The Best Daycare Centers in Huntington, WV
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Huntington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Huntington
Kiddie Academy of Barboursville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Barboursville offers a comprehensive educational curriculum through their Life Essentials program, focusing on character development, STEM learning, and social-emotional growth. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintaining low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, nutritious meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital platforms. The academy serves the greater Huntington area with flexible scheduling options and comprehensive safety protocols.
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The Goddard School of Huntington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Huntington provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), focusing on academic readiness and social development. The center employs degreed teachers in early childhood education and maintains rigorous safety standards including secured facilities and comprehensive background checks. Features include modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts, with regular developmental assessments and parent-teacher conferences to track child progress.
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Huntington Day Care Center
Huntington Day Care Center, Inc.
Huntington Day Care Center is a locally-owned facility offering a balanced curriculum that combines structured learning with creative play. The center focuses on developmental milestones through age-appropriate activities in literacy, mathematics, and social skills. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure environments, nutritious meal service, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong community connections, the center provides flexible scheduling and maintains excellent teacher retention rates, ensuring consistent care for children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Huntington, WV
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Huntington, WV, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Huntington, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $600 to $850 per month, while toddler care averages between $550 and $750 per month. These rates can vary based on the center's location, accreditation, and the specific services offered. For financial assistance, West Virginia offers the Child Care Subsidy Program through the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), which helps eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's highly recommended to contact the Cabell County Family Resource Network or the local DHHR office for the most current eligibility guidelines and application support.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Huntington is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All licensed childcare providers in West Virginia are regulated by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Children and Families. You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection reports, including any compliance issues or citations, through the official **WV Child Care Search** website. This public portal allows you to search by provider name, location (including Huntington and Cabell County), and type of care. For a more personal touch, you can also contact the regional DHHR office serving Cabell County to ask specific questions about a provider's history and licensing status.
Are there many daycare centers in Huntington that offer extended hours or weekend care for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While most traditional daycare centers in Huntington operate on a standard weekday schedule (typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM), options for extended evening, overnight, or weekend care are more limited but do exist. Your best bets are often larger childcare centers affiliated with hospitals (like Mountain Health Network) or some in-home licensed providers who may offer more flexible hours. It's also worth exploring registered family childcare homes, as they sometimes have more adaptable schedules. Starting your search early and being very clear about your needed hours during initial inquiries is crucial, as these spots fill quickly.
What are the typical waitlist times for enrolling an infant in a highly-rated daycare center in Huntington, and how should I plan ahead?
For popular, highly-rated daycare centers in Huntington, especially those associated with major employers or with strong reputations, waitlist times for infants can be significant. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. To plan effectively, begin researching and touring centers as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee) and maintain communication with the centers every few months. Also, consider expanding your search to include high-quality licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Ritter Park, Highlawn, or the Southside, as they may have shorter wait times.
Beyond basic daycare, what types of specialized or enrichment-focused early childhood programs are available for preschoolers in Huntington?
Huntington offers several enrichment-focused options for preschoolers. Many centers incorporate structured preschool curricula aligned with WV Early Learning Standards. Specific programs include Montessori-based education (available at select local centers), faith-based programs integrated into many local churches, and centers with strong emphasis on outdoor/nature play. Marshall University's Early Education STEM Center also provides a unique, inquiry-based learning model. Additionally, programs like Head Start and Pre-K in Cabell County Schools offer comprehensive early learning for income-eligible or age-eligible children, often incorporating nutrition, health, and family support services.