The Best Daycare Centers in Toronto, KS
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Toronto. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Toronto
Yates Center Learning Center
Independent
Yates Center Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Toronto area and surrounding Woodson County. They offer a comprehensive developmental curriculum focused on school readiness with age-appropriate learning activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low student-to-teacher ratios, secure facilities with controlled access, and nutritious meal programs. Their approach emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains excellent safety records and strong parent communication systems.
Daycare Services:
Iola Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Iola Child Care & Learning Center serves families throughout Allen County and surrounding areas including Toronto. The center provides a structured educational environment with developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. They employ certified early childhood educators and maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios. The facility features secure indoor and outdoor play areas, modern learning materials, and comprehensive safety protocols. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, teacher qualifications, and nurturing environment that promotes both academic and social development.
Daycare Services:
Chanute Early Learning Center
Community-based Organization
Chanute Early Learning Center is a well-established childcare facility serving Neosho County and surrounding communities including Toronto. The center offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development through play-based learning and structured educational activities. They feature highly qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development, modern security systems, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. The program includes enrichment activities in music, physical education, and technology, along with nutritious meal services. The center is known for its inclusive environment and strong track record of preparing children for kindergarten success.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Toronto, KS
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Toronto, Kansas, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Toronto, Kansas, all child care facilities serving four or more 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 health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the KDHE's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool or contact the KDHE Child Care Licensing Program directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers, as this offers a baseline of regulatory oversight and protection for your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Toronto, KS, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Toronto and the surrounding rural areas of Woodson County, full-time daycare for an infant can average between $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $110 to $160 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Kansas but can vary based on the type of facility (home-based vs. center) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Kansas offers the Child Care Subsidy program through the Department for Children and Families (DCF). Eligibility is based on family income, work or school requirements, and other factors. Local providers can often guide you through the application process, and you can also apply directly through the DCF website or your local DCF service center.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Toronto, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the smaller population and limited number of providers in Toronto, waitlists can be unpredictable but are often significant, especially for infant care slots. It's not uncommon for popular licensed home providers or the nearest center-based options to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their enrollment process, and consider putting down a (refundable) deposit to secure a future spot.
What are my main options for childcare in Toronto, KS, given it's a smaller community?
As a small rural community, Toronto primarily offers two types of licensed childcare: Family Child Care Homes and Licensed Child Care Centers. Family homes are often run by a single provider in their residence and may offer a more intimate setting with mixed-age groups. Centers are less common in the immediate area but may be found in nearby larger towns like Yates Center or Iola. Additionally, you might find legally unlicensed "relative care" or care provided in the child's own home. For school-age children, Toronto USD 309 may offer before- and after-school programs. Networking with other local parents is one of the best ways to discover available options.
Are there any state or local resources specifically for finding and evaluating childcare in the Toronto area?
Yes, the primary resource is Child Care Aware of Kansas. This organization partners with a local Resource & Referral agency that serves your region. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers in Toronto and surrounding counties based on your specific needs (hours, age of child, etc.). They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit and questions to ask providers. You can reach them via their website or by phone. Additionally, checking community bulletin boards at the Toronto Public Library or local churches can sometimes reveal smaller, home-based providers.