The Best Daycare Centers in Stilwell, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stilwell. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stilwell
The Goddard School of Overland Park
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and daily communication with parents. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs. Serves families throughout southern Johnson County including Stilwell residents.
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Primrose School of Stilwell
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Stilwell provides Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. Features highly qualified early childhood educators, secure facility with keypad entry, balanced nutrition program, and regular parent communication. The campus includes dedicated infant rooms, age-specific playgrounds, and enrichment activities like music and art. Located directly in Stilwell serving the local community with comprehensive early education programs.
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Children's Lighthouse Learning Center - Olathe
Children's Lighthouse Franchise Company
Children's Lighthouse implements a proprietary literacy-based curriculum called The Lighthouse Way®, emphasizing character values and school readiness. Their Whole Child Approach develops cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills through structured learning centers. Features degreed lead teachers, secure facility with surveillance, healthy meal program, and regular developmental assessments. The center includes dedicated learning environments for each age group, outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs. Serves families across southern Johnson County including Stilwell with convenient access from Highway 69.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stilwell, KS
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Stilwell, KS, and what factors influence the price?
In Stilwell, Kansas, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month, while toddler care is generally between $950 and $1,200 per month. These costs are influenced by several local factors, including the type of facility (in-home daycare vs. center-based), the staff-to-child ratios, the inclusion of meals and educational curricula, and the specific location within the Stilwell area. Prices tend to be slightly lower than in neighboring Overland Park or Leawood but are consistent with the broader Johnson County average. Many providers in Stilwell offer structured preschool programs, which can add to the cost. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as diapers, wipes, and formula, as these can significantly impact your overall monthly budget.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Stilwell?
All licensed childcare providers in Stilwell, KS, are regulated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the KDHE's online Child Care Licensing Survey Lookup tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name or location to see their current license status, capacity, and any past inspection reports detailing citations or deficiencies. For added peace of mind, you can also contact the Johnson County Child Care Resource & Referral agency for guidance. We recommend always visiting a potential daycare in person and asking the director to see their current license and discuss any items noted on their latest inspection report.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Stilwell, and when should I start looking?
Yes, due to high demand for quality childcare in Johnson County, many reputable daycare centers and in-home providers in Stilwell do maintain waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy if you are expecting. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search 6-9 months in advance is recommended. Some centers have rolling enrollment, while others have specific intake periods aligned with the school year. When contacting providers, be sure to ask about their waitlist policy, including any fees to hold a spot and how often you should check in to maintain your position.
What are the main differences between licensed in-home daycares and larger childcare centers in Stilwell?
In Stilwell, parents typically choose between licensed family childcare homes (in-home daycares) and childcare centers. In-home daycares, often run by one or two providers in a residential setting, usually offer a smaller, more home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They often have more flexible hours but may have limited backup if the provider is ill. Childcare centers are larger facilities with multiple classrooms, more staff, and structured curricula. They often have stricter teacher-to-child ratios per Kansas regulations and may offer more amenities like dedicated playgrounds, commercial kitchens, and enrichment programs. Centers in Stilwell also tend to have more robust policies for staff background checks and ongoing training. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament and your family's need for flexibility versus structure.
What local resources or programs in Stilwell can help me find and pay for childcare?
Several local and state resources are available to Stilwell families. For finding providers, the **Johnson County Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)** offers free personalized searches and quality information. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the **Child Care Subsidy Program** through the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, many employers in the Kansas City metro area, including those in Johnson County, offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. Some Stilwell daycare centers may also offer sibling discounts or scholarships. It's worth inquiring directly with providers about any available financial aid or payment plans.