The Alpha Preschool
910 Alpha Drive, New Tazewell, TN
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Smart Start Early Learning Academy is a licensed child care center in Middlesboro, Kentucky. It is licensed by the state, for up to 76 children, serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services made 9 visits in the last 3 years and cited 31 rules across 4 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
Programs
| Ages | Infants, toddlers and preschoolersFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 76 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Smart Start Early Learning Academy has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Bell County has a median price of $100 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
State record
9 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jun 24, 2026: no rules cited
Rules cited on 4 of 9 visits · 31 rules in all
For comparison: 92% of Kentucky daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 11.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
730 - Diaper Changing Area/Surface (922 KAR 2:120 Section 12)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 12. Toilet, Diapering, and Toiletry Requirements. (10) If a child is diapered, the child shall: (b) Be placed on a surface that is: 1. Clean; 2. Padded; 3. Free of holes, rips, tears, or other damage; 4. Nonabsorbent; 5. Easily cleaned; and 6. Free of any items not used for diaper changing.”
690 - Sink (922 KAR 2:120 Section 12)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 12. Toilet, Diapering, and Toiletry Requirements. (3) A sink shall be: (a) Located in or immediately adjacent to toilet rooms; (b) Equipped with hot and cold running water that allows for hand washing; (c) Equipped with hot water at a minimum temperature of ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit; (d) Equipped with liquid soap; (e) Equipped with hand-drying blower or single use disposable hand drying material; (f) Equipped with an easily cleanable waste receptacle; and (g) Immediately adjacent to a changing area used for infants and toddlers.”
585 - Premises Requirements (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (1) The premises shall be: (a) Suitable for the purpose intended; (b) Kept clean and in good repair;”
435 - Training (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (16) In accordance with KRS 199.896(15) and (16), a staff person with supervisory authority over a child shall complete the following: (a) Six (6) hours of cabinet-approved orientation completed within the first three (3) months of employment in a child-care program covering the following topics: 1. Federal minimum health and safety requirements established in 45 C.F.R. 98.41 related to: a. Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization; b. Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices; c. Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent; d. Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; e. Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; f. Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; g. Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster or a human-caused event; h. Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biological contaminants; and i. Precautions in transporting children; 2. Recognizing and reporting child abuse; and 3. Developmentally appropriate practices; (b) Nine (9) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training within the first year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training; and (c) Fifteen (15) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training completed between July 1 and the following June 30 of each subsequent year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training completed once every five (5) years. (17) A staff person's compliance with training requirements of this section shall be verified through the cabinet-designated database maintained pursuant to 922 KAR 2:240.”
405 - TB Verification (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (b) Shall provide, prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter: 1. A statement from a health professional that the individual is free of active tuberculosis; or 2. A copy of negative tuberculin results.”
400 - Educational Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (a) Hired after January 1, 2009, who have supervisory power over a minor and are not enrolled in secondary education, shall have a: 1. High school diploma: 2. GED or qualifying documentation from a comparable educational entity; or 3. Commonwealth Child Care Credential as described in 922 KAR 2:250;”
150 - Fire Marshal (922 KAR 2:090 Section 6)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 6. License Issuance. (8) To qualify for a preliminary license, or maintain a regular license, a child-care center shall: (b) Be approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal or designee;”
585 - Premises Requirements (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (1) The premises shall be: (a) Suitable for the purpose intended; (b) Kept clean and in good repair;”
435 - Training (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (16) In accordance with KRS 199.896(15) and (16), a staff person with supervisory authority over a child shall complete the following: (a) Six (6) hours of cabinet-approved orientation completed within the first three (3) months of employment in a child-care program; (b) Nine (9) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training within the first year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training; and (c) Fifteen (15) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training completed between July 1 and the following June 30 of each subsequent year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training completed once every five (5) years. (17) A staff person's compliance with training requirements of this section shall be verified through the cabinet-designated database maintained pursuant to 922 KAR 2:240.”
415 - CPR/First Aid Required Training (922 KAR 2:120 Section 7)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 7. First Aid and Medicine. (8) Each center shall ensure that every staff member has received training on first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
270 - Notification of Changes (922 KAR 2:090 Section 13)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 13. Reports. (4)(a) Written notification of the following shall be: 1. Made to the cabinet, in writing, to allow for approval before implementation: a. Change of ownership; b. Change of location; c. Increase in capacity; d. Change in hours of operation; e. Change of services in the following categories: (i) Infant; (ii) Toddler; (iii) Preschool-age; (iv) School-age; (v) Nontraditional hours; or (vi) Transportation; or f. Addition to or reduction of the square footage of a child-care center’s premises; and 2. Signed by each owner listed on the preliminary or regular license.”
