The Best Daycare Centers in Celina, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Celina. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Celina
The Learning Garden
Independent
The Learning Garden stands out as Celina's premier early childhood education center with a comprehensive play-based curriculum that emphasizes developmental milestones. Their state-licensed facility features dedicated infant rooms with low teacher-to-child ratios, structured preschool programs focusing on kindergarten readiness, and an engaging outdoor learning environment. Highly qualified early childhood educators implement Creative Curriculum while incorporating STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center maintains exceptional safety protocols including secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced staff with low turnover, and strong communication through daily reports and parent portals.
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Celina KinderCare
KinderCare Education
As part of the nationally recognized KinderCare network, this Celina location offers research-based curriculum with dedicated learning centers for each age group. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, hands-on math and science exploration, and character development activities. The facility features secure keypad entry, comprehensive security cameras, and age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfaces. Certified early childhood teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes nutritional wellness with balanced meals and snacks included in tuition. Parents appreciate the structured daily schedule, progress tracking through the KinderCare app, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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The Goddard School of St. Marys
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just 15 minutes from Celina in St. Marys, The Goddard School serves the broader Mercer County area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The modern facility features bright, spacious classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated art and music rooms. Their curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and yoga/mindfulness activities. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains rigorous safety standards including secured perimeters and comprehensive emergency protocols. The school is renowned for its strong parent communication through daily activity reports, regular parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Celina, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler in Celina, Ohio?
In Celina and the surrounding Mercer County area, daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Ohio cities, but they vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for full-time infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $130 to $200 per week. In-home licensed family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $110 to $180 per week. It's important to note that these are average estimates; some centers may charge more for extended hours or specialized curricula. Always ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, snacks, supplies).
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Celina is properly licensed and in good standing with the state?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Celina, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain church-run programs or care for relatives). To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. This public database shows the provider's license status, any recent inspection reports, and any serious rule violations. You can also contact the **Mercer County Department of Job and Family Services** directly for local resources and information. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Celina, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Celina's smaller, community-focused nature, waitlists can vary significantly. Popular centers, especially those affiliated with employers or with high-quality ratings (like Ohio's Step Up To Quality program), often have waitlists, particularly for infant rooms. It is highly recommended to begin your search **at least 3-6 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting a child, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some in-home providers may have more immediate openings. Be proactive: call multiple centers, ask about their current waitlist length and process, and consider putting your name on more than one list while you make your final decision.
What local resources or programs in Mercer County can help me find and pay for childcare in Celina?
Several local and state resources are available to Celina parents. The primary agency is the **Mercer County Department of Job and Family Services (MCJFS)**. They administer the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, which provides financial assistance to eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. They can also provide referrals to licensed providers. Additionally, you can contact **4C for Children**, the child care resource and referral agency serving this region of Ohio, for free, personalized help in finding and choosing quality care. For early education, check if a provider participates in Ohio's **Step Up To Quality** rating system, which indicates a higher standard of care.
What are some of the key differences between daycare centers and in-home family childcare providers in Celina?
The choice often comes down to environment, schedule, and philosophy. **Daycare Centers** in Celina (e.g., at churches, schools, or standalone facilities) typically have multiple staff, structured classrooms by age, and a set curriculum. They may offer more resources and have stricter adherence to schedules. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of a provider's residence, offering a mixed-age, home-like setting with potentially more flexible hours and a smaller group of children. In Celina's tight-knit community, a family home may provide a very personalized connection. Both types are licensed by the state, but ratios (children per adult) and physical environment differ. Consider what setting best matches your child's temperament and your family's needs for location and flexibility.