The Best Daycare Centers in Myra, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Myra. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Myra
The Goddard School of Prestonburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Prestonburg offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning in purpose-built classrooms with low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and physical development with daily communication to parents through the Goddard Connect app. Their nutritional program provides healthy meals and snacks, and they maintain rigorous health and cleanliness standards.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a strong emphasis on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum approaches with hands-on learning activities, phonics instruction, and social skills development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-separated classrooms, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Staff maintain CPR and First Aid certifications with ongoing professional development. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and individualized attention given to each child's learning progression and emotional needs.
Daycare Services:
Little Scholars Academy
Independent
Little Scholars Academy focuses on creating a nurturing educational environment that promotes cognitive, social, and physical development. Their research-based curriculum includes Montessori-inspired elements combined with traditional early childhood education practices. The center features modern security systems, developmentally appropriate learning materials, and structured daily routines that balance learning and play. Teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool preparation classrooms with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Myra, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Myra, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Myra, 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, and staff qualifications (like background checks and training). To verify a facility's license status, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website or contact the local Division of Child Care office that serves Boyd County and the surrounding region. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or conditional licenses before enrolling your child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Myra, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Myra and broader Boyd County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from $130 to $180 per week. Toddler care may be slightly less, around $120 to $160 per week. Home-based daycare is often more affordable. These rates can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and hours. For financial assistance, Kentucky offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the local Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Catlettsburg or Ashland. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Myra for parents working non-traditional shifts?
Finding daycare with extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Myra itself can be challenging due to its smaller, rural nature. Most licensed home-based providers and centers operate on a standard weekday schedule (approximately 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). However, parents often need to look to nearby larger communities like Ashland or Catlettsburg, where a few larger centers or registered family childcare homes may offer extended or weekend hours to accommodate shift workers at local industries or healthcare facilities. It's essential to inquire directly with providers and plan for potentially longer waitlists for these specialized slots.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Myra area, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlist times in the Myra and Boyd County area can vary significantly. For highly sought-after centers or infant rooms, waitlists can be 3 to 6 months long, or even longer. Smaller in-home providers may have shorter lists but fewer openings. To secure a spot, start your search early—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a small waitlist fee in some cases. Follow up periodically to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighboring communities, which may have more immediate availability.
What are some key local factors or amenities I should look for when touring a daycare in Myra, Kentucky?
When touring daycares in Myra, consider factors specific to the local environment. First, inquire about their outdoor play area safety and shade, given Kentucky's humid summers. Ask about their plan for inclement weather, as rural roads can be affected. Since Myra is a smaller community, check if the provider has established relationships with local elementary schools for smoother transitions to kindergarten. Also, look for evidence of Kentucky's early learning standards (the Kentucky Early Childhood Standards) being incorporated into the curriculum. Finally, for practicality, assess their policies on school delays/closings, as they may align with the Boyd County Public Schools calendar, which is important for working parents.
Childcare Insights for Myra
Finding quality infant daycare is one of the most significant and emotional decisions a new parent will make. If you're searching for "infant daycare near me" while living in or around Myra, Kentucky, you are likely navigating a mix of hope for a nurturing environment and the practical realities of rural living. The journey here is unique, blending the close-knit community feel with the need to carefully evaluate your limited local options. The good news is that with a thoughtful approach, you can find a safe and loving place for your little one to begin their early learning journey right here in our corner of Lawrence County.
First, it’s important to understand the landscape of childcare in our area. Myra itself is a small, unincorporated community, which means dedicated infant daycare centers within the immediate town limits may be few. Your search will likely extend to neighboring areas like Louisa, Blaine, or even a slightly longer commute to Paintsville or Ashland. This is a common consideration for families in Myra, and planning for travel time becomes a key part of the equation. Many parents find that in-home family childcare providers are a wonderful option in rural settings, often offering smaller group sizes and a home-like atmosphere. These providers can sometimes be the hidden gems of our community, passed along through word-of-mouth recommendations at the local post office, church, or community center.
When you begin contacting providers, whether a center in a nearby town or a licensed home in the Myra area, there are specific questions that carry extra weight. Given our location, inquire about their emergency protocols and communication plans during inclement weather or road closures, which can occasionally affect routes along US-23 or KY-3. Ask about their staff's longevity and training; in a smaller community, a provider with deep roots and years of dedicated service is a tremendous asset. Don’t hesitate to request a full tour of the infant room, paying close attention to cleanliness, safety measures like secure sleeping arrangements, and how caregivers interact with the babies. A quality provider will welcome your thoroughness.
Building your local network is perhaps the most valuable step you can take. Talk to other parents at the Myra Fire Department events or at the Lawrence County Health Department. Personal referrals from people who understand the rhythms of life here are invaluable. Additionally, utilize state resources like Kentucky’s Child Care Search website to verify the licensing status of any provider you consider. This ensures they meet health, safety, and training standards set by the Commonwealth. Remember, trust your instincts as a parent. The right caregiver will not only answer all your questions patiently but will also help you feel a sense of reassurance and partnership. Finding infant daycare near Myra may require a bit more legwork, but the goal is the same: a secure, stimulating, and caring environment where your infant can thrive while you’re at work, right here in our community.