The Best Daycare Centers in Evarts, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Evarts. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Evarts
Evarts Head Start Center
Community Action Kentucky
The Evarts Head Start Center operates as part of the federally-funded Head Start program, providing comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income families. The center focuses on school readiness through evidence-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, and emotional development. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and provides nutritious meals and health screenings. What makes this center stand out is its holistic approach that includes family engagement services, health and dental care coordination, and parent education programs.
Daycare Services:
Cumberland Valley Head Start - Harlan Center
Community Action Kentucky
Located approximately 10 miles from Evarts in nearby Harlan, this Head Start center provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on comprehensive child development. The center serves children from birth to age 5 with age-appropriate curricula that emphasize literacy, math readiness, and social skills. Staff includes certified early childhood educators and family advocates who work closely with parents. The facility features modern classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and follows strict safety protocols. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent involvement programs and comprehensive services that include health, nutrition, and family support.
Daycare Services:
Imagination Station Child Development Center
Independent
Imagination Station is a highly-rated private childcare center located approximately 12 miles from Evarts in Harlan. The center offers a comprehensive educational program from infancy through school age, featuring developmentally appropriate curriculum that balances structured learning with creative play. Their approach includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure, age-separated classrooms, modern playground equipment, and camera monitoring systems. Teachers maintain state-required certifications and participate in ongoing training. The center stands out for its extended hours, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on individualized attention with low child-to-teacher ratios.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Evarts, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Evarts, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Evarts, 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. To verify a facility's status, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website. This tool shows the provider's license type, capacity, any recent inspection reports, and if there are any serious violations or enforcement actions. Given Evarts' smaller size, it's also wise to ask local parents for recommendations and contact the local county health department for additional insights.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Evarts, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to limited options in a small city like Evarts, waitlists for daycare, especially for infants (under 2 years), can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to be placed on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months, or even longer for the most sought-after providers. We strongly recommend starting your search as early as possible—ideally during your pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Contact all licensed centers and certified homes in Evarts and nearby communities like Harlan to get on multiple lists. Be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee and to check in periodically to maintain your spot.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for a toddler in Evarts, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Evarts and surrounding Harlan County, full-time daycare for a toddler typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week. Costs can be slightly lower for certified family childcare homes and higher for centers with more structured educational programs. Financial assistance is primarily available through the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Many local providers accept CCAP subsidies. We recommend contacting the Harlan County DCBS office to apply and confirm your eligibility, as this can make childcare much more affordable for qualifying families.
Are there any daycare options in Evarts that offer non-traditional hours for parents working night shifts or weekends?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, weekends) is a significant challenge in Evarts, as most licensed providers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are to inquire with certified family childcare homes, as some in-home providers may offer more flexible hours based on their capacity. Alternatively, you may need to look into arranging a private, in-home babysitter or nanny share with another local family. Networking through local community centers, churches, or Facebook groups for Harlan County parents can be a valuable way to find caregivers willing to work alternative shifts.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Evarts, given the local context?
When touring a daycare in Evarts, go beyond the basics. First, confirm their license is visibly posted and current. Ask about staff longevity—low turnover indicates a stable environment, which is crucial in a close-knit community. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for local issues, such as severe weather or power outages common in the region. Observe the outdoor play area for safety and ask how often children get outside, given our Appalachian setting. Finally, ask about their communication with parents—whether through apps, daily sheets, or informal chats—as strong caregiver-parent relationships are especially important in a small town. Trust your instincts about the warmth and engagement of the staff.