The Best Daycare Centers in Bourneville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Bourneville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Bourneville
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Chillicothe offers a nationally accredited curriculum focused on whole-child development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education certifications implement a balanced approach covering literacy, math, science, and social-emotional skills. Parents praise the consistent communication, nutritious meal programs, and inclusive environment that supports diverse learning needs. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes safety with regular drills and health protocols.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Chillicothe provides a premier early childhood education with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program, blending academic readiness with play-based exploration. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and STEAM labs to foster creativity and critical thinking. Certified teachers with ongoing professional development create personalized learning plans and maintain small class sizes for individualized attention. Safety is prioritized with keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous cleanliness standards. Parents highlight the strong community feel, regular progress updates, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
First Step Child Care & Learning Center
First Step Child Care
First Step Child Care & Learning Center is a locally owned facility known for its nurturing environment and comprehensive curriculum that integrates Ohio Early Learning Standards. The center offers structured programs in language development, motor skills, and social interaction, supported by experienced staff with backgrounds in early childhood education. Features include secure indoor and outdoor play spaces, healthy meal options, and partnerships with local schools for smooth transitions. Parents appreciate the center's focus on individualized care, cultural diversity, and strong safety record, including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Bourneville, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Bourneville, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Bourneville, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). These licenses ensure providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications, child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. For centers, you can expect rigorous annual inspections. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the provider's license type, any recent inspection reports, and if there are any serious violations or suspensions. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Ross County area to ensure they are considering a legally compliant and monitored facility.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Bourneville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Bourneville and the surrounding Ross County area, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from **$700 to $950 per month**. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, around **$650 to $850 per month**. These rates can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. in-home) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by the Ross County Department of Job and Family Services, helps eligible low-income families pay for childcare. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. We recommend contacting the Ross County DJFS office directly to apply and determine your family's eligibility for this vital support.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Bourneville, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Bourneville, waitlists for reputable daycare centers, especially for infants, can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be **6 to 12 months long**. For this reason, we strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists **as soon as possible, ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date**. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their list: Is there a fee to be on it? How often do they update families on their position? Do they prioritize siblings or local residents? Exploring family childcare homes in the area can also provide more immediate openings and should be part of your search strategy.
Are there any unique childcare options in Bourneville that incorporate the local rural or agricultural community?
Yes, Bourneville's rural setting offers some unique childcare experiences. Some local family childcare providers and smaller centers may incorporate **nature-based and agricultural learning** into their programs. This can include activities like gardening, learning about local farm animals, nature walks, and seasonal activities tied to the agricultural calendar. Additionally, some providers may participate in programs like the **Ohio Child Care Resource & Referral Association's (OCCRRA) initiative** to connect with local farms for educational trips. When touring facilities, ask about their outdoor play philosophy and if they have partnerships with local farms or use the surrounding natural environment as part of their daily curriculum.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Bourneville, given the specific considerations of a smaller town?
When touring a daycare in Bourneville, beyond standard checks for cleanliness and safety, consider these local factors: 1. **Staff Longevity & Local Ties:** In a close-knit community, low staff turnover is a positive sign. Ask how long caregivers have been there and if they are from the area, which often indicates stability and deep community investment. 2. **Emergency Protocols for a Rural Area:** Inquire about their plan for emergencies, especially given potentially longer EMS response times. Ask about staff training in first aid/CPR and their specific protocol for contacting parents and transporting a child if needed. 3. **Community Integration:** Do they take walks to local parks or the library? Are there visits from community helpers like local firefighters? A program that utilizes the small-town environment can be enriching. 4. **Flexibility for Farming Families:** If your family is involved in agriculture, ask about their policies regarding flexible hours during planting or harvest seasons, which can be a common need in this region. Always trust your instincts about the warmth of the environment and the clarity of communication.