The Best Daycare Centers in Chesterhill, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chesterhill. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chesterhill
The Children's Place Learning Center
Independent
The Children's Place Learning Center is a highly-regarded early childhood education facility serving the Chesterhill area from nearby Marietta. They offer a comprehensive curriculum focusing on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through play-based learning and structured activities. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with surveillance systems. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, nutritious meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and strong communication about child progress.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center provides high-quality childcare services to families in the Chesterhill region from their Athens location. They implement a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social-emotional learning, featuring STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. The center employs qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development and maintains excellent staff retention. Safety protocols include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers modern classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Kiddie Academy of Marietta
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Marietta is part of a nationally recognized educational childcare chain serving Chesterhill families with their Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes character development, literacy, and school readiness. The center features certified teachers, developmentally appropriate learning environments, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their comprehensive program includes hands-on learning activities, character education, physical fitness, and community awareness projects. The facility maintains high health and safety standards with secure access, clean environments, and strict hygiene protocols. Parents appreciate the structured daily routines, progress reporting, and focus on preparing children for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chesterhill, OH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Chesterhill, Ohio?
In Chesterhill and the surrounding Morgan County area, parents primarily have three types of licensed childcare options. The most common are Family Child Care (Type B) Homes, which are operated in a provider's residence and can care for up to 6 children (with no more than 3 under age 2). There are also Child Care Centers, though these are less common in the immediate Chesterhill area and may require travel to nearby towns like McConnelsville or Malta. Finally, you may find In-Home Aides (Type A Homes), which care for 7-12 children in a residence. All are licensed and inspected by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Due to the rural nature of Chesterhill, Family Child Care Homes are often the most accessible and may offer more flexible hours for families with non-traditional work schedules.
How can I check the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Chesterhill?
The State of Ohio provides a free, public online tool called the "Child Care Search" on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) website. You can search for providers by county (Morgan County), city, or zip code. For any licensed provider in Chesterhill, this tool will show their current license status, capacity, age ranges served, and detailed inspection reports. These reports note any compliance issues, the steps taken to correct them, and the provider's overall history. It's highly recommended to review these reports thoroughly. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Ohio's Southeast Region for additional information or to request records.
Are there any childcare programs in Chesterhill that accept Ohio's publicly funded childcare assistance?
Yes, several licensed providers in the Chesterhill area accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC), formerly known as "subsidized" care. Eligibility is determined by ODJFS based on income, work, or school requirements. To find participating providers, use the ODJFS Child Care Search and filter for those who indicate they accept "Title XX" or "Publicly Funded" care. Given the limited number of providers, it is crucial to confirm this directly with the daycare and to understand that a spot accepting assistance may have a waitlist. Your local Job and Family Services office in McConnelsville can help with the application process for assistance.
What is the typical cost for infant daycare in Chesterhill, and are waitlists common?
Due to limited supply in this rural community, infant care (children under 18 months) is often the most expensive and hardest-to-find option. In Chesterhill and immediate vicinity, weekly rates for infants in a licensed Family Child Care Home typically range from $125 to $175. Centers in nearby towns may charge $150-$225 per week. Waitlists for infant spots, especially with highly regarded providers, are very common and can be several months long. It is strongly advised to begin your search during pregnancy and to get on multiple waitlists if possible. Be sure to ask providers about their waitlist policies, including any fees to hold a spot.
What local resources or networks can help me find and evaluate childcare in Chesterhill?
A key local resource is the **Morgan County Department of Job and Family Services** located in McConnelsville. They can provide referrals to licensed providers. Additionally, **Building Bridges to Kindergarten**, a program often facilitated through the local school district or the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council, may have connections to preschool and childcare providers. For informal networking, consider connecting with other parents through the Morgan County Fair, local churches, or community Facebook groups like "Morgan County, Ohio Community Chat." These networks are invaluable for getting personal recommendations and learning about smaller, licensed home-based providers that may not have a strong online presence.