The Best Daycare Centers in Montrose, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Montrose. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Montrose
Tiny Tots Learning Center
Independent
Tiny Tots Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility serving Montrose and surrounding communities. They employ a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Missouri Early Learning Standards, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and cognitive skills. The center features certified early childhood educators with CPR and First Aid certification, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms and a fenced outdoor playground with safety surfacing. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Sunshine Daycare & Learning Center
Sunshine Childcare Group
Located in nearby Centerview (approximately 15 minutes from Montrose), Sunshine Daycare serves families throughout Johnson County with a comprehensive early childhood program. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning, focusing on developmental milestones through hands-on exploration. The center employs degreed early childhood professionals who participate in ongoing training and maintain state-required certifications. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers bright, well-equipped classrooms, a dedicated art and music room, and age-specific outdoor play areas designed to encourage physical development and creative expression.
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ABC Academy Child Development Center
ABC Learning Systems
ABC Academy in Warrensburg (approximately 20 minutes from Montrose) is a well-established childcare center serving families across Johnson County. They implement a research-based curriculum that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education from early ages, preparing children for academic success. The center features state-licensed teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and specialized training in developmental assessment. Their facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, a STEM lab for older children, and multiple secured playgrounds with natural elements. The center maintains excellent state compliance records and offers extended hours to accommodate working families, along with enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and physical education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Montrose, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Montrose, MO, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Montrose, 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 free online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the Missouri DESE website. You can view their license status, any serious violations, and inspection reports. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the Montrose area to ensure their child's safety.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Montrose, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the rural nature of Henry County and limited options in Montrose itself, waitlists for the more established daycare centers in nearby towns like Clinton or Windsor can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. For in-home providers within Montrose, availability can be sporadic. To secure a spot, it's highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible during pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask detailed questions about their timeline, and consider putting down a (refundable) deposit to hold a spot. Also, explore smaller licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times than larger centers.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Montrose, MO?
Childcare costs in Montrose and surrounding Henry County are generally lower than in Missouri's urban areas but vary by provider type. For a licensed in-home daycare in Montrose, you might expect to pay between $100-$150 per week for full-time care. For a childcare center in a nearby larger town, costs can range from $130-$180 per week. Infant care is typically at the higher end of this range. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (meals, snacks, supplies). 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 part-time or drop-in childcare options available in Montrose for parents with irregular schedules?
Traditional part-time or drop-in care is very limited in Montrose due to the small number of providers and high demand for full-time spots. Most licensed in-home providers and centers prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable income and staffing. However, some family childcare homes may offer part-time arrangements for preschool-aged children, typically on a set schedule (e.g., Monday-Wednesday-Friday). For true drop-in or occasional care, your best bet is to network with other local parents for babysitting swaps or to seek out registered but not necessarily licensed occasional caregivers. There are no formal drop-in daycare centers in the immediate Montrose area.
What local resources or organizations in Montrose can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
A key local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency that serves Henry County. While not based in Montrose, agencies like "Child Care Aware of Missouri" provide free referral services. You can call their hotline or use their website to get a customized list of licensed providers in your zip code (64770). Additionally, connecting with the Montrose community through the local school district (Montrose R-XIV) or community Facebook groups (e.g., "Montrose, MO Community") can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into smaller, home-based providers that may not be widely advertised online. The Henry County Health Center can also sometimes provide guidance on licensed health and safety standards.