The Best Daycare Centers in Bellevue, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bellevue. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bellevue
Primrose School of Bellevue
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Bellevue offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, character development, and life skills through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with nutritious meals and snacks provided.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Bellevue
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Bellevue provides comprehensive early education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness. Their programs include STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs qualified early childhood educators. Safety features include secured entrances, comprehensive background checks, and emergency preparedness protocols. The facility offers age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and provides meals meeting nutritional guidelines.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Bellevue
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Bellevue offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic, social, physical, and emotional development. Their STEAM-enriched curriculum includes robotics, coding, and hands-on science activities. The school features modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and secure facilities with keypad entry. All teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain ongoing professional education. The program emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular progress updates for parents.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bellevue, NE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bellevue, Nebraska, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Bellevue and throughout Nebraska, all childcare providers caring for four or more children from different families must be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). This includes family childcare homes, childcare centers, and preschools. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training (including First Aid/CPR and child abuse prevention), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the DHHS "Child Care Licensing Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license status, capacity, and any serious rule violations or enforcement actions. You can also contact the DHHS Child Care Licensing office for the Eastern Service Area, which covers Bellevue, for further verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bellevue, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Bellevue is generally lower than the national average but can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. For toddlers, it's often between $160 and $220 per week. In-home family daycare is usually more affordable, averaging $130 to $190 per week. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Nebraska Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by DHHS. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reasons for care (work, school, etc.). Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees. It's advisable to contact the Nebraska DHHS Economic Assistance office or visit their website to apply for subsidy programs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Bellevue, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to high demand, especially for infant care slots, waitlists at many reputable daycare centers in Bellevue can be substantial. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for infants. For toddler and preschool programs, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search and getting on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes which may have more immediate availability, is a good strategy.
Are there childcare options in Bellevue that cater to parents with non-traditional work hours, such as nights or weekends?
Finding childcare for nights, weekends, or rotating shifts can be challenging in Bellevue, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some options do exist. A few licensed family childcare homes may offer flexible or extended hours to accommodate shift workers, particularly those connected to Offutt Air Force Base. It is crucial to inquire directly with providers about their hours and flexibility. Additionally, you may need to consider a nanny share or hiring a private babysitter for non-standard hours. Networking through local parent groups on social media or community boards can be helpful for finding caregivers who specialize in flexible scheduling.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Bellevue, specific to our local community?
When touring a daycare in Bellevue, beyond general cleanliness and safety, consider these local factors: First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plans, especially regarding severe weather common to Nebraska, such as tornadoes. Ask where children take shelter and how parents are notified. Second, assess their outdoor play areas and policies—given our seasonal extremes, ask how they handle outdoor time in very hot summers and cold winters. Third, for families connected to Offutt Air Force Base, ask if the provider has experience with military families and their policies for handling a parent's deployment or extended TDY. Finally, ask about their sick child policy and how they manage common Midwest illnesses. Observe staff-child interactions and trust your instincts about the overall environment.