The Best Daycare Centers in Means, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Means. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Means
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings is a highly-regarded Christian-based childcare center serving the broader Central Kentucky region including Means. They offer a comprehensive early childhood education program with a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation, social development, and faith-based values. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, degreed early childhood educators, and a secure facility with monitored access. Their program includes structured learning activities, hands-on exploration, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff, and strong communication about child development progress.
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Kiddie Academy of Frankfort
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Frankfort is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain serving the broader region including Means. Their Life Essentials® curriculum focuses on character development, academic readiness, and social-emotional learning through structured play and hands-on activities. The facility features modern security systems including keypad entry, camera monitoring, and secure check-in procedures. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The academy offers age-appropriate learning environments, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and comprehensive communication tools for parents including daily activity reports and developmental updates.
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The Learning Garden Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
The Learning Garden serves families throughout Bourbon County and surrounding areas including Means. This established center emphasizes a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum is designed to foster cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development through themed learning centers, creative arts, music, and outdoor exploration. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces for different age groups. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with backgrounds in early childhood education. The center is praised for its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong focus on individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Means, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Means, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Means, Kentucky, all childcare centers and certified family childcare homes must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Licensing ensures facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and training (including CPR and first aid). To verify a provider's status, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website or contact the Division of Child Care directly. It's highly recommended to always check this license status, as it is your primary assurance of a regulated and monitored facility. You can also ask the provider to show you their current license certificate.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Means, KY, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Means and the surrounding rural areas of Eastern Kentucky, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than the state average but can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $110 to $160 per week. These are estimates, and prices depend on the center's amenities and age of the child. For financial assistance, Kentucky offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible low-income families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. You can 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.
Are there many daycare centers in Means, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns, and are waitlists common?
As a small, unincorporated community, Means itself has very limited dedicated daycare center options. Parents often need to look to nearby towns like Jackson, Campton, or Stanton for a wider selection of licensed centers and family childcare homes. Due to the limited number of facilities in the region, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots. It's crucial to start your search early—ideally 3 to 6 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to inquire about current availability and get on their waitlist. Building a network with other local parents can also provide leads on potential openings in home-based settings.
What types of childcare settings are most common in the Means area, and what are the pros and cons of each?
In the Means area, you'll primarily find two types of licensed settings: Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) and Child Care Centers in nearby towns. **FCCHs** are smaller, home-based operations often with a mixed-age group. Pros include a homelike environment, potentially more flexible hours, and a consistent caregiver. Cons may include less structured curriculum and limited backup if the provider is sick. **Centers** (in Jackson or Stanton) offer a more structured educational environment, multiple staff, and often have set operating hours. Pros include socialization, planned activities, and reliability. The main con is the commute. Given the rural setting, informal care by relatives or neighbors is also common but is not regulated by the state.
Beyond basic licensing, what should I look for or ask about when touring a daycare facility serving the Means community?
When touring a facility, ask specific questions relevant to the local context. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for rural areas, including protocols for severe weather common in Eastern Kentucky and communication plans if cell service is unreliable. Ask about their staff turnover rate; consistency is key in a small community. Check if meals and snacks are provided, as options for quick grocery trips may be limited. Observe the outdoor play area—is it secure and well-maintained? Finally, ask about their policy for school closures or delays for the local Menifee County School District, as this affects their operating schedule and your backup plans. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and engagement with the children.