The Best Daycare Centers in Summerfield, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Summerfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Summerfield
Primrose School of Lawrence
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Lawrence offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their approach focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Lawrence
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lawrence provides a play-based learning curriculum called F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The facility includes secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs in music, art, and technology. All teachers meet or exceed state qualifications and participate in continuous training. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and implements comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Parent engagement is encouraged through digital daily reports and family events.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program that emphasizes developmentally appropriate practices and individualized learning. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with play-based activities that foster cognitive, social, and physical development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-specific classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing training in child development and safety procedures. The center provides healthy meals and snacks while maintaining open communication with families through daily updates and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Summerfield, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Summerfield, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Summerfield, Kansas, all childcare facilities serving four or more unrelated children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This includes family daycare homes, group daycare homes, and daycare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool. It's also recommended to visit the facility in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted. For very small, in-home care (three or fewer children), providers may be legally exempt from licensing but can choose to be registered; always ask about their specific status and policies.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Summerfield, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Summerfield and the surrounding rural areas of Kansas, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $600 to $850 per month, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $550 to $750 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF), which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program (NEK-CAP), which serves the region, for guidance on local resources and application support.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Summerfield, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of licensed daycare options in a small community like Summerfield, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's common for popular centers or highly recommended home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, their policy for securing a spot (e.g., deposit), and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible with your start date or considering providers in nearby towns like Seneca or Sabetha may increase your options.
What are the primary types of childcare available in Summerfield, and what are the key differences?
Summerfield primarily offers three types of licensed childcare: Family Daycare Homes (care for up to 10 children in a provider's residence), Group Daycare Homes (care for up to 12 children with an assistant), and Daycare Centers (larger facilities, though less common in very small towns). Family and Group Homes often provide a more home-like, flexible environment and may have mixed-age groups. Centers typically follow a more structured curriculum and have separate classrooms by age. Given Summerfield's size, Family Daycare Homes are the most prevalent. Another option is "in-home" nanny or babysitter care, which is private and unlicensed but offers one-on-one attention. Your choice will depend on your child's needs, your schedule, and your preference for environment.
Are there any daycare facilities in Summerfield that offer part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-aged children?
Finding part-time or drop-in care in a small town like Summerfield can be challenging, as most providers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable income. However, some family daycare homes may offer part-time slots or flexible arrangements, so it's important to inquire directly. For school-aged children, the local school district, USD 113 (Axtell), may offer an after-school program at the elementary school, which could include transportation from Summerfield. This is often the most reliable option for after-school care. For occasional drop-in care, networking with other parents in the community to share babysitter recommendations is a common strategy, as formal drop-in daycare centers are not typically available in the immediate area.