The Best Daycare Centers in Amherst, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Amherst. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Amherst
Amherst Early Childhood Center
Amherst Exempted Village Schools
Operated by the Amherst School District, this center provides high-quality early childhood education with licensed teachers and comprehensive developmental programs. Features age-appropriate curriculum aligned with Ohio Early Learning Standards, small class sizes, and specialized intervention services. The facility includes modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and structured learning environments focused on school readiness. Parents praise the qualified staff and strong communication.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Lorain
Goddard Systems, Inc.
A premier early childhood education center serving the Amherst area with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Features state-licensed teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Offers STEM enrichment, music, and art programs in modern, clean classrooms with both indoor and outdoor play areas. Highly rated for educational quality and staff qualifications.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Avon Lake
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
This accredited childcare center serves families in the Amherst region with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. Features certified teachers, comprehensive security systems including electronic entry, and nutritionally balanced meals. The facility includes age-specific learning centers, interactive technology, and spacious playgrounds. Known for strong parent communication through daily activity reports and regular developmental updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Amherst, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Amherst, Ohio?
In Amherst, Ohio, full-time daycare costs vary based on the type of provider and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for an infant, and slightly less for toddlers, around $160 to $220 per week. In-home licensed family childcare homes often offer more competitive rates, typically ranging from $140 to $190 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Cleveland or Columbus but have been rising. It's important to note that many providers in the area include meals and basic supplies in their weekly rate. Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which uses a sliding fee scale based on family income and need.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Amherst is properly licensed and what should I look for in their state inspection reports?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Amherst, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and view their latest inspection reports for free through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. When reviewing a report for an Amherst provider, pay close attention to any "non-compliance" items, which are violations of state rules. Look for patterns—occasional minor issues are common, but repeated violations in critical areas like child-to-staff ratios, background checks, or safety hazards are a red flag. You can also contact the Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services for additional local information or to ask specific questions about a provider's compliance history.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Amherst, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers and in-home providers in Amherst. Due to limited capacity and high demand for quality care, parents are strongly advised to begin their search **6 to 12 months before their needed start date**, especially for infant care. Many popular centers in the Amherst School District area have waitlists that are a year long. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and if there's a fee to be placed on it. Being flexible with your start date or considering a combination of a family childcare home (which may have shorter waits) and a center can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are some local resources in Amherst or Lorain County to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Parents in Amherst have several valuable local resources. Your first stop should be the **Lorain County Early Childhood Network**, which helps connect families with licensed providers and resources. They can be accessed through the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Additionally, **Starting Point** (serving Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Lake Counties) is a non-profit Child Care Resource and Referral agency that offers free, personalized referrals and guidance on choosing quality care. For hands-on evaluation, use the Ohio Child Care Search online tool and consider joining local Facebook groups like "Amherst, Ohio Community" or "Lorain County Moms" to get personal recommendations and experiences from other parents.
What unique factors should I consider for childcare in Amherst, such as school district partnerships or seasonal programs?
Amherst offers some unique childcare considerations tied to its community and school system. First, the **Amherst Exempted Village School District** operates preschool programs for children with special needs, and typical peers may be able to enroll in these inclusive classrooms for a tuition fee, providing an early connection to the district. Secondly, for school-age care, many local daycare centers and the Amherst Schools themselves offer before-and-after-school programs with transportation from district elementary schools. Seasonally, the Amherst Parks and Recreation Department offers summer day camps and school break programs, which are excellent for supplementing care for older children. Finally, consider proximity to local amenities like the Amherst Public Library, which has excellent early literacy programs that many quality daycare providers incorporate into their curriculum.