The Best Daycare Centers in Caledonia, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Caledonia. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Caledonia
KinderCare Learning Center at Marion
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Marion provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading programs, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. Their learning environment includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and developmentally appropriate materials. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Parents appreciate the regular communication through their mobile app and detailed progress reports.
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The Goddard School of Marion
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Marion offers a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. Features include secure entry systems, daily sanitization protocols, and teachers with degrees in early childhood education. The curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor motor skills areas, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school emphasizes character development and provides regular parent-teacher conferences with detailed developmental assessments.
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Kiddie Academy of Marion
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Marion implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, educational preparedness, and health-focused routines. The center features secure access control, comprehensive background checks for staff, and state-approved safety protocols. Their educational approach includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social skills building through structured play. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The facility includes age-separated playgrounds, modern classrooms with learning centers, and a commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals. Parents value the consistent communication and transparent daily reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Caledonia, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Caledonia, Ohio?
In Caledonia and the surrounding Marion County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $700 to $950 per month for full-time infant care. Home-based licensed childcare providers often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $550 to $800 per month. These costs are generally lower than in major Ohio metropolitan areas but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, formula, diapers, curriculum). Additionally, many families in Ohio utilize the state's publicly funded childcare program. Eligibility is based on income and family size, and it can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. You can apply through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Caledonia?
All childcare programs in Caledonia must be licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool available on the ODJFS website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or county (Marion). For each listed program, you can view their license type, capacity, age ranges served, and most importantly, their compliance history. This includes any recent inspection reports, citations, or violations. You can also contact the **Marion County Department of Job and Family Services** for local assistance. Always visit a potential daycare and ask the director to see their current license, which should be posted.
Are there any licensed childcare providers with immediate openings in Caledonia, or are waitlists common?
Due to Caledonia's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed providers is limited compared to larger cities. This often leads to longer waitlists, especially for infant care slots, which can be 6 to 12 months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search during pregnancy or several months before you need care. For the most current availability, you should call providers directly. The Ohio Child Care Search tool can give you a list, but openings change daily. Don't limit your search to Caledonia's zip code alone; consider providers in nearby towns like Marion, Prospect, or Waldo. Home-based providers may sometimes have more flexible or immediate openings than larger centers.
What are the options for part-time or drop-in childcare in the Caledonia area?
Structured part-time and drop-in childcare options are very limited in Caledonia itself. Most licensed home providers and centers in the area prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stable staffing and income. However, some home-based providers may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week) if they have the space. For occasional drop-in care, your best bet is to look at larger centers in Marion (about a 15-minute drive), as some may offer this service for enrolled families or for a premium fee. Another option for occasional needs is to explore registered babysitting networks or apps, but these individuals are not licensed childcare providers. Planning ahead for part-time needs is crucial in this region.
What local resources or organizations in Marion County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
A key local resource is the **Marion County Department of Job and Family Services**. They can provide referrals and information on licensed providers. The primary statewide resource is **Ohio's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency**, **4C for Children**, which serves this region. While not based in Caledonia, 4C for Children offers a free referral service via phone or website, helping parents understand quality indicators, navigate the state's search tool, and learn about financial assistance. They also educate parents on Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating system—a voluntary program where providers earn star ratings for exceeding minimum standards. Looking for a SUTQ-rated provider is a strong indicator of a program committed to higher quality.