The Best Daycare Centers in Yerkes, KY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Yerkes. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Yerkes
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded early childhood education center located approximately 15 miles from Yerkes in Hazard. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focused on developmental milestones with certified early childhood educators. The facility features secure access systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and structured outdoor play areas. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, including literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide regular progress reports to parents. The center emphasizes safety with background-checked staff, secure entry systems, and comprehensive emergency protocols.
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Kiddie Kingdom Child Development Center
Independent
Kiddie Kingdom provides quality childcare services to families throughout Perry County, including Yerkes residents. The center features a research-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Kentucky Early Childhood Standards. Their experienced staff includes degreed early childhood professionals who focus on individualized learning plans. The facility includes separate nurseries for infants, dedicated toddler rooms, and preschool classrooms equipped with smart technology. Safety is prioritized with secured perimeters, comprehensive camera systems, and strict health protocols. They offer nutritious meal programs and emphasize parent communication through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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Mountain Top Learning Center
Appalachian Early Childhood Network
Mountain Top Learning Center serves families throughout Perry County with a focus on Appalachian cultural heritage while providing high-quality early education. Their curriculum integrates nature-based learning with academic preparation, featuring outdoor classrooms and environmental education. The center employs state-certified teachers and maintains exceptional staff retention rates. Facilities include modern security systems, age-specific playgrounds, and specialized learning labs for art, music, and movement. They partner with local schools for smooth transitions to kindergarten and offer flexible scheduling options. The center is known for its strong community involvement and comprehensive approach to child development, including social skills building and character education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Yerkes, KY
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Yerkes, Kentucky, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Yerkes and throughout 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 Perry County. It's crucial to check this, as unlicensed care may not offer the same protections. You can also ask the provider directly for their license number and current inspection reports.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Yerkes, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Yerkes and the surrounding Perry County area, full-time daycare for an infant can range from approximately $125 to $175 per week, while toddler care may be slightly lower, around $110 to $150 per week. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. home-based), hours, and included services like meals. 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 work or training requirements. You can apply through the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office in Hazard, which serves Perry County. Some local providers may also offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there any licensed in-home daycare providers in Yerkes, and what are the benefits of choosing a home-based setting in our small community?
Yes, there are licensed family childcare home providers in and around Yerkes. These small, home-based settings are often popular in close-knit communities like ours. Benefits include a more home-like environment, potentially smaller group sizes, mixed-age interactions (which can be great for siblings), and often more flexible hours that might accommodate shift work common in the region. To find licensed homes, use the state's Child Care Provider Search and filter for "Family Child Care Home" in the 41778 zip code or Perry County. It's also helpful to ask for recommendations from neighbors or local community groups, as personal referrals are valuable in small towns.
Given Yerkes' rural location, what are the transportation options or considerations for getting my child to and from daycare?
Transportation is an important consideration in rural Yerkes. Most daycare centers and homes do not provide transportation services. Parents are typically responsible for drop-off and pick-up. It's essential to discuss hours of operation and early/late policies with your provider, especially if you have a commute to work in Hazard, Hyden, or beyond. Some families coordinate carpools with other local parents. Additionally, for school-age children in before/after-school care, check if the daycare has a partnership with the Perry County School District for bus drop-off/pick-up at their facility. Planning for weather-related road conditions, which can be challenging in our Appalachian region, is also advisable.
What types of preschool or early learning programs are integrated into daycare options in Yerkes, and how do they align with Kentucky's kindergarten readiness standards?
Several daycare centers in the broader Perry County area, including those accessible to Yerkes families, offer structured preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. These programs often follow curricula aligned with Kentucky's Early Childhood Standards, which focus on language development, early math, social skills, and physical development to ensure kindergarten readiness. Some providers may participate in the state's HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Development Services) early childhood home visitation program or the public preschool program through the Perry County Schools. When touring facilities, ask about their curriculum, teacher qualifications in early childhood education, and how they track and communicate your child's progress toward developmental milestones.