Finding A Daycare in Wichita {Guest Post}

daycare in wichitaThe nerve-racking question that most new parents mull over – asking friends and family, and even strangers on Facebook: “Where can I find a good daycare in Wichita?”

Most moms I know would offer cash rewards for someone to find the perfect daycare for their child. Is there anyone out there that will love my picky-eating, nose-digging, eye-rolling, house tornado the way I do? Simply put, no. And you wouldn’t want them to be a second mom to your little Heffalump, anyway. That’s a whole other worry down the road. So, where does one start the hunt for the not-too-perfect, but better-than-the-rest daycare family? I’ve got you covered.

Step 1 :: Determine what setting you prefer.

I can hand you a lot of things, but since I don’t know your inner most wishes, I can’t Bippity Boppity Boo this one. Your choices are a nanny that comes to your home, an in-home daycare, and a daycare center/ CDC (child development center).  There are currently 882 daycare programs in Wichita. That sounds like a lot, but there is currently a shortage of qualified care. Each of these options has their pros and cons. You’ll need to prioritize what you want in terms of socialization, one-on-one attention, development, environment, accountability, etc.

Step 2 :: Do your research.

Our local resource and referral agency is Child Start (www.childstart.org). They offer an array of services from training classes to lists of licensed providers in the area. Our state agency is Child Care Aware of Kansas (www.ks.childcareaware.org). They have information on quality child care, resources, and most questions a new parent has about licensed child care can be answered here. It’s a must stop shop!

Step 3 :: Know how to get what you want.

A basic phone interview finding out where they are located, how much they charge, and if they are currently licensed is a great start. Your time is precious and so is theirs. Whittle down your list before you start scheduling interviews.

Step 4 :: Go to interviews.

Plural. You should see what is out there. It’s kind of like dating! The person/people you choose will become an extension of your family. Make sure you like them and feel comfortable talking to them about anything. Note the environment when you walk up to (and through) the door. Note personal appearance and house/center condition. Notice smells like trash, smoke, etc. These are all indicators about day-to-day upkeep – it’s not like you’re stopping by unannounced, that’s for the city surveyors come inspection time. Bring a list of questions to ask. You can find questions on the Child Care Aware of Kansas website or you can come up with your own. A good provider will be interviewing you, too. Be prepared to answer questions about your family and what you’re looking for. If you don’t know, tell them you don’t know and ask them to explain some options. Ideally, you want a professional who can teach you, too.

Step 5 :: Be prepared for child care and all it entails.

Typically, if it’s good, it’s not cheap. These people are raising your child with you. Have a sub lined up for days that daycare is closed. There will be days that baby comes home sick or with a band-aid. That tends to happen when you live life. A great provider will nurture your sweetheart until you can take over. When you find him/her, rejoice and celebrate your daycare family; and remember to thank them on National Provider Appreciation Day!


Dara MyersDara Myers is a Lord loving, baking, dancing, sorority alum, fashion-loving, singing, coffee/tea drinking, sleep whenever she can get it, can’t-say-no-to-volunteering, wife/mom/daycare professional, who is just trying to balance the life she loves.

Wichita Mom
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