The Best Daycare Centers in Forest Hills, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Forest Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Forest Hills
The Gardner School of Louisville
The Gardner School
The Gardner School offers a premium educational childcare experience with a research-based curriculum that focuses on early literacy, STEM, and creative arts. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, indoor gymnasiums, and age-appropriate learning environments. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials provide individualized attention through small class sizes. The center emphasizes academic preparation while maintaining a nurturing environment, with daily communication apps for parents and regular developmental assessments.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Louisville at Norton Commons
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Louisville at Norton Commons provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development. Their approach integrates purposeful play with teacher-guided instruction in literacy, math, science, and social studies. The facility features secure classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music rooms. Staff members hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Children's Academy - St. Matthews
Children's Academy
Children's Academy in St. Matthews offers comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, cognitive development, and physical growth through hands-on activities and structured play. The center features secure facilities with age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs including music and movement. Experienced teachers with early childhood degrees create individualized learning plans and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains strong safety protocols with regular security assessments.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Forest Hills, KY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Forest Hills, KY?
In Forest Hills and the surrounding Perry County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may range from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average for larger metropolitan areas. It's important to note that many facilities include meals and basic supplies in their weekly rate. For financial assistance, Kentucky offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Forest Hills is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in Kentucky are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Division of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license and review their history by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the **Kentucky Child Care Provider Search website**. This public database shows the provider's current license status, capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations or substantiated complaints from the past three years. For a local perspective, you can also contact the **Perry County Health Department** or ask the provider directly to see their most recent licensing inspection report, which they are required to post.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Forest Hills, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a smaller community like Forest Hills, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date**, and even earlier if possible. Some popular providers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting centers or in-home providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process, any associated fees to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Hazard may provide additional alternatives if local waitlists are prohibitive.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care in Forest Hills?
Structured part-time and drop-in care options are limited within Forest Hills itself. Most licensed centers and homes prioritize full-time enrollments. However, you may find flexibility with some licensed family childcare homes. For school-age children, the primary resource is the **after-school program operated by the Perry County Schools district**. These programs are typically held at the elementary schools and provide care until 5:30 or 6:00 PM. For occasional drop-in care, your best bet is to network with other local parents or inquire about "parent's day out" programs sometimes offered by community churches, though these may not be state-licensed childcare.
What local resources or organizations in Perry County can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is the **Kentucky Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** that serves the region. They maintain a database of licensed and certified providers in Perry County and offer free referral services to help parents find care that matches their needs. They can be contacted by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **Perry County Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs)** located in the public schools are excellent community hubs. Staff there often have knowledge of local childcare options and can provide support and referrals. For evaluations, beyond the state online database, talking to other parents at local parks or community events is a valuable way to get firsthand reviews.
Childcare Insights for Forest Hills
Finding reliable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for any parent, and when your schedule doesn’t fit the traditional 9-to-5 mold, that search can feel especially daunting. For families in Forest Hills, Kentucky, the need for flexible, trustworthy care is very real, whether you’re a healthcare worker at a nearby hospital, have rotating shifts in manufacturing, or are navigating the demands of multiple jobs. The search for "24 hour daycare near me" is more than just a convenience; it’s often a necessity for making daily life work.
In the Forest Hills and broader Ashland area, 24-hour childcare options are specialized services. They are not as common as standard daycares, which means finding the right fit requires a bit of dedicated research. Your first step should be to look beyond a simple online search. Reach out to local resources like the Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency or the Ashland-Boyd County Health Department. These organizations often maintain updated lists of licensed providers and can point you toward facilities that offer extended or overnight care. It’s also wise to connect with other parents in our community, perhaps through local Facebook groups or community boards at King’s Daughters Medical Center. Personal recommendations in a close-knit area like ours can be invaluable.
When you identify a potential 24-hour center, your vetting process is crucial. In Kentucky, all licensed childcare facilities must meet state regulations, but you’ll want to go further. Schedule a visit during the evening or overnight hours you would actually use. This allows you to see the nighttime routine, the lighting, and how caregivers manage the quieter, slower pace. Observe if the sleeping areas are separate from play areas and ask about their security protocols for late-night drop-offs and pickups. Inquire about the staff’s experience and training specifically for overnight care, including how they handle a child who wakes up disoriented or upset. A quality center will have clear policies and compassionate, awake staff throughout the night.
Another important consideration for Forest Hills parents is logistics. Given our area’s layout, consider the commute, especially during late hours. Is the facility easily accessible and well-lit? Discuss their policies for early morning or late-night transportation if that’s a need. Furthermore, think about consistency. The benefit of a 24-hour center is stability for your child; they can have the same caregivers and environment whether it’s noon or midnight. Ask how they facilitate communication between shifts so you’re always informed about your child’s day, no matter when you reconnect.
Remember, finding this service is about peace of mind. It’s knowing that while you’re contributing to your family, your child is in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. The search may take some time, but securing reliable 24-hour care here in Forest Hills can be the cornerstone that allows your family to thrive amidst non-traditional schedules. Trust your instincts, ask detailed questions, and know that investing this effort is a profound act of love, ensuring your child’s well-being around the clock.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Forest Hills: