The Best Daycare Centers in Alexandria, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Alexandria. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Alexandria
The Goddard School of Granville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Granville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, arts, and social-emotional development with low student-teacher ratios. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and maintain excellent health and safety protocols, serving families throughout Licking County including Alexandria residents.
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Kiddie Academy of Johnstown
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Johnstown provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, technology integration, and school readiness. Located just minutes from Alexandria, they offer age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated spaces for each developmental stage. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood degrees, and a focus on health and fitness. Their program includes music, Spanish exposure, and technology integration while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention for each child.
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Primrose School of Newark
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Newark offers the Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their research-based curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. The school features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. They provide healthy meals and snacks while emphasizing safety protocols and regular communication with parents. Serving the greater Licking County area, they are accessible to Alexandria families seeking high-quality early education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Alexandria, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Alexandria, Ohio?
In Alexandria and the surrounding Licking County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes are often slightly more affordable, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in major metropolitan areas like Columbus but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, formula, diapers, curriculum). Additionally, Ohio offers assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program for eligible families, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Alexandria?
All childcare providers in Ohio must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable tool for parents is the **Ohio Child Care Search** website. You can search for providers in Alexandria (43001) or by name, and view their current license status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, this portal provides access to recent inspection reports (called "e-licensing reports") which detail any compliance issues, citations, or complaints. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Licking County directly for additional information. Always visit a potential daycare and ask the director to discuss any past violations and their corrective actions.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Alexandria, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots in Alexandria. Due to limited capacity and high demand for quality care, popular centers and in-home providers often have waitlists that can be 6 to 12 months long for infants. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age openings, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee, how often you should check in, and if they offer sibling priority for current families.
What are my options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Alexandria?
While full-time care is most common, some flexibility exists in the Alexandria area. Options include: 1) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** These smaller, home-based providers may be more willing to offer part-time (e.g., 2-3 days a week) or drop-in care, though availability is limited. 2) **Preschool Programs:** Many local churches and community centers offer preschool programs with schedules like 9am-12pm, 2-5 days a week, which can work for parents with partial coverage needs. 3) **Nanny Shares:** Coordinating with another local family to share a nanny is a growing, though more expensive, flexible option. 4) **Drop-in Centers:** The nearest drop-in centers are typically in the Newark or Columbus areas. Be sure to clearly communicate your schedule needs upfront, as many centers in Alexandria prioritize full-time enrollments.
What local resources or organizations in Licking County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
The primary local resource is **Action for Children**, which serves as the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Central Ohio, including Licking County. Their referral specialists can provide free, personalized lists of licensed providers in Alexandria based on your specific needs (hours, age, budget). They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and understanding quality indicators. Another key resource is the **Licking County Department of Job and Family Services**, which administers the state's childcare subsidy program. For evaluating quality, look for providers with a **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** rating—Ohio's voluntary quality rating system. A 3-, 4-, or 5-star rating indicates a program exceeding minimum licensing standards.
Childcare Insights for Alexandria
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, happy, and thriving. If you’re typing “daycare around me” into your search bar from your home in Alexandria, Ohio, you’re likely navigating that mix of urgency and hope. The good news is that while Alexandria itself offers a close-knit, community feel, you have a range of thoughtful options both within the village and in the surrounding Licking County area that can provide excellent care for your little one.
Starting your search locally means considering the unique rhythm of life here. Many families in Alexandria value the small-town atmosphere and may prefer an in-home daycare provider who offers a family-style setting, potentially with smaller groups and flexible hours that align with the schedules of commuting parents. These licensed home-based options can often be found through personal recommendations at community hubs like the Alexandria Public Library or the local post office. Don’t underestimate the power of asking fellow parents at the Alexandria Community Park; word-of-mouth referrals in a community like ours carry significant weight and honest insights.
For those seeking a more structured early learning environment, several highly-regarded childcare centers and preschools are a short drive away in neighboring towns such as Johnstown, Granville, and Heath. These facilities often provide comprehensive curricula, larger peer groups for socialization, and extended hours that can be crucial for working parents. When evaluating these centers, a visit is essential. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the children—are they engaged at eye level? Is the atmosphere calm and joyful? Inquire about their policies on outdoor play, as access to safe, open spaces aligns beautifully with the values of many families who choose to live in our part of Ohio. Ask specifically about their communication style; daily reports or apps that share photos and updates can bridge the distance and make you feel connected to your child’s day.
Regardless of the type of care you explore, verifying licensing and inspection records through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website is a critical step for your peace of mind. It’s also wise to consider the practicalities of your daily commute. Test-drive the route from a potential daycare to your workplace, perhaps to New Albany or Columbus, during your actual commute time to gauge the real-world impact on your family’s morning and evening routines. Finally, trust your instincts during tours and meetings. You know your child best. The right place in the Alexandria area will not only meet safety and educational standards but will also feel welcoming, a place where you can picture your child laughing and learning. This journey, while daunting, is about finding a partner in your child’s growth, right here in our community.