The Best Daycare Centers in Bedford, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bedford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bedford
Kiddie Academy of La Grange
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of La Grange is a highly-rated educational childcare center serving families in the Bedford area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes age-appropriate learning environments, nutritious meal programs, and extensive outdoor play spaces. The center stands out for its strong emphasis on school readiness and developmental milestones tracking, with regular parent communication through digital portfolios and daily reports.
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The Gardner School of Prospect
The Gardner School
The Gardner School of Prospect offers premium early childhood education with advanced security features including biometric entry systems and 24/7 camera monitoring. Their research-based curriculum incorporates literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and foreign language exposure. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include dedicated art studios, music rooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. The school is particularly noted for its enrichment programs including music, technology, and physical education, along with comprehensive parent communication through their proprietary mobile app.
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Carriage House Educational Day Care & Preschool
Independent
Carriage House Educational Day Care & Preschool is a locally-owned center serving Bedford and surrounding communities with a balanced approach to early childhood development. Their curriculum blends structured academic preparation with play-based learning, focusing on social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness. The center features experienced teaching staff with low turnover rates, secure facilities with monitored access, and nutritious home-style meals. Special programs include music and movement, outdoor education, and seasonal activities. The center is distinguished by its family-oriented atmosphere and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working parents' needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bedford, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bedford, KY, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Bedford, Kentucky, all childcare centers and certified family childcare homes must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Division of Child Care. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications (like background checks and training). To verify a facility's license and compliance history, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website. This tool will show the provider's current license status, any serious violations, and their star rating in Kentucky's STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Trimble County area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bedford and the surrounding Trimble County area?
Childcare costs in Bedford and rural Trimble County are generally lower than in larger Kentucky metros like Louisville, but availability can be limited. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of $120 to $160 per week for full-time care for an infant or toddler. In-home family daycare providers may range from $90 to $130 per week. These are estimates, and prices vary based on the provider's STAR rating, programs offered, and exact location. It's important to ask about what's included in the weekly fee (meals, supplies, etc.) and if there are any additional registration or annual costs.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with daycare costs for families in Bedford, KY?
Yes, eligible families in Bedford can apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) through the state of Kentucky. This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in job training, or those pursuing education afford licensed or certified childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You apply through the local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. Given that Trimble County is a smaller community, it's advisable to contact the Carrollton DCBS office, which serves the region, to begin the application process and check current income guidelines and waitlist status, as funding can be limited.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Bedford, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed facilities in a small town like Bedford, waitlists for infant and toddler care can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for higher-rated providers. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update the list. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Milton, Carrollton, or even Madison, IN (just across the Ohio River), which may have more options but will involve a commute.
What are some key questions to ask when touring a daycare in Bedford, given its rural setting?
Beyond standard questions, Bedford's rural context makes some specifics very important. First, ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Kentucky (tornadoes, flooding) and their protocol for power outages. Second, inquire about transportation or field trips—do they use vehicles, and if so, what safety measures are in place for rural roads? Third, given the potential for longer parental commutes, clarify their exact hours of operation, late pick-up policies, and flexibility. Finally, ask about outdoor play: do children have daily access to a safe, enclosed outdoor space, and how do they handle insect bites or exposure to local plants? Observing the facility's cleanliness and how staff interact with children remains paramount.