1245 - Immunization (922 KAR 2:090 Section 9)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 9. Records. (1) A child-care center shall maintain: (a) A current immunization certificate for each child in care within thirty (30) days of the child’s enrollment, unless an attending physician or the child’s parent objects to the immunization of the child pursuant to KRS 214.036;”
8 - Background check/submitted/out of state (922 KAR 2:280 Section 3; 922 KAR 2:280 Section 4; 922 KAR 2:280 Section 5)
525 - Infant/Toddler Combined with Older Children (922 KAR 2:120 Section 5)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 5. Infant and Toddler Play Requirements. (3) Except in accordance with subsection (4) of this section or Section 2(2)(c) of this administrative regulation, an infant or toddler under twenty- four (24) months of age shall not participate in an activity with an older child for no more than one (1) hour per day. (4) If a toddler is developmentally appropriate for a transition to a preschool age group, a toddler may participate in an activity with an older child for more than one (1) hour per day if: (a) Space for the toddler is available in the preschool-age group; (b) The staff-to-child ratios and group sizes are maintained based on the age of the youngest child; (c) The center has a procedure for listing a transitioning toddler on attendance records, including a specific day and time the toddler is with either age group; and (d) The child care center has obtained the signature and approval of the toddler’s parent on the toddler’s transition plan.”
370 - Caregiver Alone (922 KAR 2:090 Section 10)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 10. Director Requirements and Responsibilities. (1) A director shall: (m) Assure that a person acting as a caregiver of a child in care shall not be left alone with a child, if the licensee has not received the results of the background checks as described in 922 KAR 2:280;”
150 - Fire Marshal (922 KAR 2:090 Section 6)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 6. License Issuance. (8) To qualify for a preliminary license, or maintain a regular license, a child-care center shall: (b) Be approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal or designee;”
1025 - Kitchen Clean/Ventilated (922 KAR 2:120 Section 8)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 8. Kitchen Requirements. (1) The kitchen shall: (a) Be clean; (b) Be equipped for proper food: 1. Preservation; 2. Storage; 3. Preparation; and 4. Service; (c) Be adequately ventilated to the outside air; and (d) Except in a Type II child-care center when a meal is not being prepared, not be used for the activity of a child.”
860 - Toys/Furniture (922 KAR 2:120 Section 13)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 13. Toys and Furnishings. (1) All toys and furniture contacted by a child shall be: (a) Kept clean and in good repair; and (b) Free of peeling, flaking, or chalking paint.”
805 - Fence Construction (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (24) Fences shall be: (a) Constructed of safe material; (b) Stable; and (c) In good condition.”
730 - Diaper Changing Area/Surface (922 KAR 2:120 Section 12)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 12. Toilet, Diapering, and Toiletry Requirements. (10) When a child is diapered, the child shall: (b) Be placed on a surface that is: 1. Clean; 2. Padded; 3. Free of holes, rips, tears, or other damage; 4. Nonabsorbent; 5. Easily cleaned; and 6. Free of any items not used for diaper changing.”
695 - Toilet (922 KAR 2:120 Section 12)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 12. Toilet, Diapering, and Toiletry Requirements. (4) Each toilet shall: (a) Be kept in clean condition; (b) Be kept in good repair; (c) Be in a lighted room; and (d) Have ventilation to outside air.”
690 - Sink (922 KAR 2:120 Section 12)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 12. Toilet, Diapering, and Toiletry Requirements. (3) A sink shall be: (a) Located in or immediately adjacent to toilet rooms; (b) Equipped with hot and cold running water that allows for hand washing; (c) Equipped with hot water at a minimum temperature of ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit; (d) Equipped with liquid soap; (e) Equipped with hand-drying blower or single use disposable hand drying material; (f) Equipped with an easily cleanable waste receptacle; and (g) Immediately adjacent to a changing area used for infants and toddlers.”
625 - Floors, Walls, Ceilings (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (9) Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be smooth, in good repair, and constructed to be easily cleaned.”
585 - Premises Requirements (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (1) The premises shall be: (a) Suitable for the purpose intended; (b) Kept clean and in good repair;”
405 - TB Verification (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (b) Shall provide, prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter: 1. A statement from a health professional that the individual is free of active tuberculosis; or 2. A copy of negative tuberculin results.”
400 - Educational Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (a) Hired after January 1, 2009, who have supervisory power over a minor and are not enrolled in secondary education, shall have a: 1. High school diploma: 2. GED or qualifying documentation from a comparable educational entity; or 3. Commonwealth Child Care Credential as described in 922 KAR 2:250;”
270 - Notification of Changes (922 KAR 2:090 Section 13)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 13. Reports. (4)(a) Written notification of the following shall be: 1. Made to the cabinet, in writing, to allow for approval before implementation: a. Change of ownership; b. Change of location; c. Increase in capacity; d. Change in hours of operation; e. Change of services in the following categories: (i) Infant; (ii) Toddler; (iii) Preschool-age; (iv) School-age; (v) Nontraditional hours; or (vi) Transportation; or f. Addition to or reduction of the square footage of a child-care center’s premises; and 2. Signed by each owner listed on the preliminary or regular license.”
