The Best Daycare Centers in Spearville, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Spearville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Spearville
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Dodge City is a highly-rated facility serving the Spearville area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. Teachers are qualified with early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The center features secure entry systems, outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate learning environments. Standout features include a balanced daily schedule with structured learning and play, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through an app. Its longevity and national accreditation make it a trusted choice for families seeking comprehensive childcare services.
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Dodge City Community College Child Development Center
Dodge City Community College
This college-affiliated center offers a high-quality educational approach rooted in developmental theories and hands-on learning. Staff include degreed early childhood professionals and provide a curriculum focused on school readiness, including literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Safety is prioritized with controlled access, health protocols, and spacious indoor/outdoor facilities. The center stands out for its integration with college education programs, offering additional resources and observation opportunities. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular updates and events, fostering a community-oriented environment that supports child development from infancy through preschool.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a locally-owned facility known for its play-based curriculum that encourages exploration and creativity while meeting Kansas early learning standards. Qualified teachers with CPR and first aid certification provide individualized care in small group settings. The center features safe, clean environments with modern learning materials, outdoor play spaces, and technology-integrated activities. It stands out for its flexible scheduling, inclusive atmosphere, and strong parent partnerships, with daily reports and family events. Emphasis on social skills and kindergarten preparation has earned it consistent high ratings from families in the Spearville and Dodge City areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Spearville, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Spearville, Kansas, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Spearville, Kansas, all daycare facilities caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family childcare homes and group childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and ongoing training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool or contact the KDHE directly. It's highly recommended to only use licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and a regulated standard of care. You can also ask the provider to show you their current license certificate.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Spearville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Spearville and the surrounding Ford County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week at a licensed family childcare home. Center-based care may be slightly higher but is less common in smaller communities like Spearville. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $100 to $150. These rates are generally 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. Additionally, local organizations or churches in Spearville may occasionally offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees—it's worth inquiring directly with providers.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Spearville, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed providers in a small town like Spearville, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care. It's not unusual for popular family daycare homes to have a waitlist of several months. We recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 9 months before you need care, and even earlier if you are expecting a new baby. Be proactive: contact all licensed providers in Spearville, ask to be placed on their waitlist, and check in periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Dodge City (about 15 miles away) if you are willing to commute, as they may have more options and potentially shorter wait times.
What are my options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care in Spearville?
Full-time, structured care is the most common offering in Spearville, but some options exist for other needs. For part-time or occasional drop-in care, your best bet is to contact individual licensed family childcare homes to see if they have flexible openings. Formal drop-in centers are rare in small towns. For after-school care, Spearville USD 381 may offer a program at the elementary school, or it may be facilitated through a community organization. You should contact the school district directly for the most current information. Another option is to network with other parents to find a trusted, licensed in-home provider who might be willing to take school-age children for a few hours after school.
Are there any daycare facilities in Spearville that offer educational preschool programs, and what should I look for?
While Spearville does not have large, standalone preschool centers, many licensed family childcare homes and any local group centers incorporate educational components into their daily routines. Some providers may follow a specific curriculum or learning philosophy. When touring a facility, ask about their daily schedule, learning activities, and how they prepare children for kindergarten. Look for environments rich in books, puzzles, art supplies, and opportunities for structured play. You can also inquire if the provider participates in Kansas' quality rating system, "Kansas Star Ratings," which evaluates early learning environments. For a more formal preschool experience, you might also explore programs offered through local churches or the public school's pre-K offerings, if available, which may be part-day.