The Best Daycare Centers in Providence, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Providence. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Providence
Kiddie Kampus of Madisonville
Independent
Kiddie Kampus provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones through hands-on activities, creative arts, and literacy development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and classrooms equipped with modern learning materials. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center is known for its nurturing environment and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Little Blessings Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings offers a faith-based educational environment that emphasizes character development alongside academic readiness. Their curriculum incorporates both traditional learning methods and modern educational approaches, including STEM activities for older children. The center maintains state-exceeding safety standards with secure facilities, comprehensive background checks for staff, and emergency preparedness training. Classrooms are organized into learning centers that encourage exploration and independent thinking. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintains strong community connections with local schools and organizations.
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Hanson Head Start
Community Action Partnership
Hanson Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education through the federally-funded Head Start program, serving families in the Providence area with a focus on school readiness and family support. The program uses research-based curricula that address all developmental domains including cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. Services include health screenings, dental care, nutrition programs, and family engagement activities. The center maintains highly qualified teaching staff with specialized training in early childhood development and trauma-informed care. Their holistic approach includes home visits and parent education, creating strong school-family partnerships that support children's long-term success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Providence, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Providence, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is in good standing?
In Kentucky, all childcare centers and certified family childcare homes must be licensed by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and staff background checks. For Providence specifically, you can verify a provider's license and any history of violations through the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool. It's also advisable to contact the local CHFS Division of Regulated Child Care office that oversees Webster County. Always ask to see the facility's current license during your tour, and check for any special certifications, like participation in the state's STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system, which indicates a higher standard of care.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Providence, KY?
In Providence and the surrounding Webster County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Kentucky but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$120 to $180 per week** for full-time infant or toddler care. In-home family daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from **$90 to $140 per week**. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum materials). Financial assistance may be available through the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Providence, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of licensed facilities in a rural community like Providence, popular daycare centers and in-home providers often have limited slots, especially for infants. It is very common to encounter waitlists that can be **3 to 6 months long**. We strongly recommend starting your search **as early as possible during pregnancy**, or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, any deposit required to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Exploring multiple options, including providers in nearby towns like Dixon or Sebree, can increase your chances of finding timely care.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available for school-age children in Providence?
For school-age children (5-12 years), Providence offers several options. The most common is before-and-after-school care, often provided by the **Webster County School District** or through partnerships with local community organizations. These programs typically operate at or near the elementary school and include transportation. During summer and school holidays, look for local day camps or full-day summer care programs, which may be offered by the Providence City Government's parks department, local churches, or the YMCA in neighboring counties. Due to limited dedicated facilities, these programs can fill quickly, so early registration is key.
What local resources in Providence can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Your primary local resource is the **Kentucky Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency** that serves the Green River region, which includes Webster County. You can contact them via phone or online for a free, personalized referral list of licensed providers in Providence. They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit and explain state subsidy programs. Additionally, the **Webster County Public Library** and the **Webster County Health Department** often have community bulletin boards with information on local childcare. For trusted personal recommendations, consider asking other parents in local Facebook community groups (e.g., "Providence, KY Community") or at your pediatrician's office.