The Best Daycare Centers in Anna, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Anna. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Anna
KinderCare Learning Center at Sidney
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Learning Center in Sidney is a highly-regarded facility serving the Anna area with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and certified teachers with early childhood education credentials. Their Balanced Learning® approach integrates play-based and structured activities, with daily updates for parents via mobile app. The facility includes outdoor playgrounds, nutritional meal programs, and enrichment options like music and phonics. High parent satisfaction stems from low teacher-child ratios, regular developmental assessments, and a safe, nurturing environment that supports milestones from infancy through school age.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Sidney
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Sidney offers a premier early childhood education program serving Anna families with a play-based, F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and kindergarten readiness. The school employs degreed teachers in early childhood education and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Safety features include keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous cleanliness protocols. The facility features modern classrooms, indoor gyms, and outdoor play areas, with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. Parent communication is enhanced through daily reports and portfolios, and the school emphasizes social skills and diversity in a structured yet flexible environment.
Daycare Services:
Sidney Child Development Center
Independent
Sidney Child Development Center is a locally-owned facility known for its family-oriented approach and high-quality care serving the Anna community. The center uses a blended curriculum incorporating Creative Curriculum and Ohio Early Learning Standards, focusing on holistic development through hands-on learning, literacy-rich environments, and social interaction. Staff includes experienced educators with CPR/first aid certification and ongoing training. The center prioritizes safety with secured perimeters, regular drills, and hygienic practices. Features include spacious indoor play areas, fenced outdoor playgrounds, and nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parent involvement is encouraged through events and progress meetings, fostering a supportive community atmosphere with strong ties to local schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Anna, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Anna, Ohio?
In Anna and the surrounding Shelby County area, costs can vary based on the type of care and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, full-time care for an infant typically ranges from $180 to $220 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, the cost is generally between $150 and $190 per week. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $130 and $170 per week. These prices are generally lower than in major metropolitan areas of Ohio but are consistent with rural and small-town markets. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How do I verify that a childcare provider in Anna is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Anna, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance violations using the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. This public database shows the provider's star rating (1-5 stars) under Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) voluntary rating system. A higher star rating indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards. You should also visit the facility in person, ask about staff-to-child ratios, caregiver qualifications, and safety protocols like emergency plans and background checks for all employees.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Anna, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a town like Anna, popular daycare centers and highly-rated in-home providers often have limited slots, especially for infants. It is very common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months for infant care. For toddlers and preschoolers, waitlists may be shorter, around 1-4 months. It is highly recommended that parents begin their search and get on waitlists **at least 6 months before their needed start date**, and even earlier (during pregnancy) if possible. Contacting providers directly to inquire about their current capacity and waitlist process is the best strategy.
What local resources or programs in Shelby County can help me find and pay for childcare?
The primary resource for Shelby County parents is the **Public Children Services Association (PCSA) of Shelby County**, which administers state childcare assistance. Eligible families can apply for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Child Care Subsidy program to help with costs. For finding providers, you can use the statewide Ohio Child Care Search or contact the **Shelby County Department of Job and Family Services** for local referrals. Additionally, organizations like the **Upper Valley Career Center** in nearby Piqua may offer preschool programs, and local churches in Anna sometimes host preschool or Mother's Day Out programs that can be part-time options.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within Anna, Ohio?
Parents in Anna typically have three main options: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: There are a limited number of dedicated centers in or very near Anna, often associated with schools or churches, offering structured programs. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: These are in-home providers licensed for a smaller number of children, offering a home-like environment; these are common in residential areas of Anna. 3) **Part-Day Preschools**: Often operated by local churches or community organizations, these provide educational programming for 3-5 year olds for a few hours a day, several days a week. For more specialized or extensive options, many Anna parents also consider providers in nearby larger towns like Sidney or Wapakoneta.