The Best Preschools in Durham, KS
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Durham. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Kindercare Learning Center - Salina
Kindercare
Kindercare in Salina provides high-quality early childhood education with a research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features trained teachers, secure facilities, and age-appropriate learning environments. It serves families in the broader region, including Durham, with programs designed to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. Parent satisfaction is high due to consistent communication and safety protocols.
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Hillsboro Community Child Care Center
Independent
This community-based center in Hillsboro offers a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes cognitive, physical, and social development. It maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and involves parents in educational activities. Safety is prioritized with licensed staff and updated facilities, making it a trusted option for families in Durham and surrounding Marion County areas.
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Marion Early Learning Center
Independent
Located in Marion, this center provides comprehensive early learning programs with a focus on literacy, STEM, and creative arts. It features qualified educators and a safe, inclusive environment. The curriculum aligns with state standards and includes parent-teacher collaborations. Serving Durham and nearby communities, it has a strong reputation for fostering school readiness and holistic child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Durham, KS:
What are the typical costs for preschool in Durham, KS, and are there any local financial assistance options?
In Durham and the surrounding rural areas, preschool costs can vary, but many in-home or church-based programs are very affordable, often ranging from $100-$200 per month for part-time care. For more structured programs, you may need to look in nearby larger towns like Abilene or McPherson. Limited state assistance may be available through Kansas’ Child Care Subsidy program, but eligibility is based on income and family size, and local provider participation can be limited.
How do I ensure a preschool in a small town like Durham is licensed and safe?
In Kansas, all child care providers caring for more than a few children must be licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). You can verify a preschool's license and review any past violations online through the KDHE website. For the very small, in-home providers common in Durham, it's crucial to visit, ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to the region, and observe the safety of the environment firsthand.
What types of preschool programs are available in the Durham area?
Given Durham's small size, options are often limited to in-home family child care settings or part-time programs operated by local churches or community organizations. These typically offer play-based learning. For more formal preschool curricula (like Montessori or faith-based academies), families often commute to neighboring communities such as Abilene, which has a wider selection of center-based and public school-sponsored pre-K programs.
When should I start looking and applying for preschool in Durham, given the limited spots?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community, it's advisable to start your search at least 6-12 months before your desired start date, especially if you need full-day care. Many local in-home providers have small, consistent groups, so openings may only occur when a child ages out. Contacting providers directly and getting on a waitlist early is the most effective strategy in this area.
Are there any public school pre-K options for 4-year-olds in Durham?
Durham itself is part of the Unified School District 409, which serves the Durham, Hope, and White City areas. The district may offer a pre-K program, but it is often limited in slots and may have specific eligibility requirements (like income or developmental need). You should contact the district office directly to inquire about availability, location (which may be in a neighboring town), and the application timeline, as these programs are not universal in Kansas.
Looking for More Options?
Explore preschools in other cities across Kansas or search our full directory of early learning centers nationwide.