The Best Daycare Centers in Carlisle, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carlisle. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carlisle
Kids Country Day School & Preschool
Independent
Kids Country Day School is a highly-regarded childcare center located approximately 15 minutes from Carlisle, serving the broader Nicholas County area. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for younger children and Abeka for preschool/pre-K. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Staff members are CPR/First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes individualized learning plans, regular parent communication through daily reports, and a nurturing environment that balances structured learning with play-based activities. Their security measures include keypad entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Located in neighboring Fleming County approximately 20 minutes from Carlisle, Little Sprouts Learning Center provides quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning through hands-on experiences. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs qualified educators with degrees in early childhood education. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and maintain rigorous health and safety protocols including regular sanitization and security monitoring.
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Mount Sterling Montessori School
Independent
Serving the Carlisle area from nearby Mount Sterling (approximately 25 minutes away), this accredited Montessori school offers authentic Montessori education for children 18 months through elementary years. The school features specially designed Montessori classrooms with authentic materials, trained AMI/AMS certified guides, and a child-directed learning approach that fosters independence and intrinsic motivation. Their comprehensive program includes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, cultural studies, and peace education. The campus includes beautiful outdoor environments for nature exploration and physical development. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to their transparent communication, individualized progress tracking, and strong community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carlisle, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carlisle, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Carlisle, 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 facilities meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff qualifications. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the free online "Child Care Finder" tool on the Kentucky CHFS website. For Carlisle specifically, you can also contact the Northern Kentucky Area Development District's Child Care Resource and Referral agency for assistance. Always ask to see the current license during a tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Carlisle, KY?
In Carlisle and the surrounding Nicholas County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Kentucky but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week. Toddler care may range from $110 to $140 per week. Certified family childcare homes often have slightly lower rates. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can vary based on the program's hours, curriculum, and included amenities like meals. Financial assistance may be available through the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families.
Are there many daycare options in Carlisle, and is it common to encounter waitlists?
As a smaller rural community, Carlisle has a more limited number of licensed daycare options compared to larger cities. Parents will typically find a mix of a few local childcare centers and certified in-home providers. Due to this limited supply, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Exploring options in nearby towns like Flemingsburg or Paris may be necessary if local waitlists are extensive.
What resources are available in Carlisle to help me find and choose quality childcare?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service provided by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD). They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Carlisle and Nicholas County based on your specific needs (hours, location, child's age). They can also help you understand quality indicators and state regulations. Additionally, you can consult the online Kentucky Child Care Finder and seek personal recommendations through local community Facebook groups, such as "Carlisle, KY Community Chat," where parents often share experiences with local providers.
Do any daycare programs in Carlisle offer part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-aged children?
Given the size of the community, flexible part-time and drop-in daycare options are less common in Carlisle and often depend on individual provider availability. Most licensed centers operate on a full-time weekly schedule. However, for school-aged children, the Carlisle Elementary School may offer an on-site or district-coordinated after-school program, which is a common solution in rural Kentucky districts. For traditional daycare centers, after-school care for older children is sometimes offered, but spaces are limited. Your best course of action is to inquire directly with local providers about any part-time slots and to contact the Carlisle Independent School District about structured after-school programming.