The Best Daycare Centers in Wharton, WV
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wharton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wharton
The Goddard School of Beckley
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Beckley offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through daily reports, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness training. Serving the Wharton area with transportation options available.
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Kiddie Academy of Beckley
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Beckley provides educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and age-specific learning environments. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. They offer flexible scheduling, healthy meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. The academy maintains excellent safety records with comprehensive health and security protocols, serving families throughout Raleigh County including Wharton residents.
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Little People's Place
Little People's Place Child Development Center
Little People's Place is a locally owned and operated childcare center serving the Beckley and surrounding Wharton areas for nearly two decades. They offer a comprehensive early childhood program that emphasizes school readiness through play-based learning and structured academic activities. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who provide individualized attention and maintain detailed progress reports. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, nutritious meal program, and strong community reputation for quality care and developmental support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wharton, WV
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Wharton, WV, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Wharton and all of West Virginia, childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), specifically the Office of Early and Childhood Development. Key requirements include background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios based on age (e.g., 1:4 for infants), health and safety training including CPR/First Aid, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license, you can use the DHHR's online Child Care Search tool or contact the local DHHR office directly. It's crucial to confirm this, as licensed facilities in Wharton must meet state-mandated standards for safety, curriculum, and staff qualifications.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Wharton, WV?
In Wharton and the surrounding rural areas of Boone County, daycare costs are generally lower than in West Virginia's larger cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $180 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. A licensed family childcare home may range from $100 to $150 per week. These rates are estimates, and it's important to inquire directly with providers. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the West Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs based on income and family size.
Are there any specialized childcare programs or resources for families in Wharton, such as those for children with special needs or during non-traditional hours?
Given Wharton's small, rural setting, specialized childcare options within the town itself are limited. However, resources are accessible through Boone County and state programs. For children with special needs, the West Virginia Birth to Three program provides early intervention services, and some licensed providers may be able to accommodate with proper training. For non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends), your best bet is to inquire with individual family childcare homes, as they may offer more flexible schedules than centers. For shift workers common in the region's industries, it's advisable to start your search early and explore potential arrangements with providers in nearby towns like Madison or Danville.
How long are waitlists typically for daycare centers in Wharton, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of licensed childcare facilities in a small community like Wharton, waitlists can be common and may range from several weeks to several months, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or 3-6 months before your needed start date. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their list length, how often it moves, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot. Being flexible with your start date can also help. Don't limit your search to Wharton alone; consider licensed providers in neighboring communities to increase your options.
What local resources or organizations in Boone County can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Wharton?
The primary resource for finding and evaluating childcare in Wharton is the **West Virginia Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Network**, which serves Boone County. You can contact them via their statewide website or hotline for a personalized referral list of licensed providers in your area. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and questions to ask. Additionally, the **Boone County Family Resource Network (FRN)** is a valuable local organization that may have information on childcare availability and family support services. Checking community bulletin boards at places like the Wharton Post Office or the Wharton-Barrett Branch Library can also yield leads on smaller, home-based providers.