The Best Daycare Centers in Garrett, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garrett. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garrett
Paintsville Head Start Center
Big Sandy Area Community Action Program
Paintsville Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services through the federally-funded Head Start program. The center focuses on school readiness with a research-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. All teachers meet Kentucky's early childhood education qualifications and receive ongoing professional development. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support services. What makes this center stand out is its holistic approach to child development and strong community partnerships serving families throughout Johnson County and surrounding areas including Garrett.
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Little Scholars Learning Center
Independent
Little Scholars Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational childcare program with a strong emphasis on early literacy and STEM foundations. The center uses Creative Curriculum supplemented with hands-on learning activities and technology integration appropriate for each age group. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility maintains enhanced safety protocols including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks. The center features modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and provides healthy meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and the visible developmental progress children make.
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Prestonsburg Child Development Center
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center
Prestonsburg Child Development Center operates as part of Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, providing high-quality early childhood education with integrated behavioral health and developmental services. The center employs Kentucky-certified early childhood educators and maintains exceptional staff-to-child ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning alongside academic preparation, with specialized programs for children with developmental needs. The facility features secure, modern classrooms and outdoor learning environments. What distinguishes this center is its comprehensive approach that includes on-site speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family counseling services, making it a regional leader in inclusive early childhood education serving Floyd County and surrounding communities including Garrett.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garrett, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Garrett, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Garrett, 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 whether they have any serious violations or are on probation. It's a crucial first step for any parent in Garrett to ensure they are considering a legally operating and compliant facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Garrett, KY, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Garrett and the surrounding Floyd County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may be slightly less, around $110 to $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, Kentucky's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families, working parents, or those in education/training programs pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. Applications are processed through the local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Prestonsburg. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Garrett, given the shift work common in local industries?
Due to the prevalence of shift work in industries like healthcare, retail, and transportation in the Garrett area, finding extended-hour care can be a challenge but is not impossible. While most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, a limited number of licensed family childcare homes may offer more flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate non-traditional shifts. It's essential to inquire directly with providers about their hours of operation. For reliable overnight or weekend care, parents often need to network with other local families or seek out individual, trusted babysitters, as formal center-based options for these times are very scarce in Garrett.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Garrett, and when should I start looking for care?
Waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Garrett can vary significantly. For infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, waitlists can be 6 to 12 months long, especially at highly recommended facilities. For toddler and preschool-aged children, waitlists may be shorter, typically 2 to 6 months. Given this, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy for an infant spot. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask about their current list length and estimated openings, and get on more than one list to increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What local resources or organizations in Garrett or Floyd County can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource for finding and evaluating childcare in Garrett is the **Floyd County Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC)**, which is connected to the local school district. They can provide referrals and information. Additionally, the statewide **Child Care Council of Kentucky** serves the region and offers a referral line and resources for parents. For hands-on evaluation, consider scheduling visits and using a checklist that covers safety, cleanliness, staff interaction, and curriculum. Networking through local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Garrett, KY Community Board") can also provide personal recommendations and insights from other parents about their experiences with specific daycares and in-home providers in the area.