood education to families throughout the region. The program employs degreed early childhood educators and follows comprehensive early learning standards. Services include developmental screenings, health and dental services, family engagement programs, and nutritious meals. The research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness across all developmental domains. While income guidelines apply for enrollment, the program serves as a highly-regarded educational option for qualifying families in the Saint Paul service area with transportation assistance available for enrolled families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Paul, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Saint Paul, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Kansas, all childcare facilities serving more than two unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family childcare homes and center-based programs. The KDHE sets standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health requirements. To verify the license status of a provider in Saint Paul, 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, capacity, any history of non-compliance, and the date of the last inspection. You can also contact the local KDHE regional office for the area.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Saint Paul, KS, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Saint Paul and the surrounding rural areas of Cherokee County, costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $600 to $850 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, often between $500 and $700 per month. In-home family daycare is generally more affordable, ranging from $400 to $600 monthly. These rates are often lower than in larger Kansas cities. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school attendance. Locally, you can apply through the DCF office serving Cherokee County. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Saint Paul, and what can I do to secure a spot for my infant?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Saint Paul, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular licensed home providers or the limited center options to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for infants under 12 months old. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Be proactive: visit facilities, complete pre-registration forms, and check in periodically (every 2-3 months) to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Columbus or Baxter Springs for more options.
What are the main types of childcare available in Saint Paul, and what are the pros and cons of each in this community?
Saint Paul primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Childcare Homes and Child Care Centers/Preschools. **Family Childcare Homes** are run out of a provider's residence. Pros in Saint Paul include a home-like setting, mixed-age groups (like a family), often more flexible hours, and potentially a shorter commute within town. Cons can be limited capacity and dependency on a single provider's availability. **Child Care Centers** (like those potentially affiliated with local churches or schools) offer more structured programs, multiple staff, and often a preschool curriculum. Pros include reliability and peer socialization. The main con in Saint Paul is limited availability; there may only be one or two such centers, leading to longer waitlists. Unlicensed relative or in-home care is also common but is not regulated by the state.
Are there any state or local resources in Kansas to help me evaluate and choose a quality daycare provider in Saint Paul?
Yes, Kansas provides several key resources. First, the **Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO)** website offers a "Choosing Quality Child Care" guide with checklists for health, safety, and developmental appropriateness. Second, the **KDHE licensing website** provides inspection reports and compliance history for all licensed providers. For local insight, talk to other parents at community hubs like the Saint Paul Public Library, city park events, or the local school district office. They can provide firsthand reviews. You can also contact the **Southeast Kansas Regional Prevention Center** or the **Child Care Aware of Kansas** referral line (1-877-678-2548) for free, personalized referrals and guidance on quality indicators, even for rural areas like Saint Paul.