The Best Daycare Centers in La Monte, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in La Monte. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in La Monte
The Goddard School of Warrensburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Warrensburg 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 curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, delivered by degreed teachers in state-of-the-art classrooms. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. What sets this center apart is their focus on STEAM learning, daily communication with parents through the Goddard Connect app, and their commitment to developing each child's social, emotional, and academic skills through individualized learning plans.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Warrensburg
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Warrensburg provides a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Their approach includes phonics-based literacy programs, hands-on mathematics, and science exploration. The center features dedicated learning centers, secure facilities with coded entry, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center stands out for their inclusive environment, nutritious meal program, and strong emphasis on social-emotional development through their Conscious Discipline approach.
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First Baptist Child Development Center
First Baptist Church of Warrensburg
First Baptist Child Development Center offers a Christ-centered educational environment combined with high-quality early childhood curriculum. Their program integrates faith-based values with academic preparation, focusing on literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social skills. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, certified early childhood educators, and a secure facility with monitored access. What makes this center exceptional is their comprehensive approach to child development, including music and movement programs, character education, and strong parent partnerships. They maintain excellent safety records and provide regular developmental assessments to track each child's progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in La Monte, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in La Monte, MO, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In La Monte, 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 childcare homes, group homes, and childcare centers. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age, health and safety training (including CPR and first aid), and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the official Missouri Child Care Provider Search tool online. You can view their license status, any serious violations, and inspection reports. It's highly recommended to check this resource and even ask the provider directly for their most recent inspection report.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in La Monte, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In the La Monte area and surrounding Pettis County, average costs for full-time infant care typically range from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $120 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), the specific programs offered, and whether meals are included. For financial assistance, Missouri's primary program is the Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Local agencies like the Pettis County Community Partnership or the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way may also have information on local scholarships or sliding-scale fee programs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in La Monte, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like La Monte, waitlists for licensed daycare centers and highly-regarded home providers can be significant, especially for infant spots. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before care is needed. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, get on their waitlists (which may require a small fee), and check back periodically. Many families also look at providers in nearby Sedalia, which offers more options but may also have waitlists.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically in La Monte, MO?
La Monte offers a few primary types of licensed childcare options. The most common are licensed **family childcare homes**, which operate out of a provider's residence and typically care for a smaller group of children, offering a home-like environment. There are also **childcare centers**, which may be standalone businesses or affiliated with local churches or organizations, offering structured programs for larger groups. Given La Monte's size, the number of centers is limited. Some parents also utilize **licensed group homes** (slightly larger than family homes) or seek **in-home caregivers** (like nannies), though the latter are less common and not licensed through the state unless they care for children from multiple families. Exploring providers in neighboring Sedalia greatly expands the options.
Are there any daycare facilities in La Monte that offer flexible hours for parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Finding childcare with extended, overnight, or weekend hours in La Monte itself can be very challenging, as most licensed family homes and centers operate on a standard weekday schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Your best bet is to inquire directly with individual family home providers, as some may offer limited flexibility for an adjusted rate. For reliable non-traditional hour care, parents in La Monte often need to look toward the larger city of Sedalia, approximately 10-15 minutes away, where some larger centers or specialized providers may offer extended hours. Additionally, exploring networks of trusted babysitters or nanny shares with other local families in similar situations can be a practical solution for covering irregular shifts.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near La Monte: