The Best Daycare Centers in Rolla, MO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Rolla. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Rolla
Little Angels Learning Center
Independent
Little Angels Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive educational programs. The center employs experienced, qualified teachers who implement a play-based learning curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, and cognitive development. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and prioritize safety with secure facilities, regular safety drills, and thorough background checks. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals. Parents consistently praise the dedicated staff, clean facilities, and the center's ability to prepare children for kindergarten through structured learning activities and developmental tracking.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Rolla offers a premium early childhood education experience with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play. The school features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Their state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social skills. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports, the professional staff, and the comprehensive approach to child development that includes music, art, and physical education components.
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Kiddie Academy of Rolla
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Rolla provides educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The academy features certified teachers who create engaging learning environments with hands-on activities and technology integration. Their facility includes secure access systems, modern learning centers, and outdoor play spaces designed for different age groups. The program emphasizes health and fitness with structured physical activities and provides nutritious meals. Parents value the strong communication through their mobile app, the structured learning environment, and the focus on developing independence and social skills in preparation for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Rolla, MO
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Rolla, Missouri?
In Rolla, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. This is generally lower than the state average for Missouri and significantly lower than in major metropolitan areas like St. Louis or Kansas City. Costs can vary based on the type of facility—licensed daycare centers often charge on the higher end of that range, while licensed in-home providers may be slightly less expensive. Factors like the provider's curriculum, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities (meals, supplies) also influence pricing. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Rolla?
All licensed childcare facilities in Rolla must comply with Missouri state regulations overseen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Section for Child Care Regulation. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any past violations, through the official Missouri Child Care Provider Search website. Simply enter the provider's name or location. Additionally, you can contact the local Rolla Public Health Center or the Phelps County Child Care Resource & Referral agency for assistance. Always ask providers for their current license number and look for it posted visibly at their facility. Unlicensed care (except for certain exempt situations) is illegal for more than four unrelated children, so verification is crucial for safety.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Rolla, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to Rolla's status as a university town (home to Missouri University of Science and Technology) with a fluctuating population of student and faculty families, waitlists for popular daycare centers, especially for infants, can be common and sometimes lengthy. It is strongly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, particularly if you require care for a child under 2 years old. Some centers affiliated with the university or larger employers may have priority lists. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists and check in periodically. For more immediate openings, consider exploring licensed family childcare homes, which may have more flexible availability.
What are some local resources in Rolla to help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Rolla parents have several valuable local resources. The primary agency is **Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) of South Central Missouri**, which serves Phelps County. They offer free referrals to licensed providers, information on state assistance programs, and guidance on choosing quality care. You can also contact the **Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce** for a list of member businesses, which includes some daycare centers. For parents affiliated with Missouri S&T, the university's **Human Resources department** may offer childcare referral services or information about on-campus options. Additionally, local Facebook groups like "Rolla, MO Community" or "Rolla Area Parents" are often used by parents to share personal recommendations and experiences with local providers.
What unique childcare options exist in Rolla for parents with non-traditional or student schedules?
Rolla offers several options tailored to irregular schedules. Some licensed in-home providers and a few centers offer evening, weekend, or flexible part-time care to accommodate shift workers at local hospitals (like Phelps Health) or students at Missouri S&T. The university itself may have limited drop-in care services for students during exam periods or through specific family support programs. Additionally, several centers offer "parent's day out" programs, which are scheduled part-day sessions that can help fill gaps. For true emergency or occasional care, networking through local parent groups to find trusted, vetted babysitters is a common strategy. Be sure to explicitly discuss your schedule needs during tours, as not all providers offer hours outside the typical 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM window.