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Licensed Daycare in Kentucky

Search 1,950 verified daycare and childcare centers across Kentucky, sourced directly from State Department of Children & Family Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

1,950
Licensed Centers
$1,230/mo
Avg Infant Care
$860/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

Kentucky Childcare Licensing

In Kentucky, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the State Department of Children & Family Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
State Department of Children & Family Services
Infant ratio
1:4
Toddler ratio
1:6
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,230/mo
Avg preschool cost
$860/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in Kentucky

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Lexington
127 centers
Louisville
84 centers
Corbin
71 centers
Bowling Green
31 centers
Carrollton
20 centers
Princeton
16 centers
Paducah
14 centers
Hopkinsville
13 centers
Ashland
13 centers
Williamsburg
12 centers
Owensboro
11 centers
Elizabethtown
11 centers
Financial help

Kentucky Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Kentucky families can apply for CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Kentucky

Montessori School
244 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
244 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
244 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
244 centers
Head Start Center
244 centers
Before & After School Care
244 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 1,950 →
L

Louisville Panda Kids Academy #25

Scranton, KY

Head Start Center
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Louisville Wonder Years #26

Georgetown, KY

Before & After School Care
L

Little Genius Louisville #27

Gravel Switch, KY

Infant & Toddler Center
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Louisville Cloud Nine Kids #28

Cornishville, KY

Montessori School
N

Nurturing Hearts Louisville #29

Hope, KY

Licensed Child Care Center
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Louisville Smart Start Academy #30

Jinks, KY

Licensed Family Daycare Home
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Louisville Little Angels #31

Jeffersonville, KY

Licensed Group Child Care Home
E

Explorer Kids Louisville #32

Keene, KY

Preschool Program
L

Louisville Generations Daycare #33

Lawrenceburg, KY

Head Start Center
L

Louisville KinderSmile #34

Means, KY

Before & After School Care
A

Active Kids Louisville #35

Midway, KY

Infant & Toddler Center
L

Louisville Playhouse Academy #36

Millersburg, KY

Montessori School

Daycare in Kentucky — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Kentucky is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the State Department of Children & Family Services database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Kentucky?
State minimums in Kentucky are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:6 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Kentucky?
Full-time infant care averages about $1230/month; preschool runs around $860/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Kentucky trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Kentucky?
Yes. The primary state program is CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program). Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Kentucky daycare?
File a complaint with the State Department of Children & Family Services. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 1,950 Licensed Kentucky Centers

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