The Best Daycare Centers in Colton, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Colton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Colton
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Stryker offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music areas. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the school's commitment to individualized learning plans.
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Little Learners Academy
Little Learners Educational Centers
Little Learners Academy provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with hands-on learning centers, literacy development, and mathematics preparation. Staff includes early childhood certified teachers with ongoing professional development. Facility features secure monitoring systems, nutritious meal programs meeting USDA guidelines, and spacious indoor gross motor areas. Special programs include music enrichment, foreign language exposure, and character education. Highly regarded for their small class sizes and individualized attention to each child's learning style.
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Imagination Station Learning Center
Independent
Imagination Station Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social development and academic preparation. Features low teacher-to-child ratios, experienced staff with CPR/first aid certification, and comprehensive security measures including controlled access. Curriculum includes thematic units, phonics instruction, and hands-on science activities. Facilities include updated playground equipment, dedicated nap rooms, and age-appropriate learning materials. Known for strong parent-teacher partnerships with regular progress updates and family engagement events. Specializes in creating a home-like atmosphere while maintaining structured educational programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Colton, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Colton, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Colton, Ohio, all childcare providers must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain in-home care for a limited number of children). Licensed centers and family childcare homes must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in first aid, CPR, and child development), safe environments, and nutrition. To verify the license and inspection history of any provider in Colton, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the license type, capacity, any recent compliance inspections, and whether the provider participates in the state's quality rating system, Step Up To Quality (SUTQ).
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Colton, OH?
Yes, the primary program is Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by the Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services (as Colton is within Columbiana County). Eligibility is based on family income, size, and work or education/training requirements. The subsidy helps pay for care at licensed providers that accept the program. Given Colton's rural setting, it's crucial to apply early, as funding can be limited. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits portal or contact the Columbiana County JFS office directly. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant daycare in Colton, and are waitlists common?
In Colton and the surrounding rural areas of Columbiana County, full-time infant daycare costs typically range from **$150 to $225 per week**. This is generally lower than urban centers like Cleveland or Columbus but can vary based on the provider's amenities and SUTQ star rating. Due to the limited number of licensed facilities in a small community like Colton, waitlists for infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios, are very common and can be several months long. It is highly recommended to begin your search and get on waitlists during pregnancy or as early as possible.
What types of childcare options are most available in a small town like Colton, Ohio?
Given Colton's size, the most common options are **licensed family childcare homes** and **in-home providers**. These are often run by individuals in their residences and typically care for a smaller group of children, which can offer a more home-like environment. There are fewer large daycare centers, so many families in Colton also look at providers in nearby towns like Salem or Lisbon. Another option to explore is **part-day preschool programs** often run by local churches or community organizations, which may serve children ages 3-5. For school-age children, the local school district may offer before and after-school care programs.
How does Ohio's "Step Up To Quality" (SUTQ) rating system work, and why is it important when choosing a daycare in Colton?
Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is Ohio's voluntary quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare programs. Providers earn a rating from 1 to 5 stars based on criteria like staff education and training, learning environments, family engagement, and administrative practices. In Colton, choosing a SUTQ-rated provider is important because it is a key indicator of program quality beyond basic licensing. A higher star rating often correlates with better learning outcomes and prepared staff. Furthermore, only SUTQ-rated providers are eligible to accept state childcare subsidies and participate in Ohio's Early Childhood Education grants. You can filter for SUTQ-rated programs using the Ohio Child Care Search tool.