The Best Daycare Centers in Clyde, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clyde. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clyde
The Goddard School of Fremont
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fremont 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-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish. They emphasize STEM learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness with comprehensive progress tracking and daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Fremont
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Fremont provides comprehensive educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure access control, sanitization protocols, and emergency preparedness systems. Their degreed educators implement developmentally appropriate practices with structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The program includes technology integration, physical fitness activities, nutritious meal plans, and regular parent-teacher conferences. They maintain NAEYC-aligned standards with emphasis on creating a nurturing environment that supports each child's individual learning style.
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Imagination Station Child Care Center
Independent
Imagination Station Child Care Center is a locally-owned facility serving the Clyde area with a play-based learning approach that incorporates Creative Curriculum standards. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, age-separated playgrounds, and dedicated learning environments. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who focus on developmental milestones through structured activities and free play. The program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness with regular assessments and portfolio documentation. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong community partnerships with local schools and organizations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clyde, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clyde, OH?
In Clyde and the surrounding Sandusky County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes often range from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio metro areas but have increased in recent years. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Ohio offers the publicly funded childcare program, which can provide financial assistance to eligible families based on income and need—contact the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services for more information.
How can I verify that a daycare or preschool in Clyde is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Clyde, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history, including any past violations, for free through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. This resource shows the provider's star rating (a 1 to 5-star Step Up To Quality rating), inspection reports, and the types of complaints that have been investigated. For a local perspective, you can also contact the **Sandusky County Health Department** and ask about any local health code inspections. Always visit the facility in person, ask about staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and emergency procedures specific to their Clyde location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Clyde, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare centers in a smaller community like Clyde, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before you need care**, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. Don't limit your search to Clyde alone; consider licensed family childcare homes in the area or centers in nearby towns like Fremont or Bellevue, which may have different availability. Be proactive: call multiple providers, ask about their current list length and estimated timeline, and get on more than one list.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available for school-age children in Clyde during the summer and after school?
For school-age children in the Clyde-Green Springs School District, the most common options include the district's own **before and after-school care programs**, often held at the elementary schools. During the summer, the **Clyde Recreation Department** typically offers day camps and activity programs that function like childcare. The **Clyde Public Library** also runs summer reading and activity programs that can supplement care. Some local daycare centers and in-home providers also offer summer-only spots for school-age kids. Availability is limited, so registration for summer programs usually opens in early spring. Connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups can also help you discover smaller, informal options.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Clyde, and how do I choose?
In Clyde, a **licensed childcare center** is a facility in a commercial or institutional building with multiple staff and classrooms. They often follow a structured educational curriculum, have more children, and may offer services like preschool prep. A **licensed family childcare home** is run out of the provider's residence, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 6 children, or 12 with an assistant) in a home-like setting. Centers might offer more rigid hours and less flexibility, while homes can sometimes provide more personalized care and flexible schedules. Consider your child's temperament, your schedule, and your budget. Visit both types, check their ODJFS records, and ask about their daily routines, meal plans, and how they handle emergencies. For many Clyde families, the decision comes down to the specific provider's philosophy and the feeling of "fit" during the visit.