Parent Resources

Bluegrass Service District: Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott and Woodford Counties

Thank you for exploring the Child Care Council of KY's webpage for information concerning child care. We are dedicated to helping you find child care that is appropriate for your family.

The Child Care Council of KY is a child care resource and referral agency which does not provide recommendations for any particular provider. The child care referrals that you receive will be based on the search criteria you provide to the Resource/Recruitment Specialist. There is no limit to the number of times you can use our free child care referral service, and the Resource/Recruitment Specialist will continue to work with you until you are confident about your child care choice.

Every child care provider in our referral database is regulated by the Department of Child Care, DCC. Anyone caring for more than three non-related children must be state regulated. There are three types of state regulated child care in Kentucky. A certified in-home provider can care for up to 6 non-related children in his/her home. A licensed in-home provider can care for up to 12 children in his/her home. A licensed daycare center is located within a non-residential building, and the maximum capacity of children is based on square footage. To learn more about the DCC and regulated child care click here to visit the website.

At a minimum, all licensed child care providers must have:

*First Aid/CPR Certificate
*Criminal Records Check
*Substantiated Child Abuse/Neglect Check (CA/N)
*TB Skin Test
*6 hours of Orientation Training, plus additional hour annually
*Yearly Onsite Inspections

Below are three options for completing a child care search. The options are e-mailing your information to the Resource/Recruitment Specialists, calling the Resource/Recruitment Specialists to give your information over the phone, or completing the search on your own by using search criteria you enter into the computer. 

Please e-mail the following information to ensure an accurate search.
Your information will be kept confidential.

Name:
Daytime telephone number:
Home address including zip code:
Work address including zip code or other location you would like to search:
Birthday or due date of child/children:
Days and hours care is needed:
Special requirements:
*Please note if you have a preference between daycare centers, family child care, preschools or school-age care.
Click here to e-mail the Resource/Recruitment Specialists

Or, call the Resource/Recruitment Specialists to request a child care search.
1-800-809-7076         859-254-9176

If you prefer to complete your own child care provider search
click here. 

After you receive your child care referrals you will need to contact each child care provider to check vacancy and rate information. Then, visit and interview several child care providers before making a selection. Ask questions and check references before enrolling your child in care. After your child is enrolled, drop in to visit to ensure your child is adjusting to the new environment and the child care is meeting your expectations.

If you need to file a complaint about a child care provider, or if you would like to inquire about a completed complaint investigation, please contact the DCC at 502-564-7962. Child abuse or neglect should be reported immediately by calling the Child Abuse Hotline,
1-800-752-6200.

Choosing a quality child care provider for your child/children can be overwhelming. To assist you in your search we have listed some useful resources below. The resources will guide you in making the best choice for your family. Simply click on each resource to learn more about quality child care.

38 Indicators Checklist This quality checklist will give you an idea of what types of questions to ask and what to look for when visiting a potential child care provider.

STARS Information STARS is a voluntary rating system in Kentucky. A child care provider that chooses to participate can earn a level 1 through 4 STAR rating. Level 4 is the highest rating, but all levels do exceed state standards.

NAEYC Information NAEYC is a national accreditation program that is also voluntary. A child care provider with NAEYC accreditation is going well above Kentucky's basic standards for child care.

Financial Assistance Information Child care can be a financial strain for families. This link provides information on programs that can help eligible families pay for child care costs.

The Daily Parent This issue contains useful information on how to identify quality child care.
(Click here to see other issues of The Daily Parent)

HANDS The Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program is a voluntary home visitation program for new and expectant parents. Families meet with a HANDS Parent Visitor who will discuss any questions or concerns about pregnancy or a baby's first years. Then based on the information from the visit, the families receive resources based on their concerns 

First Steps   First Steps is a statewide early intervention system that provides services to children with developmental disabilities from birth to age 3 and their familes.

 Healthy Start   Healthy Start provides consultation on health, safety and nutrition to child care providers. Trained Healthy Start Child Care Consultants from the local health departments participate in joint activities with the resource and referral agencies in their area to ensure collaboration and coordination regarding health, safety and nutrition issues impacting the quality of child care.

 Even Start   Even Start Family Literacy provides intensive family literacy services that integrate learning activities for parents and children, helping parents to become active partners in their children's education, and children to achieve a high level of success in school and life. Even Start offers educational opportunities to families most in need, as defined by levels of literacy, income, poverty, English as Second Language, and other related factors.

Good luck in your child care search, and please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information!

Should you have a complaint or concern regarding services you have received from the Child Care Council, please feel free to contact Bradley Stevenson at (859) 367-0455 or by email at bradley.stevenson@childcarecouncilofky.com .