The Best Daycare Centers in Benton Ridge, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Benton Ridge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Benton Ridge
The Goddard School of Findlay
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Findlay offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with highly qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. They maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents about their child's progress and activities.
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Primrose School of Findlay
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Findlay provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs. The school features secure facilities with monitored access, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The school is known for its strong parent communication through the Primrose Schools app and regular developmental updates.
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Small Wonders Learning Center
Small Wonders Learning Center
Small Wonders Learning Center offers comprehensive childcare services with a focus on individualized learning and development. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with hands-on learning activities that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators who participate in continuous training. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and well-equipped classrooms. They emphasize parent partnerships through regular conferences, daily reports, and an open-door policy for family involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Benton Ridge, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Benton Ridge, Ohio?
In Benton Ridge and the surrounding Hancock County area, costs vary based on the child's age and the type of program. For an infant (under 18 months), full-time care typically ranges from $180 to $220 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates are generally between $150 and $190. These rates are often slightly lower than those in larger Ohio cities like Findlay or Lima, but availability can be limited due to the smaller number of providers. Most centers in Benton Ridge include meals and snacks in their tuition, but it's always wise to confirm. Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which you can apply for through the Hancock County Department of Job and Family Services.
How can I verify if a daycare in Benton Ridge is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a Benton Ridge provider's license, view their latest inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. During an in-person tour, ask to see their current license and ask about staff-to-child ratios (Ohio mandates, for example, 1:5 for infants and 1:12 for preschoolers). Also, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, check for secure outdoor play areas, and ask about staff qualifications and ongoing training. Given Benton Ridge's community size, many providers are home-based; ensure any family childcare home is licensed as a "Type B" provider.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Benton Ridge, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a village like Benton Ridge, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families moving to the area begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care. Many popular local providers and in-home daycares have limited capacity. Don't hesitate to also explore licensed providers in nearby communities such as Findlay, Arlington, or McComb, which may offer more options but could involve a short commute. Getting on multiple waitlists is a practical strategy in this area.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Benton Ridge, Ohio?
Benton Ridge primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is licensed family childcare homes (Type B), which are often run out of a provider's residence and offer a smaller, home-like setting for a mixed-age group. The second is center-based care, though there are fewer physical centers within the village limits itself; many families utilize centers in the larger neighboring city of Findlay. Additionally, some local churches may offer preschool programs for ages 3-5, but these are often part-day. For school-age children, the Benton Ridge area is served by the Liberty-Benton Local School District, which may offer before and after-school care programs at the elementary school.
What resources are available in Hancock County to help me find and choose quality childcare near Benton Ridge?
A key local resource is **Hancock County Help Me Grow**, which is part of the Ohio Early Intervention system. They can provide referrals and information on local childcare options. Additionally, the **Hancock County Department of Job and Family Services** can assist with applications for state childcare subsidies and provide a list of approved providers. For comparing quality, all Ohio providers are rated under the **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** system—look for programs with 1 to 5 stars. You can also connect with other parents through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Benton Ridge Community" or "Hancock County Moms") for personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations.