The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon
Primrose School of Overland Park
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Overland Park offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed teachers. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. They emphasize character development and life skills alongside academic preparation. Teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and receive ongoing professional development. The center is known for its strong parent communication through the Primrose Schools app and regular developmental updates.
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The Goddard School of Olathe
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Olathe provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The facility features secure keypad entry, modern classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social skills. Parents appreciate the daily activity reports and photos shared through the proprietary mobile app.
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Creme de la Creme of Lenexa
Creme de la Creme
Creme de la Creme of Lenexa offers an exceptional early education experience with state-of-the-art facilities including indoor gymnasiums, computer labs, and creative arts studios. Their curriculum emphasizes whole-child development through project-based learning and enrichment programs in music, foreign language, and physical education. The center features advanced security systems including biometric entry and comprehensive camera monitoring. Highly qualified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain small class sizes. The facility is noted for its beautiful, well-maintained environment and comprehensive educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon, KS
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Sharon, Kansas?
In Sharon, Kansas, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed family childcare homes and licensed childcare centers. Due to Sharon's small, rural population, licensed family homes are the most common and accessible option, often operated by a provider in their residence with a smaller group of children. There are no large commercial daycare chains in Sharon itself. For more structured center-based care, parents often look to nearby larger towns like Great Bend or Larned. All providers in Kansas must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which sets standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols. You can search the KDHE online registry to verify the license status of any provider in or near Sharon.
How much does full-time childcare typically cost in Sharon, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs?
In Sharon and the surrounding rural area of Stafford County, childcare costs are generally lower than state and national averages, but options are limited. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $100 to $150 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Preschool-age care may be slightly less. Costs can vary based on the provider's experience, hours, and if meals are included. 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). It's crucial to apply early, as funding can be limited. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Sharon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Sharon, securing a childcare spot can be competitive, and waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search at least 3 to 6 months before they need care, and even earlier if possible (such as during pregnancy). Many reputable family home providers in the area only have capacity for a few children, so spots fill quickly. When contacting providers, ask immediately about their current availability and waitlist policy. Be prepared to expand your search to neighboring communities like St. John, Hudson, or Stafford if no immediate openings exist in Sharon.
What should I look for when touring a family childcare home in a rural area like Sharon?
When touring a family childcare home in Sharon, beyond checking their KDHE license, focus on safety and environment. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Kansas (like tornadoes) and their protocol for medical emergencies, given the distance to a hospital. Observe the cleanliness and child-proofing of the home, the safety of outdoor play areas, and ask about their transportation policies if any. Inquire about daily routines, educational activities, and meal provisions. Given the rural setting, it's also wise to ask about their policies for screen time and how they incorporate learning about the local environment. Personal rapport with the provider is especially important in a small-town setting.
Does Sharon, KS, offer any public preschool or early childhood education programs for 3- and 4-year-olds?
Sharon itself does not have a public school district; it is part of the USD 353 Stafford school district. Public preschool options are typically centralized in Stafford. However, some licensed family childcare providers in Sharon may offer a preschool curriculum as part of their program for 3- and 4-year-olds. For a more formal, state-funded pre-K program, parents should contact the Stafford Elementary School to inquire about the Kansas Preschool Program (KPP) or other early childhood special education services, as eligibility and transportation from Sharon may be factors. Another option is to look for licensed childcare centers in nearby towns that offer structured preschool programs, though this would involve a commute.
Childcare Insights for Sharon
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and for parents in Sharon, Kansas, the search for "top daycares near me" is deeply personal. Living in a close-knit community like ours means you’re not just looking for a facility; you’re looking for a partner in your child’s early development, a place that feels like an extension of your home. While Sharon itself is a smaller town, the surrounding area in south-central Kansas offers several excellent options, and knowing what to look for locally can make all the difference.
A great starting point is to embrace the advantage of our community size. In and near Sharon, you have the opportunity to connect directly with childcare providers and get genuine, word-of-mouth recommendations. Talk to neighbors at the local post office or other parents at the park. These personal accounts are invaluable and can lead you to trusted in-home daycare providers or smaller centers that might not have a large online presence but are cherished pillars of our area. For more structured centers, many families in Sharon look toward nearby larger towns such as Wellington, Caldwell, or even into Sumner County, which are within a reasonable commuting distance for drop-off and pick-up.
When evaluating options, consider what "top" means for your family’s unique rhythm. For some, a top priority might be a preschool curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten in the USD 353 or similar districts. For others, flexibility for farm or shift work schedules, or a strong emphasis on outdoor play, might be key. Visit any potential daycare in person. Notice how the caregivers interact with the children—are they engaged and responsive? Is the environment clean, safe, and stimulating? Ask about their policies on everything from discipline to sick children, and don’t hesitate to inquire about staff qualifications and turnover rates. Stability in caregivers is crucial for your child’s sense of security.
Remember to factor in the practicalities of rural living. Inquire about their protocols for severe weather, which we know can be a consideration in Kansas. Also, understand their hours of operation in relation to your commute; a slight detour to a neighboring town might be worthwhile for a program that perfectly fits your needs. Checking the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s online licensing records is a responsible step to review any provider’s compliance history.
Ultimately, the top daycare for your family in the Sharon area will be the one where you feel a true sense of trust and connection. It’s the place where your child is excited to go and you feel confident leaving them. Take your time, trust your instincts as a parent, and lean into our community network. The right environment, where your child can learn, grow, and thrive, is out there, blending the care of a small town with the quality you seek.