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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Childcare Insights for Evarts
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for working families, and here in Evarts, Kentucky, we understand that need deeply. The search for "low cost daycare near me" is more than just a Google query; it's about finding a safe, nurturing environment for your child that also fits within a family budget. In our close-knit Harlan County community, options may sometimes feel limited, but there are dedicated resources and strategies that can help you secure quality care without overwhelming financial strain.
A great first step for any parent in Evarts is to connect with local programs designed to provide assistance. Kentucky’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a vital resource for eligible families, helping to subsidize the cost of care at participating providers. You can apply through the Department for Community Based Services, and many local daycare centers are familiar with this program. It’s also worth inquiring directly with providers about any sliding scale fees they might offer based on household income, as some smaller, home-based daycares in the area may have flexible arrangements. Don’t hesitate to have an open conversation about your budget; you might be surprised by the willingness to work with you.
When considering locations, remember that "near me" in a rural area like ours might involve a short commute to a neighboring town. Expanding your search to include nearby communities such as Harlan or even Baxter could reveal additional licensed home providers or smaller centers that offer competitive rates. The drive can be worth it for a setting where your child thrives. Always verify that any provider is licensed with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which ensures they meet basic health, safety, and training standards. This is non-negotiable, regardless of cost.
Another avenue to explore is faith-based organizations. Churches in and around Evarts sometimes host preschool programs or daycare services that operate at a lower cost as a ministry to the community. These can be wonderful options that offer a strong sense of community and values alignment. Furthermore, don't overlook the power of local networks. Talk to other parents at the park, at community events, or through Evarts community Facebook groups. Personal recommendations are invaluable and can lead you to trusted, affordable in-home caregivers who may not advertise widely.
Finally, planning is key. Waiting lists for the most affordable and reputable options can exist, so begin your search as early as possible. While cost is a major factor, also trust your instincts when you visit a potential daycare. Observe how caregivers interact with the children, check for cleanliness and safety, and see if the atmosphere feels warm and engaging. Your peace of mind is priceless. Finding low-cost daycare in Evarts requires some perseverance and local knowledge, but by tapping into state programs, exploring all nearby options, and leveraging our community connections, you can find a solution that safeguards both your child’s well-being and your family’s finances.