The Best Daycare Centers in Gillette, WY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gillette. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gillette
Little Lambs Learning Center
Independent
Little Lambs Learning Center is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development, utilizing both traditional and play-based learning approaches. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Facilities include secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and the center's focus on character development alongside academic readiness.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Gillette operates as part of a nationally recognized early childhood education franchise with a strong focus on developmental learning. Their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program promotes social, emotional, and academic development through play-based learning. The facility features modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and security systems. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and physical activity programs, with parents noting excellent communication and thorough daily updates on child progress.
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Kid's World Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Kid's World Daycare & Learning Center has served Gillette families for nearly two decades with a comprehensive early education program. Their curriculum emphasizes school readiness through structured learning activities, creative arts, and physical development. The center features age-separated classrooms, secure entry systems, and nutritionally balanced meal programs. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training in child development best practices. Parents highlight the center's flexibility for working families, clean and organized facilities, and the staff's genuine care for each child's individual needs and development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gillette, WY
What are the licensing requirements for childcare providers in Gillette, Wyoming, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Gillette, all childcare facilities caring for more than two unrelated children must be licensed by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and training. You can verify a facility's license status, view any compliance history, and check for complaints by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the Wyoming DFS website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider, as this offers a baseline of regulatory oversight and accountability. You can also contact the local DFS office in Gillette for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Gillette, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Gillette, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $700 to $950 per month, while toddler care often falls between $650 and $850 per month. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Wyoming offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through DFS for qualifying families based on income, work, or school attendance. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's advisable to apply for the state subsidy early, as there can be a waitlist, and to directly ask childcare centers about any private payment plans or scholarships they might offer.
How long are daycare waitlists typically in Gillette, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
Due to high demand and limited provider capacity, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists in Gillette can be significant. It's common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. The best strategy is to start your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Be proactive: contact centers directly, complete all pre-registration paperwork, and follow up every few months to confirm your spot remains active. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
Are there childcare options in Gillette that cater to parents working non-traditional hours in the energy industry?
Yes, given Gillette's strong ties to the coal mining and energy sectors, some childcare providers offer care during non-traditional hours, including early mornings, evenings, overnight, and weekends. However, these spots are limited and in high demand. Your best options are to specifically search for providers advertising "24-hour care," "shift care," or "non-traditional hours." Some licensed family childcare homes may be more flexible. It's crucial to inquire about this directly and early in your search. Networking with other shift-working parents in the community or through employer HR departments can also lead to recommendations for providers who accommodate these schedules.
What resources are available in Gillette to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency for Wyoming, which serves Campbell County. You can contact them for a personalized referral list of licensed providers in Gillette that match your needs (hours, location, age). They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and questions to ask providers. Additionally, the Wyoming Early Childhood Professional Development Collaborative provides information on quality indicators. We strongly recommend scheduling in-person tours, asking for references from current parents, and using the Wyoming DFS online portal to check licensing and compliance history as key steps in your evaluation process.