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.
Childcare Insights for Canton
As a parent in Canton, Ohio, one of the most significant and often stressful searches you'll undertake is for "daycare prices near me." Understanding the childcare landscape in our specific community is the first step toward finding a solution that fits both your child's needs and your family's budget. In the Canton area, daycare costs can vary widely based on several key factors, and having a local perspective can help you navigate your options with greater confidence.
Generally, in Canton and across Stark County, you'll find that infant care tends to be the most expensive, often ranging from approximately $180 to $250 per week for a full-time spot at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates often decrease slightly, typically falling between $150 and $220. These are broad estimates, and the actual price can be influenced by the specific neighborhood, the facility's amenities, and its educational philosophy. For instance, a daycare center near the Pro Football Hall of Fame or in the newer developments in Jackson Township might command a different rate than one in a more residential part of southwest Canton. Home-based daycare providers, which are licensed and offer a more intimate setting, can sometimes provide a more affordable alternative, with weekly fees often starting closer to $120-$160 for infants, though availability is usually very limited.
Beyond the base weekly tuition, it's crucial for Canton parents to ask about what is included. Some centers might have a single all-inclusive fee, while others add costs for essentials like diapers, wipes, and meals. Inquire about the food program—many local daycares participate in federal nutrition programs, providing balanced meals and snacks, which can be a substantial value and convenience. Also, understand the policy for holidays, sick days, and potential annual registration or supply fees, as these can add several hundred dollars to your yearly childcare budget. A visit to any potential daycare here in Canton is non-negotiable. It allows you to see the cleanliness, observe caregiver-child interactions, and gauge the overall environment. Don't hesitate to ask directors about staff turnover rates and teacher qualifications; a stable, well-trained team is worth its weight in gold.
Fortunately, there are resources to help manage these costs. Ohio offers childcare assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program, which is income-based and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible families in Stark County. It's worth checking your eligibility through the Stark County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local employers in the Canton area, from major healthcare systems to manufacturing companies, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or even partnerships with specific centers. Finally, trust your local network. Talk to other parents at the park, in neighborhood groups, or at your workplace. They can offer honest insights into the true value and day-to-day experience at facilities you're considering, helping you find a place where your child will thrive without stretching your finances beyond their limits.