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.
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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.
Childcare Insights for Anna
Finding the best childcare near you is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent in Anna, Ohio. It’s about more than just a convenient location; it’s about finding a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can thrive while you’re at work. The good news for families in our tight-knit Shelby County community is that you have several excellent options to consider, each with its own unique strengths.
Start your search by thinking about what "best" means for your family. For some, a licensed in-home daycare provides a cozy, family-like setting with smaller groups, which can be wonderful for young children needing a gentle transition from home. Others may prefer a larger childcare center with structured preschool curricula and more resources. In Anna, you’ll find dedicated providers offering both. A crucial first step is to utilize the State of Ohio’s online tool, the Ohio Child Care Search, which allows you to filter by zip code and view the licensing status and any inspection reports for facilities in and around Anna. This transparency is invaluable.
Don’t underestimate the power of local insight. Anna is a community where word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight. Talk to other parents at the Anna Community Park, ask for referrals in local Facebook groups like those for Shelby County families, or chat with your pediatrician’s office. They can offer honest perspectives on consistency, communication, and the day-to-day atmosphere of area providers. When you have a shortlist, schedule in-person visits. Pay attention to how the caregivers interact with the children—are they engaged on the floor, or distracted? Is the environment clean, safe, and filled with child-led play? Trust your instincts; you know your child best.
Consider the practicalities of life in Anna. Does the provider’s daily schedule align with your work commute, perhaps considering your route to Sidney or other employment hubs? Inquire about their policies for school delays or closures for Anna Local Schools, as this can impact your childcare needs. Many local providers understand the rhythms of our community and may offer flexible solutions for parents. Also, ask about their approach to outdoor play and exploration; with our beautiful rural surroundings, a childcare that values time outside is a real asset.
Finally, remember that the "best" childcare is the one that feels like a true partnership. Look for providers who communicate openly, welcome your questions, and share your core values on things like discipline, learning, and nutrition. Finding that perfect fit might take a little time, but investing in this search pays dividends in your child’s happiness and your own peace of mind. By combining state resources with local knowledge and your own careful observation, you can find a wonderful childcare solution right here in Anna that supports your family’s journey.