225 - Licensee Responsibility (922 KAR 2:090 Section 8)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 8. General. (1) A licensee shall: (a) Be responsible for the operation of the child-care center pursuant to this administrative regulation, 922 KAR 2:120, and 922 KAR 2:280; and (b) Protect and assure the health, safety, and comfort of each child.”
1280 - Professional Development (922 KAR 2:090 Section 9)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 9. Records. (1) A child-care center shall maintain: (f) A written annual plan for child-care staff professional development;”
1065 - Bottles (922 KAR 2:120 Section 8)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 8. Kitchen Requirements. (9) Bottles shall be: (a) Individually labeled; (b) Promptly refrigerated; (c) Covered while not in use; and (d) Consumed within one (1) hour of being heated or removed from the refrigerator.”
1030 - Food Service Permit (922 KAR 2:120 Section 8)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 8. Kitchen Requirements. (2) A child-care center required to have a food service permit shall be in compliance with 902 KAR 45:005 and this administrative regulation.”
125 - Ratios and Group Size (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 2. Child Care Services. (2) For an operating child-care center, minimum staff-to-child ratios and group size shall be maintained as established in the table established in this subsection. Age of Children Ratio Maximum Group Size* Infant 1 staff for 5 children 10 Toddler 12 to 24 months 1 staff for 6 children 12 Toddler 24 to 36 months 1 staff for 10 children 20 Preschool-age 3 to 4 years 1 staff for 12 children 24 Preschool-age 4 to 5 years 1 staff for 14 children 28 School-age 5 to 7 years 1 staff for 15 children 30 School-age 7 and older 1 staff for 25 children (for before and after school) 30 1 staff for 20 children (full day of care) 30 *Maximum Group Size shall be applicable only to Type I child-care centers. (b) The age of the youngest child in the group shall determine the: 1. Staff-to-child ratio; and 2. Maximum group size.”
615 - Pest Control (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (7) Measures shall be utilized to control the presence of: (a) Rodents; (b) Flies; (c) Roaches; and (d) Other vermin.”
610 - 35 Square Feet per Child (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (6) Exclusive of the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and storage area, there shall be a minimum of thirty-five (35) square feet of space per child.”
405 - TB Verification (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (b) Shall provide, prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter: 1. A statement from a health professional that the individual is free of active tuberculosis; or 2. A copy of negative tuberculin results.”
400 - Educational Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)
“922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (a) Hired after January 1, 2009, who have supervisory power over a minor and are not enrolled in secondary education, shall have a: 1. High school diploma: 2. GED or qualifying documentation from a comparable educational entity; or 3. Commonwealth Child Care Credential as described in 922 KAR 2:250;”
125 - Ratios and Group Size (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 2. Child Care Services. (2) For an operating child-care center, minimum staff-to-child ratios and group size shall be maintained as established in the table established in this subsection. Age of Children Ratio Maximum Group Size* Infant 1 staff for 5 children 10 Toddler 12 to 24 months 1 staff for 6 children 12 Toddler 24 to 36 months 1 staff for 10 children 20 Preschool-age 3 to 4 years 1 staff for 12 children 24 Preschool-age 4 to 5 years 1 staff for 14 children 28 School-age 5 to 7 years 1 staff for 15 children 30 School-age 7 and older 1 staff for 25 children (for before and after school) 30 1 staff for 20 children (full day of care) 30 *Maximum Group Size shall be applicable only to Type I child-care centers. (b) The age of the youngest child in the group shall determine the: 1. Staff-to-child ratio; and 2. Maximum group size.”
795 - Playground Conditions (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)
“922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (20) An outdoor play area shall be: (d) Safe from foreseeable hazard; (e) Well drained; (f) Well maintained; (g) In good repair; and (h) Visible to staff at all times.”
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910 Alpha Drive, New Tazewell, TN
1275 North 25th Street, Middlesboro, KY
Middlesboro, KY 40965 · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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FAQ
Yes. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services lists it as licensed and operating.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services lists the most recent visit on June 24, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 9 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 31 rules across 4 of 9 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 92% of Kentucky daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 11. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
76, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
Its hours are not listed. Call (606) 302-5373 to confirm.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (606) 302-5373 to ask.
(606) 302-5373.
2801 Us Highway 25e,Suite 100, Middlesboro, KY 40965.