The Best Daycare Centers in Shelbiana, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shelbiana. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shelbiana
The Learning Center
Community Trust Bank Early Childhood Development Center
The Learning Center operates as a high-quality early childhood development facility with a comprehensive educational curriculum. They employ degreed teachers and maintain low student-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social development through play-based learning. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. They serve families throughout Pike County, including the Shelbiana area, and are known for their strong parent communication and developmental tracking systems.
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Little Scholars Child Development Center
Little Scholars LLC
Little Scholars provides a structured educational environment with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. All lead teachers hold early childhood education degrees or credentials, and staff receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. They offer flexible scheduling options and serve children from 6 weeks through school age, making them accessible to Shelbiana families commuting to Pikeville.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Kiddie Kottage Inc.
Kiddie Kottage Learning Center has served Pike County families for nearly two decades with a reputation for nurturing care and educational excellence. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic preparation using a balanced approach of structured learning and creative play. The facility features separate age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor areas, and secured outdoor play spaces. They maintain Kentucky STARS quality ratings and participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Located in central Pikeville, they conveniently serve surrounding communities including Shelbiana with reliable transportation options and flexible care schedules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shelbiana, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Shelbiana, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility's license?
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 training. In Shelbiana and Pike County, you can verify a provider's license status and view any past compliance reports by using the state's online "Child Care Provider Search" tool on the CHFS website. It's crucial to choose a licensed provider, as this offers a baseline of regulatory oversight. You can also contact the local CHFS regional office that serves Eastern Kentucky for additional verification.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shelbiana, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Shelbiana and the surrounding Pike County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $125 to $175 per week. Toddler care is often slightly less, averaging $110 to $160 per week. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based) and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, Kentucky's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Pikeville, which serves Shelbiana residents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Shelbiana, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited options in smaller communities like Shelbiana, quality daycare centers and highly-regarded home-based providers can indeed have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and make inquiries at least 6-9 months before you need care. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and process. To improve your chances, consider getting on multiple waitlists and exploring both licensed centers in nearby towns like Pikeville and certified family childcare homes within Shelbiana itself. Following up periodically can also demonstrate your continued interest.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Shelbiana, and what are the pros and cons of each?
In Shelbiana, parents primarily find two types of licensed settings: family childcare homes and childcare centers. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** are operated in a provider's residence, often offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups. They can be more flexible and affordable but may have limited hours and capacity. **Childcare Centers** are facility-based, often with more structured curricula, multiple staff, and larger groups of children. They typically offer more reliable hours but may be less flexible and require commuting to nearby Pikeville. Given Shelbiana's size, home-based options may be more prevalent within the city limits itself.
How does Kentucky's STARS for KIDS NOW quality rating system work, and are there any highly-rated providers near Shelbiana?
Kentucky's STARS for KIDS NOW is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system where licensed providers can earn a rating from 1 to 5 STARS, with 5 being the highest. This rating assesses areas like staff qualifications, learning environment, and family engagement. While the number of participating providers in very small towns like Shelbiana may be limited, it is valuable to check the ratings of providers in the broader Pike County area. A higher STAR rating generally indicates a commitment to quality beyond minimum licensing standards. You can search for STAR-rated providers using the same state online provider search tool, filtering by county and STAR level to find the best-rated options within a reasonable commute.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Shelbiana: