The Best Daycare Centers in Montreal, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montreal. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montreal
Kidz Town Learning Center
Independent
Kidz Town Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Lake of the Ozarks region, including Montreal families. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured educational activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure facilities with controlled access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness with regular progress reports and parent communication. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas with modern educational materials and resources.
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Little Angels Preschool
Independent
Little Angels Preschool provides quality early childhood education with a Christian-based curriculum that serves families throughout Camden County, including Montreal. The center focuses on holistic child development through academic preparation, social-emotional learning, and character education. Their experienced teaching staff holds early childhood certifications and maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. The facility features bright, clean classrooms, secure entry systems, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Their program includes structured learning activities, creative arts, music education, and outdoor recreation with an emphasis on kindergarten readiness skills and positive social interactions.
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Kids Korner Learning Center
Independent
Kids Korner Learning Center is an established childcare provider serving the Lake of the Ozarks area with comprehensive early childhood programs. They implement a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development and creative expression. The center employs qualified early childhood professionals who participate in ongoing training and development. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, comprehensive background checks, and strict health protocols. Their program includes age-appropriate learning activities, hands-on exploration, literacy development, and STEM concepts. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family involvement opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montreal, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Montreal, MO, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Montreal, 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 (caring for up to 10 children) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's license, you can use the official "Child Care Search" tool on the Missouri DESE website. You can search by provider name, city (Montreal), or zip code to view their current license status, any recent compliance reports, and capacity. It's a crucial first step for any parent to ensure the daycare operates legally and meets state standards.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Montreal, MO?
In Montreal and the surrounding rural areas of Missouri, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A licensed family childcare home may range from $100 to $150 per week. These are estimates, and prices can be influenced by factors like the provider's hours, included meals, and curriculum. It's important to ask exactly what is included in the weekly rate. For financial assistance, Missouri offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Missouri Department of Social Services.
Are there any specialized childcare programs or resources for families in the Montreal, MO area, such as for children with special needs or during non-traditional hours?
Given Montreal's small, rural setting, specialized on-site programs within the city itself are limited. However, families have important regional resources. For children with special needs, Missouri's First Steps program (for children birth to age 3) can provide early intervention services, which may be coordinated with a local daycare provider. For non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight), options are scarce in Montreal proper. Your best bet is to inquire directly with licensed family childcare homes, as some may offer flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in regional agriculture or manufacturing. For more structured specialized care, parents often look to larger nearby towns like Rolla or Salem, which may have more diverse programs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Montreal, MO, and what can I do to secure a spot?
In a small community like Montreal, the number of licensed daycare slots is limited, which can lead to waitlists, especially for infant care. Waitlists can range from a few weeks to several months. To improve your chances of securing a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 3-6 months before you need care. Contact all licensed providers in Montreal directly, either by phone or in person, to get on their lists. Be prepared to provide your child's anticipated start date and age. Don't hesitate to also explore licensed family childcare homes, as they may have more immediate openings. Staying in regular, polite contact with providers can also help keep your family top-of-mind if a spot opens up.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to a rural setting like Montreal, MO?
When touring a daycare in Montreal, consider factors unique to its rural environment. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plans for severe weather common to Missouri (like tornadoes) and their protocol for power outages, including backup heating/cooling. Ask about their outdoor play area—is it securely fenced and free from hazards specific to rural areas, like agricultural equipment or untreated well access? For transportation or field trips, verify their vehicle safety and insurance. Also, discuss their policy on illness, given the potentially longer distance to a pediatrician or urgent care. Finally, observe how they incorporate local community elements, which can be a sign of a nurturing, connected environment for your child.