The Best Daycare Centers in Boys Town, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Boys Town. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Boys Town
Primrose School of Legacy
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Legacy offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, combining teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Located just minutes from Boys Town, this center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees and specialized training. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, and social-emotional skills through hands-on learning experiences. The school provides nutritious meals and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios with comprehensive safety protocols and regular parent communication.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of West Omaha
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of West Omaha provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that encourages children's natural curiosity. Located approximately 3 miles from Boys Town, this center features degreed teachers and low student-teacher ratios. The curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, literacy development, and social skills. The facility includes secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, and bright, well-equipped classrooms. They emphasize safety with comprehensive background checks, regular safety drills, and health protocols. Parent communication includes daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
La Petite Academy of Omaha
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Omaha offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on school readiness. Serving the Boys Town area, this center provides age-appropriate learning experiences from infants through school-age children. Their Grow Fit® program promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity. The facility features secure entry systems, age-segregated playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain certifications in CPR and first aid. The curriculum includes literacy development, mathematical thinking, scientific exploration, and creative arts. Parent engagement includes regular updates, family events, and detailed progress reports tracking developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Boys Town, NE
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Boys Town, Nebraska, and how can I verify a provider's compliance?
In Boys Town, Nebraska, all childcare providers 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 Search" tool online. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license status, capacity, any serious violations, and inspection reports. You can also contact the DHHS Child Care Licensing office directly for the Omaha area, which oversees Boys Town.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Boys Town, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Boys Town and greater Omaha metro area, full-time daycare costs vary significantly by provider type. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,500 per month for an infant. Family childcare homes may range from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These rates are competitive with the wider Omaha region. For financial assistance, Nebraska offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through DHHS, which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, many employers in the Omaha area participate in the Child Care Aware® of Nebraska program, which can provide referrals and sometimes sliding-scale fees. It's crucial to apply for assistance early, as waitlists for subsidies can exist.
Are there any unique childcare or early education programs in Boys Town that leverage its historical community resources?
Yes, Boys Town's unique history as a community for youth can influence local childcare options. While not a direct public service, the legacy of Boys Town often fosters a community-oriented approach. Some local providers may partner with or be influenced by the Boys Town National Research Hospital, which is a world leader in childhood deafness and communication disorders. This can mean greater accessibility and awareness for inclusive care. Furthermore, the Boys Town community atmosphere often results in smaller, home-based providers who emphasize social-emotional learning and character development, reflecting the area's historical focus on child well-being. Checking with the Boys Town Community Programs office might yield connections to recommended local providers.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Boys Town area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists in the Boys Town/Omaha west area can be lengthy, especially for infant care at highly-rated centers. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy. Contact multiple centers and family childcare homes to get on their lists, even if you're not yet sure. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$100). Stay in regular, polite contact with providers every few months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to nearby areas like Omaha (specifically the Millard or West Omaha neighborhoods), Elkhorn, or Ralston for more options. Flexibility on start dates can also help.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Boys Town, and are there local resources for referrals?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, safety (outlet covers, secure gates, fenced outdoor space), and how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff turnover, daily schedules, meal plans, and their sick policy. In Nebraska, also verify their DHHS license is visibly posted. For local referrals, start with **Child Care Aware® of Nebraska** (call 1-800-383-9212 or visit their website), which provides free, personalized referrals. The **Boys Town Community Programs** or the **Omaha Family Magazine** annual childcare guide are also valuable local resources. Finally, tap into community networks like local Facebook parenting groups (e.g., "Omaha Area Moms") for firsthand recommendations from other parents in your specific area.
Childcare Insights for Boys Town
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families, and if you're a parent in Boys Town, Nebraska, searching for "low cost daycare near me," you're not alone. The quest for quality care that fits your budget requires a bit of local knowledge and strategy. While Boys Town itself is a unique, close-knit community, many families look to the surrounding Omaha metro area for daycare options, blending convenience with affordability.
A great first step is to explore resources provided by the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website offers a searchable database of licensed childcare providers. You can filter by location, using Boys Town or nearby zip codes like 68010, to find registered family childcare homes or centers. These licensed facilities often meet specific standards for safety and curriculum, and some participate in subsidy programs that can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to inquire directly with providers about any sliding scale fees they might offer based on family income, as this isn't always advertised online.
Given Boys Town's proximity to Omaha, don't limit your search to just the immediate village boundaries. Expanding your radius to include areas like West Omaha can reveal more options, including non-profit daycare centers, faith-based preschools, and in-home providers that may have more flexible pricing. Many churches in the region operate preschool programs that offer part-time or full-time care at rates often lower than large corporate centers. A visit to the local Boys Town community center or library might also yield bulletin board postings or staff recommendations for trusted local caregivers.
Another critical avenue is the Child Care Subsidy Program, often referred to as Title XX. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need, such as employment or school attendance. Applying for this assistance through the Nebraska DHHS can make many daycare options in the Boys Town and Omaha area financially accessible. It's a process, but the potential savings are substantial. Additionally, some employers in the greater Omaha area offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allow you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses, effectively lowering your overall cost.
When you contact potential daycares, be prepared with specific questions. Ask about their license status, adult-to-child ratios, and whether their weekly fee includes meals and supplies. Sometimes, a slightly higher weekly rate that includes everything can be more economical than a bare-bones rate with added costs for lunch, snacks, or activity fees. Trust your instincts during tours; a warm, engaging environment where children are happily occupied is priceless. Remember, affordable care in the Boys Town area is within reach. It requires diligent research, leveraging state and local resources, and clear communication with providers to find the right safe, nurturing, and budget-friendly spot for your child.