The Best Daycare Centers in Amelia, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Amelia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Amelia
The Goddard School of Amelia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Amelia offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Highly qualified teachers implement play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through the Goddard Connect app. Their comprehensive approach includes character development, foreign language exposure, and nutritionally balanced meals.
Daycare Services:
Amelia Learning Center
Independent
Amelia Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines structured learning and creative exploration. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Their educational approach includes literacy development, math readiness, and social skills building through thematic units. Qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and individualized attention. The center emphasizes parent partnership with regular progress reports and open communication. Additional features include nutritious meal programs, enrichment activities, and transportation services for school-age children.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine Learning Center - Williamsburg
Independent
Located just minutes from Amelia, Sunshine Learning Center offers comprehensive childcare services with a research-based curriculum that promotes cognitive, physical, and social development. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate learning centers, and safe outdoor play spaces. Their educational program incorporates Creative Curriculum with hands-on learning experiences, literacy development, and character education. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with experienced, credentialed teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The center serves multiple school districts in the area with transportation options.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Amelia, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Amelia, Ohio?
In Amelia and the surrounding Clermont County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $220 and $300 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $200 to $275 per week. Home-based licensed childcare providers in Amelia often offer slightly lower rates, generally ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities (e.g., meals, diapers). It's important to note that while these are current averages, prices have been rising, and securing a spot often requires budgeting for a registration fee and a deposit.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Amelia is properly licensed and has a good record?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Amelia, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. This public database shows the provider's license type (Type A Home, Type B Home, or Child Care Center), their star rating in Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program, and any past inspection reports, including citations. For local insight, you can also contact the **Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services**. Visiting the facility in person and asking to see their license and latest inspection report is always recommended.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Amelia, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms in popular centers and highly-rated home providers in Amelia. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict state ratios), parents are strongly advised to begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age care, a lead time of 3 to 6 months is more typical but still recommended. Many facilities in the West Clermont School District area maintain year-round waitlists. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are the main types of licensed childcare available to families in Amelia?
Families in Amelia have three primary types of licensed options regulated by the State of Ohio: 1. **Child Care Centers:** These are facilities like KinderCare or Goddard Schools, or local centers like Amelia Learning Tree. They often have multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger staffs. 2. **Type A Family Child Care Homes:** Operated in the provider's residence with no more than 12 children (with specific limits on infants/toddlers). They often offer a more home-like environment with mixed-age groups. 3. **Type B Family Child Care Homes:** Also in a residence, caring for 6 or fewer children (with no more than 3 under age 2). This is often a more intimate setting, and the provider does not need an educational degree. Additionally, many parents utilize **licensed preschool programs** often affiliated with churches or community organizations for part-day options for children ages 3-5.
What local resources or programs in Clermont County can help me find and afford childcare in Amelia?
Several key resources are available: - **Child Care Choice:** This is a free referral service for Clermont County operated by 4C for Children. They maintain a database of licensed providers and can help match your family's needs with local openings. - **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC):** Ohio's subsidy program helps eligible low-income families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, work/training hours, and family size. Applications are processed through the **Clermont County DJFS**. - **The Preschool Promise Program:** While not specific to Amelia, this Clermont County initiative may offer free, high-quality preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds at participating providers. - **Local Parenting Groups:** Facebook groups like "Amelia, Ohio Moms" or "Clermont County Moms" are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and learning about new or upcoming home-based providers in the community.