The Best Daycare Centers in Ashley, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ashley. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ashley
The Learning Tree
Independent
The Learning Tree is Ashley's premier local childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards. The facility maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff who receive ongoing professional development. Their secure facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play areas, and a fenced outdoor playground. The center emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills. They provide nutritious meals and snacks and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Delaware
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Delaware is a highly-regarded national provider serving the Ashley area with research-based early education programs. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on exploration. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and experienced teachers with early childhood credentials. They emphasize emergent curriculum that follows children's interests while building foundational academic and social skills. The facility includes modern classrooms, multiple outdoor learning spaces, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Parent partnerships are prioritized through regular communication and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Delaware
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Delaware offers a premier early childhood education program serving families in the Ashley region. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) balances academic preparation with social development and citizenship. The school features purpose-built classrooms, multiple playgrounds, and enhanced security systems. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development activities. The facility maintains rigorous health and safety standards with comprehensive cleaning protocols and secure check-in systems. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent communication through daily activity reports and digital portfolios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ashley, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ashley, Ohio?
In Ashley and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $220 and $320 per week for an infant. For a toddler, the range is typically $200 to $280 per week. Home-based daycare providers (Type A or Type B homes licensed by the state) often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are generally lower than in nearby Columbus but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and wipes, as this can affect the overall value. Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which is administered through the Delaware County Department of Job and Family Services.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Ashley is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare centers and family childcare homes in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). To verify a provider's license and review their inspection history, you should use the official **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. This public database allows you to search by provider name, city (Ashley), or zip code. It will show you the license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any non-compliance citations from the past two years. You can see if violations were related to health, safety, staff qualifications, or child-to-staff ratios. For an even deeper check, you can contact the ODJFS Office for the Central Region, which oversees Delaware County, to ask about any serious past incidents. Always visit a potential daycare in person to see if their practices match their paperwork.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Ashley, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots in Ashley. Due to the smaller number of dedicated childcare centers in a town of Ashley's size, availability can be limited. For infant rooms (6 weeks to 18 months), it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care. For toddler and preschool programs, 3 to 6 months in advance is recommended. Some popular centers in the area may have waitlists exceeding a year for infants. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How often is it updated? How many families are ahead of you? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed home providers in Ashley and nearby communities like Sunbury or Galena, as they may have more immediate openings.
What are the key differences between a childcare center and a licensed in-home daycare in Ashley?
The main differences lie in setting, structure, and regulations. **Childcare Centers** (like those you might find in a commercial building) typically have multiple classrooms divided by age, a larger staff with a director, and a more structured curriculum. They must follow strict Ohio ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence. Type A homes can care for up to 12 children (with assistants) and Type B homes for up to 6 children. They often offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours and may be less expensive. Both are licensed and inspected by the state, but centers are subject to more frequent unannounced inspections. In Ashley, home providers can offer a convenient, neighborhood-based option, while centers may provide more resources and a school-like preparation for kindergarten.
What resources are available in Delaware County to help me find and choose quality childcare near Ashley?
Your primary local resource is **Action for Children**, the designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Central Ohio, including Delaware County. They offer a free, personalized referral service where a specialist can provide a list of licensed providers matching your needs (location, hours, budget). You can access them online or by phone. Additionally, the **Delaware County Department of Job and Family Services** can provide information on subsidy programs for income-eligible families. For assessing quality, look for providers participating in Ohio's **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** rating system—a voluntary program that rates providers from 1 to 5 stars based on higher standards in learning, development, and professional training. Attending local community events in Ashley or checking with the Buckeye Valley school district for preschool recommendations can also be helpful.