The Best Daycare Centers in Perkins, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perkins. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perkins
Little Rascals Learning Center
Independent
Little Rascals Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Perkins area from nearby Poplar Bluff. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and A Beka curriculum for preschool and pre-K. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, state-certified early childhood educators, and a secure facility with keypad entry systems. Their program emphasizes developmental milestones, social-emotional learning, and school readiness skills. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and excellent communication.
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Kiddie Academy of Poplar Bluff
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Poplar Bluff is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain serving families in the Perkins region. Their Life Essentials curriculum focuses on whole-child development through structured learning activities, character education, and technology integration. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, highly qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, and age-specific learning environments. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and physical education. The academy offers flexible scheduling, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and regular parent communication through digital platforms. The center maintains excellent state licensing compliance and receives high marks for educational quality and safety standards.
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First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education
First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff
First Baptist Church Weekday Early Education provides quality Christian-based childcare serving the Perkins community from Poplar Bluff. The program combines academic preparation with character development in a nurturing, faith-based environment. Their curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated with Bible stories and Christian values. The center features experienced early childhood educators, small class sizes, and a safe, secure facility with controlled access. Their program emphasizes kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, social development, and fine/gross motor skills. Parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere, consistent staff, and strong educational foundation provided. The center maintains excellent state licensing standards and has served families in the region for nearly two decades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perkins, MO
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Perkins, Missouri, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Perkins, 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 state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a specific daycare's license status in the Perkins area, you can use the official "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the Missouri DESE website. You can search by provider name, city, or zip code to see their current license type, any history of violations, and their compliance rating. It's a crucial first step for any parent.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perkins, MO?
Childcare costs in Perkins and the surrounding rural areas of Missouri are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas like St. Louis or Kansas City. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler at a licensed in-home daycare. Larger childcare centers in nearby towns like Sikeston or Cape Girardeau may charge slightly more, ranging from $150 to $220 per week. It's important to note that these are averages, and prices can vary based on the provider's amenities, curriculum, and meal provisions. Always ask what is included in the weekly rate.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with daycare costs for families in Perkins?
Yes, eligible families in Perkins can apply for financial assistance through Missouri's Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). This program helps low-income working families, those in job training, or parents pursuing education pay for licensed childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online through the Missouri DSS website or contact your local Family Support Division office, which for Scott County (where Perkins is located) is in Sikeston. Additionally, some local charities or community action agencies may offer limited assistance or sliding scale fees at specific providers.
How common are waitlists for daycare spots in Perkins, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Perkins, quality licensed daycare spots, especially for infants, can be limited and often have waitlists. It is very common to encounter waitlists of several months. To secure a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is a common practice. Don't limit your search to Perkins alone; consider licensed providers in neighboring communities such as Benton, Morley, or Sikeston, which may have more options and a slightly shorter wait time.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a daycare in a small town like Perkins?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and safety, in a Perkins context, ask specific local questions. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Southeast Missouri, like tornadoes. Ask about their policy on farm or animal exposure if the daycare is in a rural setting. Clarify their sick policy and backup care options, as alternative providers may be miles away. Discuss how they handle school closures for the Scott County R-IV School District, as this affects staff and potentially sibling pickup. Finally, ask for references from other local parents to get a genuine community perspective on the provider's reliability and quality of care.