The Best Daycare Centers in Brewster, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Brewster. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Brewster
Kindercare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Brewster area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs state-certified early childhood educators. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. The center emphasizes developmental milestones tracking and provides regular parent communication through digital updates and progress reports.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Canton provides high-quality early childhood education to families in the Brewster area with a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure facilities with coded entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social development activities. Parents receive daily activity reports and regular progress updates through a proprietary communication app.
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Growing Room Child Development Center
Growing Room Early Education
Growing Room Child Development Center offers a structured educational program serving Brewster-area families with a focus on school readiness and whole-child development. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains small class sizes with optimal teacher-to-child ratios. Their comprehensive curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and character education. The facility features secure monitored access, modern classrooms with educational technology, and outdoor learning environments. The center is known for its strong parent partnerships and transparent communication practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Brewster, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Brewster, Ohio?
In Brewster and the surrounding Stark County area, costs for full-time childcare can vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $230 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often range from $150 to $190. In-home family childcare providers in Brewster may offer slightly lower rates, typically between $130 and $170 per week. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can fluctuate. Many facilities include meals and snacks, but always confirm what is included. Compared to larger Ohio cities, Brewster's costs are generally more moderate, but it's wise to budget for potential annual rate increases.
How do I verify if a daycare in Brewster is properly licensed and what are Ohio's key regulations for childcare?
All childcare providers in Ohio caring for more than six children 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 violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. Key regulations for Brewster providers include specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), required background checks for all employees, and annual training in topics like first aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention. Licensed providers in Brewster are also required to have a written safe sleep policy for infants and meet health and safety standards for their facilities. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your tour.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Brewster, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to limited slots, especially for infants which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in Brewster. For infant care, it is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 6 to 9 months in advance is advisable. Some popular local centers may have waitlists exceeding 6-12 months for infants. Don't hesitate to contact multiple providers—including licensed family childcare homes in residential areas of Brewster—as they may have more immediate availability or shorter lists. Be prepared to pay a deposit to secure a future spot.
What local resources or programs in Brewster can help me find and afford quality childcare?
Stark County offers several resources for Brewster parents. The primary agency is **Child Care Connections**, a service of the Stark County Department of Job and Family Services. They provide a referral list of licensed providers in the area and administer the **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Child Care Subsidy** program for income-eligible families. You can apply for assistance through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal. Additionally, you can inquire with local organizations like the Brewster Volunteer Fire Department or the Brewster Dairy community center, as they may have bulletin boards or information on local in-home providers. For preschool-specific options, check with the Fairless Local School District about potential public preschool programs for qualifying families.
What are some specific questions I should ask when touring a daycare facility in Brewster?
Beyond general questions, ask locally relevant and detailed questions to ensure a good fit. Recommended questions for Brewster tours include: "What is your policy for outdoor play during colder months, given our Ohio winters?" "Can you describe your emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to Stark County?" "How do you handle communication with parents, and are there local events or field trips in the community?" "What is your staff turnover rate, and what ongoing training do they receive specific to Ohio's licensing rules?" "Are meals provided, and if so, do you accommodate common allergies?" Also, ask about their sick policy and how they manage illnesses to prevent outbreaks in a smaller community setting. Observing the cleanliness and security of the facility is also crucial.