The Best Daycare Centers in Bloomington, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bloomington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bloomington
ABC Academy Child Development Center
ABC Academy
ABC Academy provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains low teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. The program focuses on school readiness through structured learning activities while balancing play-based exploration. Parents appreciate the strong communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Little Sprouts
Little Sprouts Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early childhood development. The curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with hands-on learning activities and emphasizes character development. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features secure facilities with camera monitoring, nutritious meal programs, and developmentally appropriate playground equipment. Special programs include music enrichment, STEM activities, and family engagement events. The center is praised for its warm, family-like atmosphere and consistent care quality.
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The Growing Place
The Growing Place
The Growing Place provides high-quality early childhood education with a comprehensive curriculum that prepares children for academic success. The program emphasizes language development, early literacy, and mathematical thinking through intentional teaching practices. Qualified educators hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes with optimal teacher-child ratios. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern learning environments, and expansive outdoor play areas. The center is recognized for its strong parent partnerships, detailed progress reporting, and commitment to creating inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for all children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bloomington, NE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bloomington, Nebraska, and how can I verify a provider's license?
In 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 and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. For a smaller town like Bloomington, many providers may be licensed family home daycares. You can verify a provider's license status and view any compliance history by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the Nebraska DHHS website. It's also a good practice to ask the provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Bloomington, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Bloomington, waitlists can be common and may range from several months to over a year, especially for infant care. It's crucial to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers—both licensed family homes and any centers in nearby towns like Franklin or Holdrege. Get on multiple waitlists, even if they aren't your first choice. Maintain regular, polite contact (e.g., a check-in every 2-3 months) to show your continued interest. Be flexible with your start date if possible.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Bloomington, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Bloomington and the surrounding rural area of south-central Nebraska, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than the state average but can vary. For a licensed family home daycare, you might expect to pay between $120-$180 per week per child. Costs for centers in nearby larger towns may be higher. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Nebraska DHHS Child Care Subsidy Program, which helps eligible low-income working families, those in education/training, or those receiving protective services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the ACCESSNebraska website or your local DHHS office, which for Bloomington would likely be the Holdrege service area.
Are there any unique childcare options in Bloomington that cater to farm families or non-traditional work hours?
Given Bloomington's agricultural setting, some local family daycare providers may offer more flexibility for farm families, such as earlier drop-off times during planting or harvest seasons. However, formal 24-hour or overnight care is very rare. Your best bet is to network within the local community—ask at the Bloomington Community Center, church groups, or local co-ops for recommendations of providers who understand agricultural schedules. Some providers might offer part-time or drop-in care, which can be helpful for variable schedules. For consistent non-traditional hours (e.g., night shifts), you may need to look for a nanny share arrangement with another family or explore providers in Kearney or Hastings, which have more diverse options.
What resources are available in Bloomington to help me evaluate the quality and safety of a potential daycare?
Beyond checking the state license, you can utilize several local resources. First, you can contact the local public health department or the Sixpence Early Childhood Fund coordinator for Phelps County (which includes Bloomington) for referrals and quality indicators. Second, ask the provider if they participate in Nebraska's Step Up to Quality rating system—a voluntary program that rates childcare quality above minimum licensing standards. Third, schedule an in-person visit to observe the environment, ask about emergency plans for severe weather common to Nebraska, and inquire about staff training in pediatric CPR/first aid. Finally, talk to other parents in the community at school events or the Bloomington Market for firsthand experiences and recommendations.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Bloomington: