The Best Daycare Centers in Florence, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Florence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Florence
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Jefferson City offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Serves families throughout Central Missouri, including Florence area residents.
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Primrose School of Columbia
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Columbia provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs. The school maintains Missouri state licensing requirements with additional safety protocols including secured access, comprehensive background checks, and health screening procedures. Features include nutritionally balanced meals, large outdoor learning environments, and music and Spanish enrichment programs. Many families commute from surrounding communities including Florence for their nationally accredited programs.
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Kiddie Academy of Jefferson City
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Jefferson City implements their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on preparing children for school and life success through project-based learning and character education. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including electronic entry and surveillance monitoring. Their degreed teachers provide individualized attention with developmentally appropriate activities in literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The academy offers flexible scheduling and serves as a regional hub for families in Cole County and surrounding areas including Florence, with transportation options available for school-age children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Florence, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Florence, Missouri, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Florence, Missouri, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Section for Child Care Regulation. This includes family homes caring for more than four unrelated children and all group homes and childcare centers. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:4 for infants), health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and view any past compliance reports, you can use the official Missouri Child Care Provider Search tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database and look for providers with a "Licensed - Active" status before enrolling your child.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Florence, MO, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in the immediate Florence area, many parents find they need to look at options in nearby larger communities like Springfield or Ozark. Waitlists can vary significantly but for infant care, which is the most limited, it's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially at highly-rated centers. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists of 3-6 months are typical. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy for infant care. Contacting both centers and licensed in-home providers to inquire about their specific timeline is crucial.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Florence area?
Childcare costs in the Florence region are generally lower than in major Missouri cities like St. Louis or Kansas City, but can still be a significant expense. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and exact location. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). For financial assistance, Missouri offers a subsidy program for eligible families through the Family Support Division.
Are there any state or local programs in Missouri that help with childcare costs for families in Florence?
Yes, the primary program is Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Family Support Division (FSD). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (such as employment or education). Families in Florence apply through the local FSD office serving Christian County. Additionally, you may qualify for federal tax benefits like the Child and Dependent Care Credit. While there are no Florence-specific municipal programs, some local employers or community organizations may offer referrals or limited assistance. It's also worth checking with providers about possible sibling discounts or sliding scale fees.
What are my options for drop-in or part-time childcare in Florence, MO, for occasional needs?
Finding consistent drop-in care in a small community like Florence can be challenging, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time, enrolled children. Your best options are to: 1) Network with other local parents to find a trusted, licensed in-home provider who may have occasional flexibility. 2) Look at larger childcare centers in Springfield (about a 30-minute drive), as some may offer part-time schedules or have a "parent's day out" program. 3) Consider using a reputable babysitting service that vets its caregivers, though these are more common in the Springfield area. For reliable occasional care, building a relationship with a local provider well in advance of when you need it is often necessary.