The Best Daycare Centers in Hazel, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hazel. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hazel
The Goddard School of Murray
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Murray is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Hazel area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. They maintain excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. The center is known for its clean, safe environment and strong focus on developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
Murray Child Development Center
Independent
Murray Child Development Center has served the Calloway County area including Hazel for nearly two decades with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their program includes Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and HighScope for preschool ages, focusing on active participatory learning. The center employs state-certified early childhood educators and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers nutritious meals prepared on-site, spacious indoor learning environments, and well-equipped outdoor playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the center's experienced staff and the visible developmental progress children make.
Daycare Services:
Mayfield Head Start Center
Four Rivers Behavioral Health
Mayfield Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to the broader Graves County region, including Hazel families. Their evidence-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through literacy development, math concepts, social skills, and physical health. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and provides extensive support services including health screenings, dental care, nutrition education, and family engagement programs. They maintain excellent safety standards with secure facilities, trained staff in pediatric CPR/first aid, and comprehensive emergency protocols. The program is particularly noted for its inclusive approach, serving children with special needs and offering family support services that extend beyond classroom education.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hazel, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hazel, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In 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. This includes facilities in Hazel. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's status, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website. This tool shows the license type, capacity, any serious violations, and the date of the last inspection. For very small in-home providers, ask if they are registered with the state's "Child Care Assistance Program" (CCAP) or certified, as unregistered care is not regulated.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hazel, KY?
In Hazel and the surrounding rural areas of western Kentucky, daycare costs are generally lower than the state average but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $160 per week for full-time infant care. Certified family home daycare is often more affordable, typically ranging from $90 to $130 per week. These rates are estimates; always confirm directly with providers. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, formula, diapers, educational curriculum). Many families in the area may qualify for financial assistance through the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on income.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hazel, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller number of licensed providers in a rural community like Hazel, waitlists for infant and toddler spots, in particular, can be common and may extend several months. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, and how often they update families. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Mayfield or Paducah for more options. Building a relationship with a local certified family childcare home can also be a great alternative with potentially shorter waits.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in a small town like Hazel, KY?
Hazel primarily offers two main types of licensed childcare: Certified Family Child Care Homes and Licensed Child Care Centers. Family homes are often run out of a provider's residence and offer a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups, which can be great for siblings. Centers are standalone facilities that may offer more structured preschool curricula and have multiple staff. Given the rural setting, there are fewer large corporate chains. Many programs are locally owned and operated. You may also find part-day preschool programs affiliated with local churches or community organizations, but these typically do not offer full-day care for working parents.
How does the local school district, Graves County Schools, interact with daycare providers for pre-K aged children?
Graves County Schools offers the state-funded Kentucky Preschool Program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which is typically a part-day program. Many daycare centers in Hazel and the surrounding area partner with the school district to provide "wrap-around" care. This means your child can attend the public preschool program for their educational portion and then stay at the daycare facility before and after for full-day supervision and care. It's crucial to ask local providers if they offer this transportation and coordination service. This partnership is a valuable resource for ensuring a smooth transition to kindergarten while meeting the needs of working parents in the community.