The Best Daycare Centers in Harrodsburg, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Harrodsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Harrodsburg
Kiddie Academy of Danville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Danville offers a comprehensive educational curriculum called Life Essentials® that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals and snacks, and structured learning activities that prepare children for kindergarten. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers extensive outdoor play areas with modern equipment.
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Bright Horizons at Ephraim McDowell
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingers that emphasizes language development, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees, comprehensive security systems including keypad entry, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. Their program includes regular developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities. The facility offers flexible scheduling options and maintains excellent health and safety protocols with on-site nursing support.
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The Goddard School of Nicholasville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School utilizes the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based learning. The center features highly trained teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure facilities with surveillance systems, and purpose-built classrooms with modern learning materials. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, yoga instruction, and technology integration appropriate for young learners. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and offers extensive extracurricular activities including music and art enrichment programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Harrodsburg, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Harrodsburg, KY, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Harrodsburg and all of Kentucky, 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 sets standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, first aid, and safe sleep practices), health and safety protocols, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the state's online "Child Care Search" tool on the CHFS website. This tool shows the license status, any recent violations, and the facility's star rating in Kentucky's STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system. It's a crucial first step for any parent in Mercer County.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Harrodsburg, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Harrodsburg and the surrounding Mercer County area, the average cost for full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week. Prices can vary based on the type of provider (center vs. home-based), its STAR quality rating, and specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Kentucky's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families, working parents, and those in education or training programs. You apply through the local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Harrodsburg, and when should I start looking?
For the most sought-after centers and highly-rated providers in Harrodsburg, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for a wait of 6 to 12 months. Given this, it is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before care is needed. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask detailed questions about their list process (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot), and get on several lists to increase your options.
Are there any unique or specialized childcare programs available in Harrodsburg, such as those focusing on outdoor learning or faith-based education?
Yes, Harrodsburg offers a mix of childcare options that cater to different preferences. Several local churches operate faith-based preschool and daycare programs that incorporate religious teachings into their curriculum. Furthermore, while not extremely common, some providers and centers in the area leverage Kentucky's natural landscape by emphasizing outdoor play and learning. It's important to inquire directly with providers about their educational philosophy. The Harrodsburg area also has programs that may participate in the Kentucky Early Head Start initiative, serving eligible infants and toddlers with comprehensive early childhood services.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Harrodsburg, and what local-specific questions should I ask?
During a tour, observe cleanliness, safety (secured entrances, covered outlets, safe playgrounds), and how staff interact with children—are they engaged and responsive? Check for visible licenses and inspection reports. Ask Harrodsburg-specific questions, such as: "What is your plan for severe weather common to central Kentucky (e.g., tornado warnings)?" "How do you handle transportation or field trips within our small city?" "Are meals provided, and if so, do you accommodate common local dietary preferences?" Also, inquire about their connection to the community: "Do children participate in local events like the Pioneer Days or visits to Old Fort Harrod?" Finally, always ask for references from current local parents.