The Best Daycare Centers in Centertown, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Centertown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Centertown
The Goddard School of Owensboro
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Owensboro offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with structured curriculum elements, featuring STEM activities, literacy development, and character education. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with observation windows, and multiple outdoor play areas. With low student-teacher ratios and ongoing staff development, this center maintains excellent safety records and comprehensive communication systems for parents including daily activity reports and developmental progress tracking.
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Kiddie Academy of Owensboro
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Owensboro provides educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The academy features dedicated learning centers for literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with technology integration appropriate for early learners. Their security measures include keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and secure playground facilities. The center emphasizes nutrition with healthy meal programs and maintains small class sizes with degreed lead teachers. Parent engagement is supported through real-time updates via mobile app, regular parent-teacher conferences, and family involvement events throughout the year.
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Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded independent childcare center serving the Owensboro area with comprehensive early childhood programs. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through Montessori-inspired activities combined with structured academic preparation. The center features modern security systems including surveillance monitoring, secured entry, and strict pickup authorization protocols. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that promote exploration in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative expression. The experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and participates in continuous professional development. The academy is noted for its family-like atmosphere, strong community reputation, and exceptional parent satisfaction with detailed progress reporting and flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Centertown, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare centers in Centertown, KY, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Centertown, 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. Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:10 for 4-year-olds), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license, compliance history, and any reported violations, parents can use the free online "Child Care Search" tool on the Kentucky CHFS website. It's highly recommended to check this database and even request to see the center's current license during your tour.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Centertown, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Centertown and surrounding Ohio County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care averages $120 to $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and age of the facility. For financial assistance, Kentucky's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families, working parents, or those in education/training programs. Applications are processed through the Ohio County Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Centertown, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited high-quality options in a smaller community like Centertown, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at reputable centers can be significant. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for infants. Parents are strongly advised to begin researching and touring facilities as soon as possible, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. Be sure to ask about the specific waitlist process—some require a deposit to hold a spot, while others are a simple call list. Exploring licensed family childcare homes in the area can also provide more immediate openings.
Are there any daycare centers in Centertown that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts or weekends?
Finding childcare for non-standard hours (evenings, nights, weekends) is a common challenge in Centertown. Most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, a few licensed family childcare homes in the area may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers. Your best resource is to contact the Ohio County Family Resource Center or use the state's Child Care Search filter for "Hours of Operation." Networking with other local parents on community social media pages can also lead to recommendations for in-home providers or shared nanny arrangements that cater to irregular schedules.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare in Centertown, and are there any local resources to help me evaluate options?
When touring a daycare in Centertown, look beyond the basics. Observe staff-child interactions—are they engaged and responsive? Check for cleanliness, safe outdoor play areas, and ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Kentucky. Inquire about their curriculum and how they communicate with parents (daily reports, apps). Specifically ask about their policy for sick children and staff vaccination requirements. For local evaluation help, contact the Ohio County Public Library or the Ohio County Schools Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs). They often have community knowledge and can provide checklists. Always ask for references from current parents.