The Best Daycare Centers in Hazard, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hazard. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hazard
Goddard Child Development Center
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard Child Development Center in Kearney serves the Hazard area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that emphasizes academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and developmental assessments. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, nutritional meal programs, and spacious classrooms designed for different developmental stages.
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Primrose School of Kearney
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Kearney offers Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends academic preparation with character development. The center features degreed early childhood teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure access systems. Their approach includes hands-on learning in literacy, math, science, and social studies, plus exclusive programs like Music Garden and Harmony & Heart®. The facility includes outdoor learning environments, dedicated infant rooms with individual care plans, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through the Primrose Schools app.
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The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that serves families throughout the Hazard region. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through structured play, creative arts, and hands-on exploration. The center features experienced early childhood educators, secure facilities with monitored access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Special programs include literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The facility offers flexible scheduling, outdoor play areas with safety surfaces, and family engagement events throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hazard, NE
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Hazard, Nebraska, and how do I find them?
In Hazard, Nebraska, and the surrounding rural Phelps County area, licensed childcare options primarily include in-home family childcare providers and potentially small daycare centers. Due to the small population, there are no large commercial daycare chains. The most reliable way to find licensed providers is through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Search tool on their website. You can filter by zip code (68844 for Hazard) and provider type. Additionally, contacting the local Phelps County Community Action agency or asking for recommendations at community hubs like the Hazard United Methodist Church or the Bertrand Co-op can yield leads on trusted local caregivers.
What is the average cost for full-time childcare in Hazard, and are there financial assistance programs for local families?
In Hazard and similar rural Nebraska communities, full-time childcare costs are generally lower than in urban areas but can vary significantly based on the provider and the child's age. For an infant or toddler, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for full-time care at a licensed in-home provider. Nebraska offers financial assistance through the Child Care Subsidy Program, administered by DHHS, which helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). You can apply through the ACCESSNebraska website or your local DHHS office in Holdrege, the county seat.
Are waitlists common for daycare providers in Hazard, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Hazard. A single licensed in-home provider may only care for 8-12 children total, including their own, so spots fill quickly. It is crucial to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact all available providers listed on the DHHS website, ask about their current capacity and waitlist procedures, and get on multiple lists if possible. Building a relationship with a provider by introducing yourself and your child can also be beneficial when a spot opens.
What specific state licensing regulations and safety standards should I verify for a daycare in Hazard?
All licensed providers in Nebraska must comply with state regulations outlined in the Nebraska Child Care Licensing Regulations. Key standards to ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:10 for preschoolers), background checks for all adults in the home, current CPR and First Aid certification, safe sleep practices for infants, annual health and safety training, and routine inspections of the home environment. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past non-compliance reports directly on the Nebraska DHHS website. Don't hesitate to ask a provider for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report.
Given Hazard's rural location, what questions should I ask about emergency preparedness and transportation?
This is a critical consideration for rural childcare. You should ask specific questions about their emergency plans for severe weather (like tornadoes common in Nebraska), power outages, and medical emergencies. Inquire about the proximity to the nearest hospital (likely in Holdrege or Kearney) and their protocol for transportation if needed. Also, clarify their policy on sick children, as a longer drive to retrieve your child may be necessary. Ask if they have backup generators, a stocked emergency kit, and how they practice drills with the children. Understanding their communication plan during an emergency, especially given potential spotty cell service in some rural areas, is essential for your peace of mind.