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Smart Start Early Learning Academy

2801 Us Highway 25e,Suite 100, Middlesboro, KY 40965
licensed capacity
76
a week, county median
$100

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Smart Start Early Learning Academy

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.

InfantsAccepts child care subsidy

Ages served: infants, toddlers and preschoolers

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio, teacher qualifications and hours.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
Hours today
Not listed
Licensed capacity
76 children

Hours

Hours

Hours not listed. Call (606) 302-5373 to confirm.
Call to confirm

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers and preschoolersFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity76 childrenFrom the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

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).

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Bell County medians, full time, per week

Infant

Center$100
Home daycare$115

Toddler

Center$93
Home daycare$83

Preschool

Center$93
Home daycare$83

School age

Center$86
Home daycare$83

County median full-time prices at centers and home daycares, U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 (the latest year). Not this daycare's rates; prices have risen since.

State record

Inspection reports for Smart Start Early Learning Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Licensed child care center
Capacity
76 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
License number
#L383861
See the state's record

Summary

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

  • Building, equipment and play areas 9
  • Staff training and qualifications 6
  • Health, medication and illness 5
  • Food and nutrition 3
  • Safety and hazards 2
  • Records and paperwork 2
  • Background checks 2
  • Supervision and ratios 1
  • Other rules 1

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

See all 12 visits
  1. Jun 24, 2026VisitNo rules cited
  2. Apr 21, 2026VisitNo rules cited
  3. Nov 21, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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;”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      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.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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;”
    • Safety and hazards

      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;”
  4. Feb 7, 2025VisitNo rules cited
  5. Feb 6, 2025Inspection5 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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;”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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).”
    • Records and paperwork

      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.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      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;”
  6. Jun 6, 2024VisitNo rules cited
  7. Feb 23, 2024Inspection5 rules cited
    • Background checks

      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)

    • Supervision and ratios

      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.”
    • Background checks

      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;”
    • Safety and hazards

      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;”
    • Food and nutrition

      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.”
  8. Jan 29, 2024VisitNo rules cited
  9. Jan 4, 2024Inspection14 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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;”
    • Health, medication and illness

      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.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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;”
    • Records and paperwork

      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.”
    • Other rules

      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.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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;”
    • Food and nutrition

      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.”
    • Food and nutrition

      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.”
  10. Sep 15, 2023Complaint investigation1 rule cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      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.”
Show 2 earlier visits
  1. Sep 12, 2023Complaint investigation5 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      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.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      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;”
    • Supervision and ratios

      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.”
  2. Feb 22, 2023Inspection1 rule cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      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.”

Copied from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services on October 4, 2026; the state's records start around Jan 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Smart Start Early Learning Academy

Is Smart Start Early Learning Academy licensed?

Yes. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Smart Start Early Learning Academy last inspected?

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.

Has Smart Start Early Learning Academy had rules cited by the state?

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.

How many children can Smart Start Early Learning Academy care for?

76, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Does Smart Start Early Learning Academy accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Smart Start Early Learning Academy's hours?

Its hours are not listed. Call (606) 302-5373 to confirm.

How much does Smart Start Early Learning Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (606) 302-5373 to ask.

What is Smart Start Early Learning Academy's phone number?

(606) 302-5373.

Where is Smart Start Early Learning Academy?

2801 Us Highway 25e,Suite 100, Middlesboro, KY 40965.

Sources: The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (license and visits) · U.S. Department of Labor, 2022 (county prices).