The Best Daycare Centers in Bennet, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bennet. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bennet
KinderCare Learning Center at South Lincoln
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at South Lincoln is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Bennet area with a comprehensive early childhood education program. They employ a play-based learning approach aligned with Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines, focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated classrooms for different age groups, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for safe exploration. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development. The curriculum includes hands-on activities, music, and art, with regular progress reports for parents. What sets this center apart is their strong emphasis on individualized learning plans and their nutritious meal program that meets USDA guidelines.
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The Goddard School of Lincoln
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lincoln serves Bennet families with their renowned F.L.E.X. Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic readiness with social development. Their STEAM-focused curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) encourages critical thinking through hands-on projects. The facility features bright, modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and secure outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes character development and community awareness, with regular parent communication through a dedicated app. Their standout features include yoga and mindfulness programs for children, and enhanced safety protocols including coded entry systems.
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Primrose School of Lincoln
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Lincoln offers their exclusive Balanced Learning® approach to Bennet area families, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, character development, and essential life skills through units like "Around the World" cultural studies. The facility includes state-of-the-art classrooms, multiple playgrounds with safety surfaces, and a dedicated music room. All lead teachers have bachelor's degrees and specialized early childhood training. The school maintains exceptional health and safety standards with secure entry, daily cleanliness protocols, and regular safety drills. What distinguishes Primrose is their partnership with parents through regular events and their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program incorporating music, art, and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bennet, NE
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Bennet, Nebraska?
In Bennet, parents primarily have access to two types of licensed childcare: family childcare homes and childcare centers. Family childcare homes are smaller, home-based operations, often offering a more intimate setting and potentially more flexible hours. Bennet itself has a limited number of dedicated childcare centers, so many families also consider options in nearby larger communities like Lincoln, which is about a 15-minute drive away. All licensed providers in Nebraska are regulated by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which sets standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and curriculum. You can search for licensed providers specifically in Lancaster County, which includes Bennet, through the Nebraska DHHS Child Care Search website.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bennet?
Childcare costs in Bennet and the surrounding Lancaster County area are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas but have been rising. For full-time care (approximately 40-50 hours per week), you can expect to pay between $150 and $250 per week for a toddler at a family childcare home in Bennet. Infant care is typically more expensive, often ranging from $175 to $300 per week, due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. Costs at centers in nearby Lincoln may be on the higher end of this range or slightly above. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Nebraska also offers the Child Care Subsidy Program for income-eligible families to help offset these costs.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Bennet, and how should I plan ahead?
Due to high demand and limited local slots, waitlists for preferred daycare providers in Bennet can be significant, especially for infants. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months for a spot in a licensed family home or a local center. The most critical planning advice for Bennet parents is to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Expanding your search to include providers in neighboring towns like Crete, Waverly, or southeast Lincoln can increase your options.
What are the state licensing requirements for daycare providers in Nebraska that I should verify?
Nebraska DHHS requires all licensed childcare providers to meet strict standards. As a parent in Bennet, you should verify that any provider you consider is currently licensed. Key requirements include: passing comprehensive background checks for all staff and household members (in family homes), maintaining specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:4 for infants), completing annual training in topics like Safe Sleep and First Aid/CPR, and adhering to health and safety protocols for meals, sanitation, and safe environments. Licensed providers are subject to unannounced inspections. You can and should ask to see a provider's current license and their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Bennet to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Child Care Referral Service provided by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department**. While based in Lincoln, this free service covers all of Lancaster County, including Bennet. A referral specialist can provide you with a customized list of licensed providers based on your location, needed hours, child's age, and other preferences. They can also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and questions to ask. Additionally, the **Bennet Community Library** and local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Bennet, NE Community") are often used by parents to share personal experiences and recommendations for local in-home providers, which can be invaluable for finding lesser-advertised options.