The Best Daycare Centers in Avawam, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Avawam. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Avawam
Hazard Early Learning Center
Hazard Independent Schools
Hazard Early Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving Perry County and surrounding areas including Avawam. The center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Features include state-certified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, secure facility with controlled access, nutritious meal programs, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. The curriculum focuses on literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently praise the center's experienced staff, clean facilities, and strong communication practices.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides high-quality childcare services to families throughout Perry County, including Avawam residents. The center emphasizes a balanced approach to early childhood development with structured learning activities and creative play. Their program includes age-appropriate curriculum for each developmental stage, experienced early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure facility with surveillance systems, and regular parent-teacher conferences. Special features include outdoor learning spaces, music and movement activities, and a focus on community involvement. The center maintains excellent safety records and receives consistent praise for its nurturing environment.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center has served Eastern Kentucky families for over 15 years, providing comprehensive childcare services to Avawam and surrounding communities. The center offers a research-based curriculum that incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts appropriate for early learners. Features include degreed lead teachers, small class sizes, modern security systems, nutritional meal planning, and regular developmental assessments. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, preschool classrooms, and secure outdoor play areas. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the center's educational quality, safety protocols, and staff dedication to individual child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Avawam, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Avawam, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Avawam, all childcare centers and certified family childcare homes must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past compliance reports through the Kentucky Division of Regulated Child Care's online search tool. It's highly recommended to check this before enrolling your child. For very small, in-home operations caring for three or fewer unrelated children, licensing is not required, so parents should conduct extra diligence in those cases.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Avawam, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Avawam and the surrounding Perry County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $150 per week. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, hours, and whether meals are provided. For financial assistance, Kentucky's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families, working parents, or those in education/training programs. You can apply through the local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Hazard, which serves Perry County. Some local centers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there any daycare centers or in-home providers in Avawam that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in local industries?
Given Avawam's location near mining, transportation, and healthcare sectors in Perry County, some childcare providers do offer flexible hours. While specific options in Avawam itself are limited due to its small size, several licensed family childcare homes and centers in nearby Hazard or other communities along the KY-15 corridor may accommodate early morning, evening, or occasional weekend care. It's crucial to inquire directly with providers about their ability to match shift schedules. Networking with other local parents through community groups or Facebook pages like "Perry County, KY Parents" can be a valuable way to find recommendations for flexible care.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Avawam area, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists for infant and toddler spots at popular, licensed centers in the Avawam/Perry County region can be several months long, especially for infants due to stricter staff-to-child ratios. It's advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy if possible. To improve your chances, contact multiple providers—not just centers in Avawam proper, but also licensed family homes in the surrounding communities. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$50) and stay in regular, polite contact with the director to express continued interest. Exploring less formal, but still certified, in-home providers can also reduce wait times.
What are some key local factors or amenities I should look for when touring a daycare in Avawam, considering our rural setting?
When touring a daycare in Avawam, consider factors unique to a rural Appalachian community. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (like flooding common in creek areas) and their protocol for communication and transportation if roads become impassable. Ask about outdoor play areas—are they secure and well-maintained, given the potential for wildlife? Also, check if they participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to ensure nutritious meals, which can be a significant benefit. Finally, observe if the program incorporates local culture, like appreciation for nature and community, into its activities. A provider with deep local roots will often understand these contextual needs best.