The Best Daycare Centers in Custar, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Custar. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Custar
Primrose School of Perrysburg
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Perrysburg offers a balanced learning approach through their exclusive Balanced Learning curriculum, combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed teachers. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities. Teachers maintain low student-to-teacher ratios and participate in ongoing professional development. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Bowling Green
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bowling Green implements the Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness. The center features secure keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and emergency preparedness protocols. Certified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, interactive learning centers, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their program emphasizes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative expression while maintaining strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events.
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The Goddard School of Bowling Green
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bowling Green offers the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center employs degreed teachers who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The curriculum emphasizes language development, social skills, and cognitive growth through play-based learning. Facilities include age-specific classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and multiple playgrounds. The school provides regular parent communication through daily activity reports and digital portfolio updates tracking children's developmental milestones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Custar, OH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Custar, Ohio?
In Custar and the surrounding Wood County area, you'll primarily find two types of licensed childcare options. The most common are licensed Family Child Care (Type B) homes, which are operated in a provider's residence and can care for up to 6 children (or up to 12 with a licensed assistant). These are often a good fit for the small-town setting of Custar. The second option is Child Care Centers, which are larger facilities. For Custar residents, the nearest centers are typically located in nearby towns like Bowling Green or Perrysburg. All providers must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), which ensures they meet health, safety, and staff training standards. You can verify a provider's license and inspection history on the Ohio Child Care Search website.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Custar, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Custar and the immediate rural area, costs for full-time care in a licensed family childcare home typically range from $130 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler. Rates for preschool-aged children are slightly lower. Costs at centers in nearby larger towns can be higher, often $180-$250 per week. Financial assistance is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' publicly funded childcare program. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school requirements. Many Custar families may also qualify for assistance through the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services. It's crucial to apply for assistance well in advance, as funding can be limited.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Custar, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in a small community like Custar, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It's not uncommon for popular family childcare homes to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$50). Don't limit your search to Custar alone; expand to neighboring communities like Hoytville, Portage, and Bowling Green. Be proactive, follow up every few months, and have a backup plan.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios and safety regulations I should expect from a Custar daycare?
Ohio has strict licensing rules that all Custar providers must follow. Key ratios are: 1:4 for infants (under 12 months), 1:5 for toddlers (12-18 months), 1:6 for toddlers (18-36 months), and 1:12 for preschoolers (3-5 years). All staff must pass comprehensive background checks (BCI & FBI) and have current training in First Aid, CPR, and Child Abuse Prevention. Facilities are subject to unannounced health and safety inspections. In a rural area like Custar, you should also inquire about specific policies for outdoor play safety, given the potential for agricultural or wildlife exposure, and their emergency plans for severe weather common in Northwest Ohio.
Are there any daycare providers in Custar that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in agriculture or local industry?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, overnight, weekends) is a common challenge in Custar, where many parents work in agriculture, manufacturing, or healthcare with variable shifts. While standard hours are typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, some licensed family childcare homes may offer flexible or extended hours to meet this need. You will need to inquire directly with providers. Another option is to seek a licensed provider who offers "24-hour care," though these are rare. Your best resource is the Wood County Child Care Resource and Referral agency, which can help identify providers with flexible schedules. Networking with other local parents through community groups or the Eastwood School District can also lead to recommendations for caregivers who accommodate shift work.
Childcare Insights for Custar
Finding reliable and affordable child care is one of the most significant challenges for parents, and if you're searching for "affordable child care near me" in Custar, Ohio, you know this search is deeply personal and local. The good news is that while options in a smaller community like ours may seem limited at first glance, there are dedicated providers and resources that can help you find a nurturing and budget-friendly solution for your family. The key is knowing where to look and what questions to ask, right here in our own backyard.
Custar’s charm lies in its tight-knit community, and this often extends to childcare. Many excellent options are home-based daycare providers, which can be a wonderful and often more affordable alternative to larger centers. These providers frequently offer a family-like atmosphere with flexible hours, which can be ideal for the varied schedules of parents in our area. To find these licensed home providers, a great first step is to contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) or use their online search tool. You can filter for providers in the 43511 zip code and surrounding areas like Bowling Green, which many Custar families consider for a broader range of options. Don't underestimate the power of local networks, either; asking for recommendations at the Custar Post Office, the town hall, or through community Facebook groups can lead you to trusted caregivers who may not have a large online presence.
When evaluating affordability, it's crucial to look beyond the weekly rate. Ask potential providers if their fee includes meals, snacks, or educational materials. Some may offer a sibling discount, which can create meaningful savings. For families who need financial assistance, Ohio offers programs like the publicly funded childcare subsidy. Eligibility is based on income and need, and applying through the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services could make a quality daycare program much more accessible. Even if you don't qualify for a subsidy, some local providers in the Custar area work with parents to establish sliding scale fees based on income, so it’s always worth having an honest conversation about your budget.
Finally, remember that "affordable" must also mean "quality." When you visit a potential daycare, whether in Custar or a neighboring town, pay close attention to the environment. Is it safe, clean, and stimulating? How do the caregivers interact with the children? Trust your instincts as a parent. A shorter commute from Custar to a provider you love and trust is often more valuable in the long run than the absolute lowest price. By tapping into local resources and prioritizing both care and cost, you can find a childcare solution that brings peace of mind and supports your child's growth, right here in our community.