The Best Daycare Centers in Carey, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Carey. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Carey
Little Blessings Child Care & Learning Center
Little Blessings Child Care
Little Blessings is a faith-based childcare center offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. They feature a structured curriculum that includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios with qualified staff holding early childhood education credentials. Their facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, and emphasize character development alongside academic preparation. The center is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere and strong parent-teacher communication.
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Kiddie Academy of Findlay
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Findlay serves the Carey area with their nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on whole-child development. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, character education, and physical fitness. The center features secure access systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and modern learning environments. They offer age-appropriate technology integration, nutritious meal programs, and extensive parent communication through their mobile app. The academy emphasizes preparing children for kindergarten success while nurturing individual growth and social skills.
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Discovery Center Preschool & Childcare
Discovery Center
Discovery Center provides a play-based learning environment combined with structured educational activities. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on exploration, creative expression, and social development. The center features dedicated learning centers for different age groups, outdoor nature exploration areas, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure entry systems. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. They focus on developing critical thinking skills through project-based learning and maintain strong partnerships with local schools for smooth transitions to kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Carey, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Carey, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Carey, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the license status, any past violations, and inspection reports. It's highly recommended to check this resource and even ask the provider directly for their most recent inspection summary.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Carey, OH?
In Carey and the surrounding Wyandot County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Ohio cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay an average of **$650 to $850 per month** for full-time infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically **$600 to $750 per month**. In-home family daycare providers often charge slightly less, ranging from $550 to $700 monthly. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition (meals, snacks, curriculum, diapers) as these can affect the overall value. Financial assistance may be available through programs like the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' Publicly Funded Child Care.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Carey, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a town like Carey, popular and highly-rated daycare centers often have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to **begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date**, and if you're expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist policy: if there's a fee to hold a spot, how often they update you on your position, and if they offer part-time spots that could transition to full-time. Exploring options in nearby towns like Upper Sandusky or Tiffin can also provide more availability.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available in Carey, OH?
Parents in Carey typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare: 1. **Child Care Centers:** These are facilities like the Carey Head Start program (which offers income-eligible preschool services) or private centers, providing structured care and early education for various age groups. 2. **Family Child Care Homes:** Licensed providers who care for a smaller group of children in their own residence, often offering a more home-like environment and potentially more flexible hours. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Often part of local churches or community organizations, these may offer part-day, part-week educational programs for children ages 3-5, which require supplemental care arrangements. Given Carey's size, family childcare homes and the Head Start program are particularly significant components of the local childcare landscape.
What local resources in Wyandot County can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Carey?
Your primary local resource is the **Wyandot County Department of Job and Family Services**. They can provide referrals to licensed providers and information on financial assistance eligibility. Additionally, **Action for Children**, a central Ohio resource and referral agency, serves Wyandot County and offers a free personalized search service via their website or phone line. For hands-on evaluation, talk to other parents at local spots like the Carey Community Park or the public library for personal recommendations. Finally, the **Carey Exempted Village School District** may have information about before/after-school care programs for school-age children, which is a common need for working parents.