With mile after mile of rolling farmland and beautiful skies it’s no wonder why Kansas children have a natural appreciation for the great outdoors. Kansas is a state defined by farmland and open spaces so it should not be a jarring surprise to learn that there are only 600 recognized childcare providers statewide. While this does mean that it may be difficult to find a care provider within walking distance from your home, you should not be discouraged. Most Kansans are used to a bit of a drive to get from point “A” to point “B.”
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What is jarring is the rate families will pay for childcare in the Sunflower state. Kansas parents can expect to pay close to $10,000.00 annually for infant childcare whereas other states can provide care starting at just over $4,600 annually. High end states do pull in roughly $18,000.00 annually for this age group. These are expected rates for a private child care center. Choosing to go with a private individual providing child care out of their home will save you money in the range of about $4,500 per year. You’ll also save money as your children grow since Kansas tends to follow the national trend of decreasing costs for children as they age.
The good news is that Kansas has a variety of programs established to help pay for childcare. With more than 48,000 families living below the poverty line and close to 100,000 single parent families in the state, this help is essential. There are just over 6,600 participating childcare providers who work with the Child Care and Development Fund to help provide affordable childcare coverage to qualifying families.
Kids in Kansas tend to enjoy outdoor centered activities including hunting, hiking, water sports and riding four wheelers. The center for most of the cultural activities is located in Kansas City which sits on the state line between Kansas and Missouri. This area boasts the Kansas City Motor Speedway, The Overland Park Children’s Farm Homestead, and The Great Wolf Lodge indoor Waterpark and Hotel. Just about two hours west in the state Capital of Topeka you will find a zoo, and the Gage Park mini Train just outside the zoo’s gates. Or head south to the Wichita Old Cowtown Museum, Exploration Place and Diamond W Chuckwagon. Nearby Hutchinson offers fun tours through the Kansas Underground Salt Museum.
