The Best Daycare Centers in Shawnee, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shawnee. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shawnee
The Goddard School of Shawnee
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Shawnee offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their STEAM-based curriculum includes robotics, science experiments, and literacy development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes character development, social-emotional learning, and individualized attention with low student-teacher ratios.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Lenexa at City Center
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lenexa at City Center serves the Shawnee community with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social studies while developing character and life skills. The school features secure facilities with camera monitoring, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site, and dedicated music and art rooms. Teachers are CPR and First Aid certified with extensive early childhood training. The school maintains excellent staff retention and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Shawnee
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Shawnee provides comprehensive early education with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that includes phonics, foreign language, and philanthropy programs. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, bright and engaging classrooms, and multiple outdoor play areas. Their programs include enrichment activities like yoga, music, and soccer. Teachers undergo rigorous background checks and continuous training in child development. The center emphasizes cognitive, physical, and social development through structured learning and play-based activities, with regular progress reports for parents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shawnee, KS
What are the typical costs for daycare in Shawnee, KS, and what factors influence the price?
In Shawnee, KS, daycare costs vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, the range is typically $1,000 to $1,400 per month, and for preschool-aged children, $900 to $1,200 per month. Home-based daycare is often more affordable, ranging from $700 to $1,100 monthly. Factors influencing price include the center's accreditation (like NAEYC), staff-to-child ratios, included amenities (meals, curriculum, technology), and location within Shawnee. It's also important to note that costs in Shawnee are generally slightly lower than in neighboring Overland Park or Kansas City, MO, but planning for these expenses is crucial for your family budget.
How do I verify a daycare's licensing and inspection history in Shawnee, Kansas?
All childcare providers in Shawnee must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). To verify a facility's status and review its history, you should visit the **KDHE Child Care Licensing Portal** online. This public database allows you to search by provider name or location to see their current license status, any past violations, and inspection reports. You can also see if they have achieved a higher quality rating through Kansas's voluntary **Kansas Star Rating System**. We recommend always checking this resource and asking the director for their most recent inspection report during your tour. A reputable center in Shawnee will be transparent about this information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Shawnee, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers in Shawnee, especially for infant rooms. Due to lower staff-to-child ratios required for babies, spots are limited and highly competitive. It is strongly advised to begin your search **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year for infants. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for my child's age group? Exploring a mix of larger centers, church-affiliated preschools, and licensed home daycares in different Shawnee neighborhoods can increase your options and potentially shorten your wait.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and licensed in-home daycares in Shawnee?
The main differences lie in environment, structure, and regulations. **Daycare Centers** in Shawnee (e.g., in commercial buildings or churches) often have multiple classrooms, larger groups of children, structured curricula, and multiple staff members. They typically have set hours and may offer more enrichment programs. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** operate out of a provider's residence in Shawnee neighborhoods. They offer a mixed-age, home-like setting with fewer children, often providing more flexible hours and a family-oriented atmosphere. Both are licensed by KDHE, but homes have different capacity rules (caring for up to 10 children). Your choice depends on whether you prefer a more institutionalized educational setting or a smaller, flexible home environment for your child.
Does the City of Shawnee or Johnson County offer any resources or programs to help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, there are several local resources. For finding care, the **Johnson County Child Care Resource & Referral** service (often accessed through partnerships with local organizations) can provide personalized lists of licensed providers in Shawnee. For financial assistance, the **Child Care Subsidy Program** is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, many Shawnee employers participate in dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. It's also worth checking with individual daycare centers, as some may offer sibling discounts or scholarships.