The Best Daycare Centers in Catlettsburg, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Catlettsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Catlettsburg
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a developmentally appropriate curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Facilities include secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and individualized attention children receive. The center serves as a community hub with family engagement events and flexible scheduling options.
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Bright Horizons at Ashland
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Ashland is part of the nationally recognized early education provider, serving families throughout the Tri-State area including Catlettsburg. The center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education through hands-on learning. Features include highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and nutritionally balanced meals. The facility offers spacious classrooms, dedicated outdoor learning environments, and enrichment programs in music, movement, and language development. Parents appreciate the strong educational foundation and professional staff.
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The Goddard School of Huntington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Huntington serves families from Catlettsburg and the broader Tri-State region with its play-based learning approach grounded in academic research. The F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic preparation with social development and emotional well-being. The school features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and purpose-built learning environments. Programs include language immersion opportunities, technology integration, and character development. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling with extended hours to accommodate working families. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication and child progress tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Catlettsburg, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Catlettsburg, KY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Catlettsburg, 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 state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and facility safety. 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. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license, which should be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Catlettsburg, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Catlettsburg and Boyd County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $130 to $180 per week. Toddler care is slightly less, often between $110 and $150 per week. Family childcare homes may offer lower rates. These costs are generally below the state average for Kentucky. For financial assistance, eligible families can apply for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) through the Boyd County Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Eligibility is based on income, work/training hours, and family size. Some local centers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Catlettsburg, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller city like Catlettsburg, popular and highly-rated daycare centers often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 3 to 6 months long, and sometimes longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search for childcare at least 6-9 months before you need the spot. For expecting parents, adding your name to waitlists during the second trimester is a common strategy. Be proactive: call multiple centers, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in residential neighborhoods can also provide more immediate openings.
Are there any unique local resources or programs for finding and evaluating childcare in Boyd County?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Boyd County Early Childhood Council**. They work to improve early care and education in the community and can provide guidance to parents. Additionally, the **Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency** (NEKCAA), which serves Boyd County, often has information on childcare options and assistance programs. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours and ask for references from current parents. Given Catlettsburg's proximity to Ashland, many parents also expand their search into that city, utilizing the same Kentucky Child Care Finder tool to locate and vet providers in the wider Tri-State area.
What should I look for in a daycare's emergency preparedness plan, specifically for our local area in Catlettsburg?
Given Catlettsburg's location along the Ohio River and in a region prone to severe weather (including floods and tornadoes), a robust emergency plan is crucial. When touring facilities, ask specifically about: 1) **Severe Weather Protocols:** Where do children shelter for tornado warnings? 2) **Flood Evacuation:** Does the facility have a designated, pre-arranged evacuation site on higher ground, and how are children transported? 3) **Communication:** How will parents be notified during an emergency (e.g., text tree, app)? 4) **Drills:** How often do they practice fire, tornado, and lockdown drills? A quality provider will have written plans for these scenarios and will readily discuss them with you. Also, verify they have a working weather radio.