The Best Daycare Centers in Paintsville, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Paintsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Paintsville
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They employ a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. All lead teachers hold Early Childhood Education credentials, and the center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and a large outdoor playground with safety surfaces. Their curriculum includes daily enrichment activities, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital portfolios.
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KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
As part of the national KinderCare network, this center offers research-based curriculum including their proprietary Early Foundations program for infants through pre-K. The facility features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Their program emphasizes whole-child development with focus on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. The center provides balanced meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and offers flexible scheduling options including full-time and part-time care for working families in the Paintsville area.
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Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
Sunshine House provides a structured educational environment with their proprietary School Readiness Pathway curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten success. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, STEM activities, and character development components. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing training requirements. The center offers extended hours to accommodate working parents and maintains strong communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Paintsville, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Paintsville, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Paintsville, 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 facilities meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license and view any history of non-compliance, you can use the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website. You can also contact the local CHFS office that serves Johnson County. It's highly recommended to visit any potential daycare in person to observe the environment and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time infant or toddler daycare in Paintsville, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Paintsville and surrounding Johnson County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care may range from $110 to $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and whether it is a center or a home-based provider. For financial assistance, Kentucky offers the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance requirements. You can apply through the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Paintsville. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare options with extended hours or weekend care in Paintsville for parents working non-traditional shifts?
Finding daycare with extended hours (beyond 6:00 PM) or weekend care in Paintsville can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best bet is to inquire with licensed family childcare homes, as some in-home providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers at local employers like the hospital or manufacturing plants. It's crucial to start your search early, be clear about your schedule needs, and potentially join local Facebook groups for parents in Johnson County, where providers sometimes advertise flexible care options.
What resources are available in Paintsville to help me find and compare different daycare centers and preschools?
A key local resource is the **Child Care Council of Kentucky, Inc.**, which serves the Big Sandy Area Development District, including Johnson County. They offer free referral services to help parents find licensed and certified childcare options that match their specific needs. You can contact them by phone or through their website. Additionally, the **Johnson County Public Library** may have community bulletin boards with information. For personal recommendations, consider asking your pediatrician's office at the local hospital or joining the "Paintsville/Johnson County KY Community" Facebook page to ask other parents for their experiences and insights.
How long are waitlists typically for infant care at reputable daycares in Paintsville, and when should I start looking?
Due to limited infant care slots and strict staff-to-child ratios, waitlists for infant care at the most sought-after centers in Paintsville can be several months long, often 6 to 12 months. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you are expecting, ideally during your second trimester. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to join? How often should you check in? Do they offer a guaranteed start date? Exploring licensed family childcare homes can also provide more immediate openings, as they may have smaller, more variable capacities.