The Best Daycare Centers in Canton, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Canton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Canton
The Goddard School of Canton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Canton offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement STEAM learning, language development, and social skills through structured curriculum. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Parents praise the consistent communication, nutritious meal programs, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and secure facility access.
Daycare Services:
Sunshine Children's Academy
Sunshine Early Learning Centers
Sunshine Children's Academy provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with hands-on learning centers, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility features secure monitored access, modern classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes parent partnerships through daily communication, progress reports, and family events. Additional features include USDA-approved meal programs, extended hours, and enrichment activities like music and movement.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Perry
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Perry serves the Canton area with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with character development. The center features bright, modern classrooms, secure entry systems, and indoor gym facilities for year-round physical activity. Their programs include early literacy, mathematics, science, and foreign language exposure. The facility maintains rigorous safety standards including comprehensive background checks, CPR-certified staff, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the engaging learning environment, qualified teaching staff, and the center's focus on both academic and social development through structured play and learning activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Canton, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Canton, Ohio?
In Canton, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month for infant care, and slightly less, around $700 to $1,000 per month, for toddler care. Home-based daycare providers licensed by the state are often more affordable, typically ranging from $600 to $900 per month. Factors influencing cost include the center's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, curriculum (e.g., Montessori or faith-based), and specific location within Stark County. It's important to note that while these are average ranges, securing a spot, especially for infants, often involves a waitlist, so budgeting and early inquiries are crucial.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Canton is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare providers in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and read any past inspection reports (including violations) for free through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. Simply search by the provider's name or location. Additionally, you can contact the **Stark County Department of Job and Family Services** for local resources. When visiting a potential daycare in Canton, ask to see their current license, their emergency preparedness plan, and their staff qualification records. Local parents also recommend checking community Facebook groups for firsthand experiences with specific centers.
Are there any subsidized childcare or financial assistance programs available for families in Canton?
Yes, eligible families in Canton and Stark County can apply for childcare assistance through the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by the Stark County Department of Job and Family Services. This subsidy helps low-income families, those participating in Ohio Works First, or parents in approved education or training programs pay for care at licensed providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits portal or in person at the local office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, and the state's **Step Up To Quality** program can help you identify high-rated providers that accept subsidies.
What is the "Step Up To Quality" rating system, and why is it important when choosing a daycare in Ohio?
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is Ohio's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare programs and preschools. A SUTQ rating (from 1 to 5 stars) indicates that a program exceeds Ohio's minimum licensing standards in key areas like staff education and training, learning environments, family engagement, and administrative practices. In Canton, looking for a rated provider can give you greater confidence in the quality of care. Many highly-rated programs participate in the state's childcare subsidy system. You can filter for SUTQ-rated providers using the Ohio Child Care Search tool. A higher star rating often correlates with more structured curriculum and better-prepared teachers, which can be a significant factor in your child's early development.
What are the options for drop-in, part-time, or non-traditional hour childcare in Canton?
Finding flexible childcare in Canton can be challenging but is possible. Traditional centers typically operate on a fixed, full-time schedule (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). For part-time or drop-in care, your best options are often licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more flexible arrangements, or specific centers that have part-time preschool programs for ages 3-5. For parents working evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts, options are very limited. Some national chains with local presence may offer occasional drop-in services, but availability is not guaranteed. Your most reliable strategy is to network with other local parents through community groups or platforms like Care.com to find vetted in-home providers or nanny shares that can accommodate irregular hours. Always ensure any flexible provider is still licensed or properly vetted for safety.