A provider who is licensed to operate a childcare business in a home setting.​

A provider who is licensed to operate a childcare business in a commercial building.​

A provider who is licensed to operate a childcare facility in a school building.​

Infants are defined by KDHE as children under 18 months of age in a home-care setting and 12 months of age in a daycare center. We have found that the availability of care slots for infants is limited throughout Reno County due to the high costs of providing care and the strict caregiver-to-infant ratios required. For this reason we have used 'infant' as an identifier to ensure parents can connect directly with providers who offer care for children defined as infants by KDHE based on their care setting.

Many providers provide quality care for preschool age children, however they are not listed under "Preschool" unless they have a curriculum based program specifically designed for kindergarten readiness. Please note that the Reno County Child Care Task Force has not verified the curriculum used by each provider. Although these programs are not mandatory for kindergarten entry in Kansas, data indicates that early learning from birth through preschool significantly impacts children's educational development and success.

This care refers to services provided to school-age children after school. Some providers also offer care on days when schools are not in session, but this varies, so parents should check with each provider about availability. According to KDHE, school-age children are defined as those who turn six years old on or before September 1 of any school year but are not yet 16 years old.

This term traditionally refers to care provided during the summer months when school is not in session. It may start several weeks after school ends and finish several weeks before the new school year begins. Parents should contact each listed provider for specific dates and age groups.

In our community, alongside traditional childcare settings, there are several early learning programs that play crucial roles in the ecosystem of childcare and education. Early learning refers to the skills and concepts that children develop before they reach kindergarten and is considered a crucial part of development that can set patterns for both school and adult learning. Below is a list of Early Learning programs in Reno County:​ 1. Reno County Head Start- Head Start programs are federally funded programs that provide comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Head Start aims to enhance school readiness and social-emotional development.​ ​ Learn more about Reno County Head Start at www.rcheadstart.com.(https://www.rcheadstart.com/)​ ​ 2. Early Education Center - The Early Education Center (EEC) is the go-to early childhood development resource in Reno County. Their team of developmental experts and masters-level preschool educators know the art and science of development for ages birth through five. ​​ ​ Learn more at https: www.rcec610.com/o/eec.(https://www.rcec610.com/o/eec)​ ​ 3. Special Education Programs - These are tailored to meet the needs of children with disabilities or developmental delays. They provide specialized instruction, therapies, and support services to ensure each child can learn and develop to their fullest potential. Visit the Reno County Education Cooperative to learn more about the services provided in Reno County.​ ​ Learn more at www.rcec610.com.(https://www.rcec610.com/)​ 4. Learn & Play Therapeutic Center (LPTC) - This is a program designed for children ages 3-5 who are exhibiting signs of emotional or behavioral problems. It is developed to work within the preschool classroom focusing on assisting those students with a need for emotional or behavioral support to maintain and excel in the classroom setting. Learn more at hutchregional.com/horizons-mental-health-center/services-overview/learn-play-therapeutic-center/.(https://www.hutchregional.com/horizons-mental-health-center/services-overview/learn-play-therapeutic-center/) ​ 5. Parents as Teachers (PAT) - This program emphasizes parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being through home visits, group meetings, and resources. PAT equips parents with the knowledge and skills to support their child's early learning and development. ​ ​ Get connect with the Hutchinson Parents As Teachers at facebook.com/H(https://www.facebook.com/HutchinsonParentsAsTeachers/)utchinsonParentsAsTeachers.(https://www.facebook.com/HutchinsonParentsAsTeachers/)​ ​ 6. Community-based Preschools and Playgroups - These informal settings offer play-based learning experiences for young children and often involve parent participation. They provide opportunities for socialization, early learning through play, and parent education. ​ ​ Get connected with the Hutchinson Moms group at www.facebook.com/hutchinsonmoms.(https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsonmoms/)​ ​ For more information and resources on Early Childhood Education visit ​ www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/early-learning.(https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/early-learning)​