The Best Daycare Centers in Mayfield, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mayfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mayfield
Mayfield Head Start Center
Community Action Paducah
Mayfield Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on school readiness for low-income families. The center offers a research-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, and emotional development. Staff includes certified early childhood educators and family advocates who work closely with parents. The program includes nutritious meals, health screenings, and family support services. Facilities feature age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated play areas and educational materials designed to prepare children for kindergarten success.
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Kiddie Academy of Paducah
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Paducah offers a comprehensive educational childcare program serving the Western Kentucky region, including Mayfield families. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and receive ongoing professional development. The academy provides nutritious meals and emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Independent
Bright Beginnings Learning Center is a locally-owned childcare facility providing quality early education in Mayfield. The center uses a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum includes language development, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills. The facility features secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and safe outdoor play spaces. Staff members are CPR and first-aid certified with ongoing training in early childhood development. The center maintains open communication with parents and offers flexible scheduling to meet family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mayfield, KY
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Mayfield, KY?
In Mayfield, the cost of full-time daycare can vary based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $90 to $140 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Kentucky, reflecting the local cost of living in Graves County. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualifying families.
How can I verify if a daycare in Mayfield is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare centers and certified family childcare homes in Mayfield must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history, including any past violations, by using the state's online "Child Care Search" tool on the CHFS website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Mayfield), or zip code. It shows the license status, capacity, ages served, and details of any regulatory reviews or complaints. For your due diligence, we also recommend contacting the Graves County Health Department or visiting the facility in person to ask for their most recent inspection report and to observe the environment firsthand.
Are there many daycare options with immediate openings in Mayfield, or should I expect to join a waitlist?
Due to Mayfield's smaller population and the ongoing recovery from the 2021 tornado, the availability of immediate daycare openings can be limited. Many established centers, especially those with strong reputations, often have waitlists, particularly for infants and toddlers. It is highly advisable to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist status and estimated timeline. You may have better luck finding immediate or shorter-wait openings with licensed in-home providers or newer centers. Networking through local Facebook groups for Mayfield parents can also provide leads on unexpected openings.
What resources are available in Mayfield to help me find and compare local childcare providers?
A primary local resource is the **Graves County Family Resource & Youth Services Center (FRYSC)**, which often has information on licensed providers. The most comprehensive tool is the state-run **Kentucky Child Care Provider Search** website. For personalized referrals, you can contact **4-C of Southern Kentucky**, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for the region. They serve Graves County and can provide free, customized lists of licensed providers in Mayfield that match your needs (hours, ages, location). Additionally, the **Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce** may have listings, and local pediatricians' offices are often a good source of trusted recommendations.
Do any daycares in Mayfield offer specialized programs or care for non-traditional hours, like evenings or weekends?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, overnight, weekends) in Mayfield is challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best chance for flexible hours is with licensed family childcare homes, as some providers may offer evening or weekend care to accommodate parents working in healthcare, manufacturing, or service industries. It requires direct and specific inquiry. Be sure to discuss your needed schedule upfront. For true shift work, you may need to explore a nanny share arrangement with another local family or seek an in-home babysitter. Some providers might also offer drop-in or part-time care, which can help fill occasional scheduling gaps.