The Best Daycare Centers in Hima, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hima. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hima
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded childcare center serving the Hima area with a comprehensive educational approach. They implement a play-based curriculum combined with structured learning activities that focus on early literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional development. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms, a dedicated outdoor playground with safety surfaces, and comprehensive security systems. The center emphasizes nutritional meal programs and maintains excellent state licensing compliance records, making it a trusted choice for families in Leslie County and surrounding areas.
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Mountain Top Child Development Center
Independent
Mountain Top Child Development Center serves families throughout Perry County and the Hima region with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their educational approach integrates Creative Curriculum with STEM activities and literacy development. The center employs qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and provides ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. The facility offers spacious classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Parent communication is prioritized through daily reports and a dedicated parent portal.
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Kiddie Kottage of Hazard
Independent
Kiddie Kottage has been serving Eastern Kentucky families for nearly two decades with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on learning experiences, creative arts, and early academic preparation. The center features experienced teaching staff with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains excellent staff retention rates. Safety is paramount with monitored facilities, strict health protocols, and emergency preparedness plans. The center offers flexible scheduling options and serves nutritional meals meeting USDA guidelines. Their commitment to creating a nurturing, educational environment has made them a reliable choice for Hima-area families seeking quality childcare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hima, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Hima, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Kentucky, all childcare centers and certified family childcare homes must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. In a smaller community like Hima, many providers may be licensed family homes. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Kentucky CHFS website or by contacting the local Division of Regulated Child Care office that oversees Leslie County. It's always recommended to visit in person and ask to see their current license certificate.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Hima area, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Hima and the surrounding Leslie County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Kentucky cities but can vary. For a licensed center, you might expect to pay between $120-$180 per week for an infant/toddler. Licensed family childcare homes may range from $90-$140 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which helps eligible low-income working families, those in job training, or attending school. Eligibility is based on income and family size. You can apply through the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Hyden, which serves Leslie County. Some local churches or community organizations may also offer limited scholarships or sliding-scale fees.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Hima that offer educational or school-readiness programs for 3-5 year olds?
While Hima itself is a very small unincorporated community, there are options in the immediate area focusing on early education. The Leslie County Public School District may offer a state-funded preschool program for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which is often housed at local elementary schools. Additionally, some licensed family childcare homes and smaller centers in the area incorporate structured preschool curricula. A key resource is the Leslie County Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) connected to the local schools; they can provide referrals to quality programs that emphasize kindergarten readiness. It's common for parents in Hima to consider providers in nearby Hyden for more structured preschool options.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Hima, and when should I start looking for care before I need it?
Due to the limited number of providers in a rural area like Hima, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not uncommon for a sought-after licensed home or the nearest center to have a waitlist of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search and getting on waitlists as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy if possible. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask about their current list length and estimated openings, and get on multiple lists if you can. Don't hesitate to check with providers in neighboring communities like Hyden or Stinnett to expand your options.
What should I look for and ask about during a daycare tour in a small, rural community like Hima?
When touring a daycare in Hima, beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, ask specific questions relevant to a rural setting. Inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (common in Kentucky) and how they handle potential power outages. Ask about their policy for outdoor play and safety, given the proximity to wooded areas or less trafficked roads. For family homes, ensure they have a safe, dedicated space for childcare that is separate from household hazards. Verify their transportation plan for field trips or school pick-ups for older children, given the winding rural roads. Finally, ask about their communication with parents, as cell service can be spotty in parts of Leslie County; a provider with a reliable landline or specific protocol is a plus.