The Best Daycare Centers in Omaha, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Omaha. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Omaha
Primrose School of Legacy
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Legacy offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces. Parents praise the school's communication through the Primrose Schools app and the comprehensive developmental milestone tracking.
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The Goddard School of West Omaha
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of West Omaha provides a play-based learning curriculum called F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The school features low student-teacher ratios, STEM learning labs, and daily enrichment activities including yoga, music, and art. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators with ongoing training requirements. The facility includes secure keypad entry, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and classroom observation windows. Parents consistently highlight the school's nurturing environment and comprehensive educational programming.
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La Petite Academy of Omaha
Learning Care Group
La Petite Academy of Omaha offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes school readiness through their proprietary DigiLit® and STEM programs. The center provides age-appropriate learning environments with designated infant rooms, toddler discovery areas, and preschool learning centers. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The nutritional program offers balanced meals and snacks following USDA guidelines. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on developing social skills and independence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Omaha, NE
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Omaha, Nebraska?
In Omaha, the average cost of full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $900 and $1,300 per month. Home-based daycare (family childcare) is often more affordable, averaging $700 to $1,000 monthly. These costs can vary significantly based on the facility's location (e.g., downtown vs. suburbs like Elkhorn or Papillion), its amenities, and whether it follows a specific educational curriculum. It's important to note that Nebraska offers a Child Care Subsidy Program for eligible families, and many Omaha providers participate. Always inquire about what is included in the tuition, such as meals, diapers, and enrichment activities.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its compliance history in Nebraska?
All childcare providers in Nebraska, including those in Omaha, must be licensed or registered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any past violations, through the official **Nebraska Child Care Licensing Search** tool available on the DHHS website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city, or zip code. When reviewing a facility, pay close attention to the results of their most recent monitoring visit, the capacity they are licensed for, and any corrective action plans. You can also contact the local DHHS office in Omaha for additional information. Always tour a facility and ask the director to show you their current license.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Omaha, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality and conveniently located daycare centers in Omaha, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search **6 to 12 months** in advance of their needed start date. Popular centers in areas like Aksarben, Midtown, or West Omaha may have waitlists exceeding a year. To manage this, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up with centers every few months. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings and are often located in residential neighborhoods throughout the city.
What are some local Omaha resources to help me find and compare childcare options?
Omaha parents have several excellent local resources. The primary hub is the **Quality Child Care Collaborative (QC3)**, which partners with the Early Childhood Resource Center. They offer a free **Child Care Referral Service** that matches families with licensed providers based on their specific needs, location, and budget. Another key resource is **Nebraska Children and Families Foundation**, which provides information on quality ratings. Additionally, the **Omaha Public Library** branches often have community resource guides. For real-world insights, local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "Omaha Mom's Group") are invaluable for personal recommendations and experiences with providers in specific neighborhoods like Benson, Dundee, or Millard.
What are Nebraska's required staff-to-child ratios, and how do they impact care in Omaha facilities?
Nebraska state law sets minimum staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and quality of care. For Omaha daycare centers, the key ratios are: **1:4 for infants (6 weeks to 18 months)**, **1:5 for toddlers (18 to 36 months)**, and **1:10 for preschoolers (3 years to school age)**. For family childcare homes, the ratio is typically 1:6 for mixed-age groups, with no more than two children under 2 years. Many high-quality programs in Omaha choose to operate with even better ratios than the state minimum. A lower ratio generally means more individualized attention for your child. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific ratios, as this is a critical indicator of the quality of care and supervision your child will receive.