The Best Daycare Centers in Simon, WV
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Simon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Simon
Little Learners Child Development Center
Independent
Little Learners Child Development Center serves the Simon area with a comprehensive early childhood education program focused on developmental milestones. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. They emphasize individualized learning plans and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms with natural lighting, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and nutritious meal programs following USDA guidelines.
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ABC Learning Center
Independent
ABC Learning Center provides quality childcare services to families in the Simon region with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, including phonics, early math concepts, and STEM activities. The center employs state-certified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure check-in systems and comprehensive background checks. Features include outdoor learning environments, technology-integrated classrooms, and regular parent-teacher conferences to track developmental progress.
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Southern WV Child Care Center
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Operated by Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, this childcare center serves the Simon area with an educational program grounded in child development research. The center offers a college-lab school environment where early childhood education students gain practical experience under professional supervision. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, cognitive skills, and social competence through project-based learning. The facility includes observation rooms for parent viewing, dedicated art and music areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Staff includes master teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing training in best practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Simon, WV
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Simon, WV, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Simon, WV, all childcare centers and family childcare homes serving more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Children and Families. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the DHHR's online Child Care Search tool or contact the local DHHR office in Welch, which serves McDowell County. It's crucial to confirm licensing, as it is your primary assurance of regulated care standards in the Simon area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Simon, WV, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Simon and the surrounding McDowell County area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than state and national averages, but availability is limited. For an infant, you might expect to pay between $400 to $600 per month, and for a toddler, between $350 to $500 per month. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the type of facility. Financial assistance is available through the West Virginia Child Care Program (WVCCP), which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. Eligibility is based on income, work, school, or training requirements. You can apply through the DHHR. Additionally, local organizations or churches in Simon may offer limited sliding-scale options or support.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Simon, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare providers in Simon and McDowell County, waitlists can be significant, often several months long, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. Contact all licensed providers in Simon and nearby towns like Welch or War. Be proactive: visit facilities, complete all pre-registration paperwork, and check in periodically. Also, consider expanding your search to include registered family childcare homes, which may have shorter waitlists and offer a more home-like setting in the community.
Are there any unique childcare options in Simon, WV, such as faith-based programs, part-time care, or programs for non-traditional hours?
Given Simon's small, rural setting, traditional daycare center options are very limited. However, you may find childcare through local faith-based organizations, such as churches, which might offer preschool programs or Mother's Day Out-type care on a part-time basis. Full-day, year-round care for standard work hours is the most common offering from licensed providers. Care for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight) is extremely rare in Simon itself. For such needs, parents often rely on informal arrangements with trusted individuals, family members, or may need to look toward larger towns like Bluefield. Always ensure any caregiver meets state safety standards.
What should I look for during a daycare tour in Simon, and are there local resources to help me evaluate options?
When touring a daycare in Simon, pay close attention to cleanliness, safety (secured entrances, covered electrical outlets, safe playground equipment), and the overall mood—are children engaged and happy? Ask about staff turnover, their training in CPR/First Aid, and the daily schedule. Inquire about their policies for sick children, emergencies, and communication with parents. Given the area's geography, ask about their plan for weather-related closures or power outages. For local evaluation resources, contact the Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R), which serves McDowell County. They can provide checklists, quality information, and support in your search, even for rural areas like Simon.