The Best Daycare Centers in LS, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in LS. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in LS
The Goddard School of Lee's Summit
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lee's Summit offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that balances academic learning with play-based development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The program focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills, with daily communication to parents through a proprietary app. The center is known for its clean, modern facilities and comprehensive safety protocols.
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Primrose School of Lee's Summit
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Lee's Summit provides the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. All lead teachers have early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school offers nutritious meals and snacks prepared on-site and maintains excellent health and safety standards. Parents appreciate the strong communication and regular updates on their child's progress and daily activities.
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La Petite Academy of Lee's Summit
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy in Lee's Summit offers comprehensive early childhood education through their proprietary Links to Learning® curriculum that focuses on school readiness skills. The center features secure keypad entry, age-segregated playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms with learning centers. The staff includes experienced early childhood educators with ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The program includes technology integration, music and movement, and Spanish language exposure. The center provides all meals and snacks following USDA nutritional guidelines and maintains excellent state compliance records with low staff turnover rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in LS, MO
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lee's Summit, Missouri?
In Lee's Summit, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week, while toddler care averages between $200 and $275 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility—center-based care tends to be on the higher end, while licensed in-home daycares may be slightly more affordable. Compared to the Kansas City metro average, Lee's Summit is generally in line or slightly above due to its high-quality school districts and family-oriented community. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in LS, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Lee's Summit can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, we recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple centers to get on their lists (often with a small, non-refundable fee), and follow up every 2-3 months to confirm your spot. Also, consider exploring excellent licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller, home-like setting. Being flexible on your start date can also help.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify when choosing a daycare in Missouri?
All licensed childcare facilities in Lee's Summit must comply with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations. Key requirements to verify include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, annual training in health/safety and child development, and regular facility inspections. You can and should ask the provider for their license number and view their most recent compliance report online via the DESE website. This report will show any licensing violations. Additionally, many Lee's Summit providers voluntarily pursue national accreditation (like NAEYC) or Missouri's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), which indicates a higher standard of care.
Are there any unique local programs or resources in Lee's Summit to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, Lee's Summit parents have access to several helpful local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Aware® of Missouri** referral service, which provides free, personalized lists of licensed providers in the 64063, 64064, and 64082 zip codes. Additionally, the **Lee's Summit School District's Parents as Teachers (PAT)** program offers support and can provide guidance on early childhood options. For evaluations, many parents rely on local Facebook groups (e.g., "Lee's Summit Moms") for firsthand recommendations and reviews. The City of Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation also offers preschool and before/after-school care programs at local community centers, which are popular and well-regarded options.
What should I know about preschool options and pre-kindergarten programs in Lee's Summit, MO?
Lee's Summit offers a robust mix of preschool options. Many daycare centers offer preschool curricula for ages 3-5. Additionally, the **Lee's Summit R-7 School District** operates a state-funded Early Childhood Special Education program and a tuition-based Preschool Program for typically developing children, which is highly sought after. There are also numerous faith-based preschools affiliated with local churches. The typical age to start is 3 or 4, with programs often running 2-5 half-days per week. Registration for these programs, especially the public school options, often begins very early in the calendar year (January-February) for the following fall. It's crucial to research and apply early, as spots fill quickly.
Childcare Insights for LS
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re searching for “infant daycare near me” in LS, Missouri, you’re likely looking for a place that feels like a second home—a nurturing environment where your little one can safely grow and thrive. The good news is that LS and the surrounding Northland communities offer a variety of wonderful childcare options, each with its own unique approach to those precious early months.
When beginning your search in LS, it’s helpful to understand what sets infant care apart. For babies, the primary focus is on building secure attachments, following individual feeding and sleeping schedules, and providing a rich sensory environment. Many quality centers in our area maintain very low caregiver-to-infant ratios, often one staff member for every four infants, which is crucial for personalized attention. As you research local providers, consider starting with recommendations from other Northland parents. Neighborhood groups on social media or local parenting networks can be invaluable for honest feedback about daycares in Lee’s Summit, Raytown, or even into Independence.
A practical first step is to check the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s online licensing database. This allows you to verify a center’s license status and review any past compliance reports. All licensed infant programs in Missouri must meet specific health, safety, and training standards, giving you a foundational level of assurance. Once you have a shortlist, schedule in-person tours. Pay close attention to the infant room’s cleanliness, how caregivers interact with the babies already in their care, and the overall feeling of the space. Is it calm and engaging? Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about daily routines, how they handle communication with parents, and their policies for illness. Given Missouri’s varied weather, also inquire about their plans for inclement weather days and any backup procedures they have in place.
Remember that the best fit is about more than just logistics; it’s about philosophy and connection. Trust your instincts during your visit. Do you feel welcomed and your questions fully answered? Does the staff seem genuinely passionate about infant development? Finally, consider the practicalities of location relative to your home or workplace in LS. A conveniently located center can make those twice-daily commutes much smoother, reducing stress for both you and your baby. Finding infant daycare is a journey, but by taking a thoughtful, local approach, you can find a partner in care right here in the LS community, providing you with peace of mind as your baby takes their first steps in the world.