The Best Daycare Centers in Camden, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Camden. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Camden
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings is a faith-based childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs with a strong emphasis on Christian values and character development. The center features a structured curriculum that includes literacy development, math readiness, science exploration, and creative arts. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and focuses on individualized learning plans. The facility includes secure indoor classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and a dedicated infant care wing with separate sleeping and play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Goddard School of Eaton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Eaton serves families throughout Preble County including Camden with their renowned F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This premium early childhood education center features state-certified teachers, advanced security systems including keypad entry and camera monitoring, and purpose-built learning environments. Their play-based curriculum emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education, language development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes multiple age-specific playgrounds, indoor gymnasium for active play during inclement weather, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parents receive daily digital reports with photos and developmental updates.
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ABC Early Learning Center
Independent
ABC Early Learning Center in Richmond, Indiana serves families from the broader regional area including Camden with their comprehensive early childhood programs. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and maintains exceptional staff-to-child ratios. Their research-based curriculum focuses on school readiness through hands-on learning centers, literacy-rich environments, and structured play activities. The facility features secure access control, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. They offer enrichment programs including music, movement, and foreign language exposure. The center is known for its strong parent communication system and inclusive environment that welcomes children of all abilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Camden, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Camden, OH?
In Camden and the surrounding Preble County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes often range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio metropolitan areas but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Ohio offers the Publicly Funded Child Care program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements, which can significantly offset these costs.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Camden is properly licensed and what should I look for in their inspection reports?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Camden, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain church-operated programs). You can verify a provider's license status and view their compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. When reviewing a provider, look for their current license type (e.g., Child Care Center, Type A or Type B Family Child Care Home). Crucially, you can access their most recent inspection reports, which detail any non-compliance citations. Pay attention to citations related to health and safety (like staff-to-child ratios, safe sleep practices for infants, and building safety) as these are critical indicators of quality. You can also contact the Preble County Department of Job and Family Services for local insights.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Camden, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Camden, popular daycare centers and highly-regarded in-home providers often have waitlists, especially for infant care. Waitlists can range from a few months to over a year. To improve your chances, it's advisable to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, and how often they update families. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns such as Eaton, Oxford, or Hamilton, which may have more options but require a slightly longer commute. Building a relationship with a provider by checking in periodically (without being excessive) can also be helpful.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-age children in Camden?
For school-age children, options in Camden itself are more limited compared to infant/toddler care. The primary local option is often the **Camden Primary School** and **Camden Elementary**, which may offer before- and after-school programs directly or through a partnership with a local provider. The Preble County YMCA in Eaton also frequently provides after-school care with transportation from Camden schools. For part-time or drop-in care, your best bet is to contact licensed family childcare homes in the area, as they often have more flexible scheduling than larger centers. Some home providers may offer care on school closure days or during summer breaks. It's essential to plan and inquire well in advance, as spots for flexible care are scarce.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in a small, rural town like Camden versus a bigger city?
Choosing daycare in Camden involves specific rural considerations. First, **location and transportation** are key; there is no public transit, so your commute or the provider's proximity to your home/work is crucial. Second, **provider availability** is limited; you may have fewer choices, making it vital to start your search early. Third, **network and reputation** are powerful in a small community; ask other parents at local events, the library, or community Facebook groups for personal recommendations. Fourth, consider **emergency preparedness**; ask about their plan for severe weather common to Ohio (like tornadoes) and their protocol if a child needs urgent medical care, given the distance to major hospitals in Hamilton or Dayton. Finally, inquire about **enrichment activities**; while large centers may have many extras, smaller local providers often excel in personalized care and outdoor play, which can be a significant benefit.