The Best Daycare Centers in Higbee, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Higbee. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Higbee
The Goddard School of Columbia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Columbia is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving families throughout central Missouri, including Higbee area residents. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character enrichment programs. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meal programs.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Columbia
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Columbia provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school serves families across central Missouri with a research-based approach that develops creativity, critical thinking, and character. Facilities include secure campuses with age-specific learning environments, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. All staff meet Missouri state licensing requirements with additional Primrose training. The school emphasizes parent communication through regular updates and developmental milestone tracking. Their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, and they offer healthy meals prepared on-site.
Daycare Services:
Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Little Lambs Preschool & Childcare in Moberly serves families throughout Randolph County and surrounding areas including Higbee. This faith-based childcare center provides a nurturing environment with structured educational programs that prepare children for kindergarten. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development through hands-on learning activities. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with experienced early childhood educators who receive ongoing training. Facilities include secure access systems, modern classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Higbee, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Higbee, Missouri, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Higbee, as in all of Missouri, childcare facilities are licensed and regulated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Section for Child Care Regulation. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, health and safety training (including CPR and first aid), safe environments, and developmentally appropriate programming. To verify a facility's license and compliance history, you can use the free online "Child Care Search" tool on the DESE website. This tool allows you to see the provider's license status, capacity, any serious rule violations, and inspection reports. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Higbee area to ensure their chosen provider operates legally and safely under state oversight.
Are there any licensed in-home daycare options in Higbee, and what are their typical hours and capacities?
Yes, licensed family childcare homes are a common option in smaller communities like Higbee. These are typically run by a provider in their own home and are licensed for a smaller number of children (often between 6 and 10, including the provider's own children, depending on the license type). Their hours can be more flexible than center-based care but are often tailored to local needs, such as standard weekday hours from around 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM to accommodate commuting parents to nearby larger towns like Moberly or Columbia. Due to the limited number of slots, these homes can fill quickly. It's recommended to contact providers directly to discuss specific hours, availability, and their unique program philosophies. Networking through local community groups or Facebook pages for Higbee parents is a good way to discover these options.
What is the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare in Higbee, MO, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Higbee and the surrounding Randolph County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but can vary. For full-time care, you might expect to pay approximately $120-$180 per week for a toddler in a family childcare home, and slightly more for infant care due to lower staff-to-child ratios. Center-based care in nearby Moberly may be higher. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or training requirements. You can apply online through the myDSS portal or contact the Randolph County Family Support Division office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
Given Higbee's small size, how long are daycare waitlists typically, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to limited childcare options in a town of Higbee's size, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular licensed providers or the limited center-based options to have waitlists of several months to a year. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact all available providers to get on their lists, even if their current availability doesn't match your needed start date. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee in some cases. Also, expand your search to include licensed providers in nearby communities like Huntsville, Moberly, or even the outskirts of Columbia, understanding this will involve a longer commute.
What types of preschool or early learning programs are integrated into daycare services in Higbee?
While Higbee itself may not have standalone preschools, many licensed daycare providers incorporate structured early learning into their programs to prepare children for kindergarten at Higbee R-VIII School District. Look for providers who follow a curriculum framework, even informally. Some may use tools like the "Missouri Early Learning Standards" to guide activities that develop literacy, math, social, and motor skills. Some in-home providers or centers in nearby Moberly may participate in Missouri's voluntary quality rating system, "Missouri Accreditation" or "Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)," which indicates a stronger focus on school readiness. It's important to ask providers specifically about their daily schedule, learning activities, and how they track a child's developmental progress.