The Best Daycare Centers in Corning, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Corning. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Corning
Corning Head Start Center
Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action
Corning Head Start Center provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through the federally-funded Head Start program. The center focuses on school readiness with evidence-based curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. All lead teachers hold associate's or bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, and the program maintains low student-teacher ratios. Services include health screenings, nutritious meals, family engagement activities, and special needs support. The facility features age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety protocols. What sets this center apart is its holistic approach that supports both child development and family well-being through extensive community partnerships.
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Little Buckeye Learning Center
Independent
Located just 15 minutes from Corning in New Lexington, Little Buckeye Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program from infancy through school age. The center implements a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on literacy, math readiness, and social skills development. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified, with many holding early childhood credentials. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials, and spacious outdoor playgrounds. The center stands out for its extended hours, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Zanesville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville, located approximately 25 minutes from Corning, provides nationally-reccredited educational childcare through the Kiddie Academy Life Essentials® curriculum. The program emphasizes character development, STEM learning, and literacy through hands-on activities and project-based learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Facilities include dedicated infant rooms, STEM labs, interactive whiteboards, and age-segregated playgrounds. What distinguishes this center is its technology-integrated curriculum, daily communication app for parents, and focus on developing 21st-century skills even in early childhood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Corning, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Corning, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Corning, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. You can search by provider name, location (like Corning), and view their license status, any recent inspection reports, and whether they participate in quality programs like Step Up To Quality. It's highly recommended to check this public record before enrolling your child.
What is the typical cost range for full-time infant and toddler daycare in Corning, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Corning area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you might expect to pay between **$130 to $180 per week** for an infant or toddler. A licensed family childcare home may range from **$100 to $140 per week**. These are estimates, and rates can be higher for providers with high-quality ratings. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care** program helps eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. You apply through the Perry County Department of Job and Family Services, which serves the Corning area. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Corning, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Corning, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be long. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-regarded in-home providers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months**. For toddler and preschool-aged children, waitlists may be shorter but can still be several months. We strongly advise parents to **begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date**. Contact providers directly to inquire about current availability and get on multiple waitlists if possible. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is common practice.
Are there any state-recognized quality rating programs for daycares near Corning that I should look for?
Yes, Ohio's **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** program is a crucial indicator of quality. This voluntary star-rated system (1 to 5 stars) evaluates programs on factors like staff education, learning environments, and family engagement. While options in Corning itself are limited, you may find SUTQ-rated providers in nearby towns like New Lexington, Somerset, or Zanesville. A SUTQ rating is a strong signal that a program exceeds minimum licensing standards. You can filter for SUTQ-rated programs using the Ohio Child Care Search tool. Even if a local Corning provider isn't yet rated, asking them about their plans to pursue SUTQ can give you insight into their commitment to quality.
What are my options for drop-in or part-time childcare in Corning, especially for irregular schedules?
Finding consistent drop-in or part-time care in a rural area like Corning can be challenging, as most licensed providers prioritize full-time, scheduled enrollment. Your best options are to: 1) Inquire with local licensed family childcare homes, as they sometimes have more flexibility with schedules than larger centers. 2) Explore **licensed childcare centers in nearby larger communities** (e.g., Zanesville, approximately 30 minutes away) that may offer part-day preschool programs for older toddlers. 3) Consider forming a **parent co-op or nanny share** with other families in the area, though you must ensure any in-home caregiver meets state requirements if watching children from multiple families. There are currently no dedicated drop-in childcare facilities in Corning, so planning and networking with other parents is essential.