The Best Daycare Centers in Cambridge, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Cambridge. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Cambridge
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured activities. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. They emphasize school readiness through literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
Daycare Services:
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Bright Beginnings Learning Center provides quality childcare with a focus on creating a nurturing and educational environment. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Ohio Early Learning Standards, offering age-appropriate learning experiences. The center features qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with monitored facilities, emergency preparedness plans, and health protocols. The program includes nutritious meal services, modern classroom technology, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Parent communication is emphasized through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville, while located in nearby Zanesville, serves families throughout the Cambridge area with their nationally recognized educational childcare program. They implement the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and STEM education. The academy features state-certified teachers, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, outdoor playgrounds, and age-appropriate classroom environments. The center maintains high standards for staff qualifications and ongoing training, with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten success through structured learning activities and social development opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Cambridge, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Cambridge, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Cambridge, Ohio, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain in-home care for a limited number of children). Licensed centers and family childcare homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and staff training in areas like first aid and child development. To verify a provider's license and view any inspection reports or compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This is a crucial first step for parents to ensure the facility operates legally and meets state-mandated safety and quality benchmarks.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Cambridge, OH?
The cost of childcare in Cambridge, Guernsey County, is generally more affordable than in Ohio's major metropolitan areas, but it still represents a significant household expense. For full-time care, parents can expect to pay an average of **$600 to $850 per month** for an infant or toddler at a licensed center. Family childcare homes may sometimes offer lower rates, typically ranging from $500 to $700 per month. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). For financial assistance, eligible families in Cambridge can apply for Ohio's publicly funded childcare program through the Guernsey County Department of Job and Family Services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Cambridge, and how far in advance should I start looking?
While not as extreme as in larger cities, popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Cambridge often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have the lowest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **at least 3 to 6 months before their needed start date**. For infant care, starting 6-9 months in advance is wise. When contacting centers, be sure to ask about their specific waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update parents on position, and estimated timelines. Also, consider exploring licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What types of childcare programs are uniquely available or popular in the Cambridge, OH area?
Cambridge and surrounding Guernsey County offer a mix of traditional and community-oriented childcare options. In addition to standard daycare centers and home-based providers, there are several programs of note. Many local centers incorporate themes related to the region's history and natural resources. Some faith-based churches in the area offer preschool and daycare programs. Furthermore, the **Guernsey County Family YMCA** often provides before-and-after-school care for school-age children, which is a vital resource for working parents. For younger children, seeking programs that utilize local assets like parks, the Dickens Victorian Village, or the Salt Fork State Park area for outdoor activities can be a unique benefit of childcare in this community.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Cambridge?
When touring a daycare in Cambridge, go beyond the basics. First, observe the **staff interactions**: Are caregivers engaged at the child's level, responding warmly, and is the overall atmosphere happy and calm? Check for **safety and cleanliness**: look for secured entrances, clean toys and surfaces, and safe outdoor play areas. Ask about their **daily schedule and curriculum**—does it include age-appropriate learning and ample physical activity? Inquire about **staff tenure**; low turnover often indicates a positive work environment, which benefits your child. Finally, ask Cambridge-specific questions: their policy for outdoor time in variable weather, how they handle local community events or school delays, and if they have any partnerships with local libraries or parks for enrichment. Trust your instincts about whether it feels like a good fit for your family.