The Best Daycare Centers in Dema, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dema. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dema
The Goddard School of Pikeville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Pikeville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Features state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry systems. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social skills. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated infant care areas with live streaming for parent monitoring.
Daycare Services:
Little People's Place
Independent
Family-owned childcare center serving the Pike County region with comprehensive early childhood programs. Employs experienced, credentialed early childhood educators with focus on developmental milestones. Curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning through play-based activities. Features secure facilities with monitored access, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Known for strong parent-teacher communication and individualized attention to each child's needs.
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Paintsville Child Development Center
Independent
Established childcare facility serving Johnson County and surrounding areas with comprehensive early education programs. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in age-appropriate curriculum development. Features structured learning environments with focus on kindergarten readiness, including phonics, early math concepts, and social skills development. Maintains strict safety protocols, regular health inspections, and secure facility access. Offers flexible scheduling and inclusive programming for diverse learning needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dema, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Dema, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Dema, Kentucky, 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 state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it also shows the facility's star rating (1-4 stars) under Kentucky's STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system, which indicates a higher level of quality beyond minimum licensing.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Dema, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Dema and the surrounding rural areas of Eastern Kentucky, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $110 to $150 per week. These costs are generally lower than state urban averages but can vary based on the provider's star rating and specific services offered. For financial assistance, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), administered by the local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office, helps eligible low-income families, working parents, and those in education or training programs. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Dema, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Dema, waitlists for licensed daycare centers, especially for infants, can be significant. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer for highly-rated providers. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy, ideally by the second trimester. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring certified in-home daycare providers in the area can also provide more immediate openings.
Are there any unique childcare options in Dema that cater to parents with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts is a significant challenge in Dema, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to seek out licensed family childcare homes, as some individual providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in local industries like healthcare or manufacturing. Networking through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Dema Community Board") or asking at the Knott County Health Department can sometimes help identify smaller, licensed home providers willing to accommodate atypical schedules.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to facilities in Dema and rural Kentucky?
During a tour in Dema, pay close attention to factors important in a rural setting. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (common in Kentucky) and how they handle potential power outages or water issues. Ask about their outdoor play area—is it secure, shaded, and free of hazards? Given the area, check if the facility has a clear policy on pest control. Observe how staff interact with children and ask about their background checks and ongoing training, which is a state requirement. Finally, discuss their policy on school closures (e.g., for snow) and whether they provide backup care or follow the local Knott County school schedule.