The Best Daycare Centers in Ulysses, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ulysses. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ulysses
Little Angels Christian Academy
Independent Christian Center
Little Angels Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Christian childcare center serving the Ulysses area from nearby Louisa. They offer a comprehensive educational program that integrates faith-based learning with academic preparation. The center features a structured curriculum focusing on early literacy, mathematics, and social development, with certified teachers and low student-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and age-appropriate learning materials. The center is known for its nurturing environment, strong parent communication, and emphasis on character development alongside academic readiness.
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Lawrence County Head Start
Community Action Council
Lawrence County Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education services to families in Ulysses and surrounding communities. As part of the federally-funded Head Start program, they offer comprehensive child development services including education, health, nutrition, and family support. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and follows research-based curricula focused on school readiness. Facilities include developmentally appropriate classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and family resource centers. The program is particularly noted for its inclusive approach, serving children with special needs and offering extensive family engagement opportunities.
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Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent Childcare Center
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center serves the Ulysses area from their Louisa location with a focus on holistic child development. The center offers a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation with social-emotional learning and physical development. They employ qualified early childhood educators and maintain small class sizes to ensure individualized attention. The facility features secure, age-specific classrooms, modern playground equipment, and dedicated learning centers for various subjects. The center is recognized for its strong safety protocols, nutritious meal program, and comprehensive communication system that keeps parents informed about their child's daily activities and progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ulysses, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ulysses, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ulysses and all of Kentucky, 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 standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, and facility safety. 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 local Division of Child Care office. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or conditional licenses. In a smaller community like Ulysses, many parents also rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, but always confirm official state licensing.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Ulysses, KY, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in rural areas like Ulysses, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. It's highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Contact providers directly in Ulysses and neighboring towns like Paintsville or Salyersville to expand your options. When you join a waitlist, ask about their policy—some require a deposit, while others are just a call list. Staying in regular, polite contact (e.g., checking in quarterly) can help keep your family top of mind.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ulysses, Kentucky?
In Ulysses and the surrounding rural counties of Eastern Kentucky, daycare costs are generally lower than the state average but vary by provider type. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between $120 and $180 per week for full-time care. Certified family childcare homes often range from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are typically for children aged 2 and up; infant care (under 2) can be $20-$40 more per week due to higher staffing ratios. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (meals, snacks, supplies) and to inquire about potential financial assistance through the state's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) if you qualify.
Are there any unique childcare options in Ulysses, KY, such as in-home daycares or faith-based programs, and how do I evaluate them?
Yes, in a community like Ulysses, in-home family childcare and faith-based preschool programs are common alternatives to larger centers. Many licensed/certified family childcare providers operate out of their homes, offering a smaller, more home-like setting. Several local churches may also offer part-day preschool or Mother's Day Out programs. To evaluate these options, ensure they are either licensed by the state or registered as a religious exempt provider, which has different standards. Visit the home or facility, observe interactions, check safety measures (gated stairs, outlet covers, safe outdoor space), and ask for references from other local parents. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and professionalism.
What resources are available for finding and comparing daycare options specifically in Ulysses and Johnson County?
The primary resource is the state's **Child Care Provider Search** tool online, which you can filter by zip code (e.g., 41264 for Ulysses) or county (Johnson County). This shows licensed providers, their capacity, and inspection history. Locally, you can contact the **Johnson County Family Resource and Youth Services Centers (FRYSCs)** associated with the local schools; they often have community resource guides. The **Big Sandy Area Community Action Program (BSACAP)** may also offer referrals and support. Don't underestimate local networks: ask for recommendations at your pediatrician's office, on community Facebook pages (like "Ulysses, KY Community"), or at the Ulysses Post Office. Visiting and calling each potential provider is the best way to get specific details and feel for their program.