The Best Daycare Centers in Fillmore, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fillmore. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fillmore
KinderCare Learning Center of Cameron
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Cameron provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social-emotional, and physical development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, highly qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, and secure facilities with keypad entry systems. Their approach includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills building. The center serves families throughout the Cameron area and surrounding communities including Fillmore, with flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs included.
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The Sunshine House of Cameron
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House in Cameron offers a play-based learning environment with structured curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. Their program includes age-appropriate activities in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts, delivered by certified early childhood educators. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. They provide daily progress reports to parents and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. Serving the broader Cameron region including Fillmore families, they offer full-time, part-time, and drop-in care options.
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New Mark Care and Learning Center
New Mark Care and Learning Center
New Mark Care and Learning Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility serving the Northland communities including families from Fillmore. They offer a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with social development, featuring small class sizes and experienced teaching staff with early childhood degrees. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans, character development, and parent partnership. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate learning environments, outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety measures. With strong parent satisfaction ratings and long-term staff retention, they provide consistent, high-quality care for infants through school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fillmore, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fillmore, Missouri, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Fillmore, Missouri, all licensed childcare facilities must comply with regulations set by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), specifically the Section for Child Care Regulation. These requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety inspections, and age-appropriate programming. To verify a facility's compliance and view its licensing history, including any past violations, you can use the official "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the Missouri DESE website. It's highly recommended to cross-reference this online information with a personal visit to the facility in Fillmore to ask about their specific practices and see the environment firsthand.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fillmore, MO, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Fillmore and the surrounding rural areas of Andrew County, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $120 to $160 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Missouri cities but can vary based on the type of care (in-home vs. center-based) and specific services offered. For financial assistance, Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible low-income families. Applications are processed through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). Additionally, some local providers in Fillmore may offer sibling discounts or flexible payment plans. It's advisable to contact the Andrew County Family Services office for guidance on local subsidy eligibility and application support.
Given Fillmore's small, rural setting, how can I find and evaluate in-home daycare providers, and what should I look for during a visit?
In a small community like Fillmore, many childcare options are licensed family (in-home) daycare providers. Finding them often relies on local word-of-mouth, community Facebook groups (e.g., "Fillmore, MO Community"), bulletins at the post office or local churches, and referrals from the Andrew County Health Department. When evaluating an in-home provider, ensure they are licensed by the state (you can verify this online). During a visit, look for a safe, clean, and child-proofed environment, ask about their daily schedule and emergency plans, observe how they interact with the children, and request references from other Fillmore-area parents. Confirm they have liability insurance and a clear sick-child policy, which is especially important in close-knit communities.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Fillmore that offer part-time or drop-in care, or will I likely need to look in nearby towns?
Due to Fillmore's very small population, dedicated daycare centers within the city limits are extremely limited. Most structured, center-based options with part-time or drop-in schedules are located in nearby larger towns such as Savannah (the Andrew County seat, about 15 minutes away) or St. Joseph (about 30 minutes away). In Fillmore itself, your primary options will be licensed in-home providers, who may offer more flexible, part-time arrangements based on their current enrollment. It's essential to inquire directly with local providers about their capacity for part-time care. For reliable drop-in care, parents in Fillmore often need to plan for services in Savannah, where some centers offer more flexible hourly or daily rates.
What are typical waitlist times for daycare openings in Fillmore, and when should I start my search for an infant spot?
In Fillmore, waitlist times can vary significantly but are often influenced by the limited number of providers. For highly sought-after licensed in-home providers or any local preschool programs, waitlists of 3 to 6 months are not uncommon, especially for infant care which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. Contact providers directly to inquire about their current waitlist procedures and potential openings. Being proactive and putting your name on multiple lists, both in Fillmore and in neighboring Savannah, increases your chances of securing a spot. Building a relationship with a local provider early can also be beneficial in this tight-knit community.