The Best Daycare Centers in Irvington, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Irvington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Irvington
Kids Kountry Learning Center
Independent
Kids Kountry Learning Center is Irvington's premier local childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a structured curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and holds certifications in early childhood education. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. What sets Kids Kountry apart is their strong community integration and personalized approach to each child's development, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher communication.
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Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
Located in nearby Hardinsburg (approximately 15 minutes from Irvington), Little Learners Child Development Center serves families throughout Breckinridge County with a research-based educational approach. The center implements Creative Curriculum with STEAM integration, focusing on hands-on learning and developmental milestones. Their qualified teaching staff includes educators with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, modern learning environments, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, cleanliness, and the visible progress children make in social and academic skills.
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The Learning Tree Child Care & Preschool
Independent
The Learning Tree in Brandenburg (approximately 20 minutes from Irvington) offers a comprehensive early childhood program serving Meade County and surrounding areas. Their educational philosophy combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, using HighScope curriculum elements. The center boasts highly qualified staff with low turnover rates and extensive experience in early childhood development. Facilities include secure, age-segmented classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and dedicated learning centers for art, reading, and dramatic play. The Learning Tree is particularly noted for their strong kindergarten readiness program and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Irvington, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Irvington, KY, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Irvington, 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, background checks, and training. You can verify a facility's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Kentucky Division of Child Care website. For very small in-home providers (caring for only the children of one unrelated family), licensing is not required, so parents should conduct extra diligence. The local resource, the North Central District Health Department, also plays a role in health and sanitation inspections for licensed facilities.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Irvington, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Irvington and the surrounding Breckinridge County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $110 to $140 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Kentucky cities like Louisville or Lexington. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which is administered by the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). Eligibility is based on income, work or training requirements, and family size. You can apply through the DCBS office in Hardinsburg, the Breckinridge County seat. Some local centers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Irvington that offer specialized programs, such as early learning curricula or care for children with special needs?
While Irvington is a small community, several local providers incorporate structured early learning. Some home-based providers and the local church-affiliated centers often use faith-based or play-based curricula. For more formal preschool programs preparing children for kindergarten, parents sometimes look at options in the larger nearby town of Hardinsburg. Regarding special needs, all licensed providers in Kentucky are required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, for specialized therapeutic services, families typically access resources through the First Steps program (Kentucky's early intervention system) or seek centers in Owensboro or Elizabethtown that have dedicated staff and facilities. It's crucial to discuss your child's specific needs directly with any Irvington provider to assess their capacity.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare openings in Irvington, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small town like Irvington, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care slots which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for a waitlist to be 3 to 6 months long, and sometimes longer. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before care is needed. The best practice is to contact all licensed centers and certified homes in Irvington, get on their interest lists, and follow up periodically. Being flexible on start dates can also improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are my options for drop-in, part-time, or after-school childcare in Irvington?
Regular drop-in or occasional care is very limited in Irvington due to licensing ratios and the full-time enrollment needs of most small providers. For part-time care, your best bet is to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as they may have more flexibility than centers to accommodate a part-time schedule. For after-school care, Irvington Elementary School may offer or be able to direct you to any existing after-school programs. For school-age children, many families in the area rely on informal networks, trusted neighbors, or the Breckinridge County Family Resource Center for referrals and potential program information. Planning ahead and building relationships with local providers is key to securing non-standard childcare hours.