The Best Daycare Centers in Solomon, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Solomon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Solomon
Solomon Elementary School Preschool
Unified School District 393
Solomon Elementary School operates a highly-regarded preschool program that serves as the primary early childhood education provider for the Solomon community. The program focuses on school readiness through a structured curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and cognitive growth. Certified early childhood educators lead small classes with low student-teacher ratios, ensuring individualized attention. The program operates within the secure school campus with dedicated preschool classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and access to school facilities including playgrounds and gymnasium. Strong emphasis on parent-teacher communication and regular progress updates. The program maintains state licensing and follows Kansas Early Learning Standards.
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Abilene Early Learning Center
Independent
Located approximately 15 miles from Solomon, Abilene Early Learning Center serves families throughout Dickinson County with a comprehensive early childhood program. The center features a research-based curriculum that incorporates play-based learning, STEAM activities, and social-emotional development. Highly qualified staff includes teachers with early childhood certifications and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure, age-specific classrooms, indoor gross motor area, and fenced outdoor playgrounds. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks and maintains excellent parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
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Discovery Center Preschool
Independent
Discovery Center Preschool in Abilene offers a developmental approach to early childhood education that serves families from Solomon and surrounding communities. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through learning centers, creative arts, and structured play. Certified early childhood specialists implement a curriculum aligned with Kansas Early Learning Standards while incorporating individualized learning plans. The center features purpose-built classrooms with natural lighting, extensive educational materials, and safe outdoor play spaces. Special programs include early literacy intervention, social skills groups, and family engagement activities. The center maintains strong community partnerships and offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Solomon, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Solomon, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Solomon, 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 and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, health practices, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool. You can search by provider name, city (Solomon), or county (Dickinson). It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child, as it provides the most current information on a provider's compliance history and any past violations.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Solomon, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Solomon and the surrounding Dickinson County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $600 to $800 per month at a licensed center, while toddler care may range from $550 to $700. In-home family daycare is often slightly less expensive. These rates are generally lower than in larger Kansas metros like Wichita or Kansas City. 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. Additionally, local organizations like the United Way of the Flint Hills or the Solomon Community Foundation may occasionally offer grants or support; contacting the Solomon City Hall or the Dickinson County Health Department can provide leads on local resources.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Solomon, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a smaller community like Solomon, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular in-home providers or the nearest center-based options to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6 months before you need care. Be proactive: contact all licensed providers in Solomon and nearby towns like Abilene or Minneapolis. Get on multiple waitlists, even if you have a first choice, and check in periodically to update your information and express continued interest.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the city limits of Solomon, Kansas?
Within Solomon city limits, your primary options are typically licensed family daycare homes. These are private residences where a provider cares for a smaller group of children, often offering a more home-like environment. There may also be small, privately-run daycare centers. Due to Solomon's size, there are no large corporate childcare chains. Many families also explore options in neighboring communities like Abilene (about 15 miles away), which has more center-based options. Another local possibility is care provided through a church-affiliated program, though these may operate as part-day preschools rather than full-day care. Checking the KDHE provider list for "Solomon, KS" will give you the most accurate and current roster of licensed in-town options.
Are there any state or local programs in Kansas that help parents find and evaluate quality childcare near Solomon?
Yes, Kansas has several key resources. The primary tool is **Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities (KCCTO) Resource Center**, which hosts a searchable database of licensed providers. You can filter by location (ZIP code 67480 for Solomon), age of child, and type of care. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in the **Kansas Quality Rating and Improvement System (KanQuRIS)**. A higher star rating (1-5) indicates a program that exceeds basic licensing standards in areas like learning environment and professional development. While not all Solomon providers may be rated, it's a valuable indicator. For local, personalized referrals, you can contact the **North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging** (which also covers childcare resource services) or the **Dickinson County Parents as Teachers** program for guidance.