The Best Daycare Centers in Dover, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Dover. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Dover
YMCA Child Development Center at Dover
YMCA of Central Stark County
The YMCA Child Development Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach. As a NAEYC-accredited facility, they provide high-quality curriculum focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEAM activities. Their qualified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and implement the Creative Curriculum. The center features secure entry systems, nutritious meal programs, and extensive indoor/outdoor play spaces. Their strong parent communication system and developmental milestone tracking make them a trusted choice for Dover families seeking holistic child development.
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KinderCare Learning Center at New Philadelphia
KinderCare Education
KinderCare's New Philadelphia location serves the Dover area with their nationally-recognized early childhood education program. They implement a balanced learning approach combining structured academic preparation with play-based activities. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure keypad entry, and certified teachers with early childhood credentials. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, science exploration, and social studies. The facility maintains rigorous safety protocols, daily health checks, and comprehensive communication systems for parents. Their experienced staff provides individualized attention to support each child's developmental journey.
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Primrose School of North Canton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of North Canton serves families throughout the region including Dover with their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum. This research-based approach blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master-level early childhood educators. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site, and extensive outdoor learning environments. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, mathematics, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. With highly qualified teachers maintaining advanced certifications and low student-teacher ratios, Primrose provides exceptional early education with comprehensive parent partnership programs and regular developmental assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Dover, OH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Dover, Ohio?
In Dover, Ohio, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week. This is generally lower than the state average for Ohio, reflecting the area's cost of living. Prices can vary based on the type of facility—licensed in-home daycares often fall on the lower end of this range, while larger childcare centers or those with specialized educational programs may charge more. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or meals may apply. Many providers in Tuscarawas County also participate in state assistance programs like Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare in Dover is properly licensed and what should I look for during an inspection visit?
All licensed childcare providers in Dover must be certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, inspection history, and any compliance issues through the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. During an in-person visit, look for the current license posted, check for cleanliness and safety measures (secured cabinets, outlet covers, fenced outdoor play areas), and observe staff-child interactions. Ask about staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants in Ohio) and staff qualifications. In Dover, you can also contact the **Tuscarawas County Department of Job and Family Services** for local referrals and guidance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Dover, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants under 18 months, are common at many of the more established centers in Dover. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and some parents report starting a year in advance. Availability is often better at licensed family childcare homes, which may have smaller capacities but shorter wait times. To manage this, contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists (there is usually no fee for this), and check back periodically. The **Dover Public Library** and local community Facebook groups for parents are also good resources for hearing about unexpected openings.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available for families in Dover, Ohio?
The primary program is Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)**, administered locally by the Tuscarawas County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training/education requirements. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or in person at the county office. Additionally, some local daycare providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For families with children with special needs, resources through the **Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities** may provide additional support and referrals to inclusive childcare options in the area.
Beyond traditional daycare centers, what are some alternative childcare options available in the Dover community?
Dover offers several alternatives to standard daycare centers. These include: * **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings that can offer more flexible hours and a family-like atmosphere. * **Preschool Programs:** Several churches and organizations, like First Baptist Church or Dover City Schools' preschool, offer part-day programs for children ages 3-5, which can be combined with other care. * **In-Home Care/Nannies:** While less common, some families arrange for private in-home care; local job boards or referrals are key for finding candidates. * **Drop-in/Part-time Care:** Facilities like the **Dover YMCA** may offer part-time or drop-in care, which is useful for parents with non-traditional or shifting schedules. * **Parent Co-ops:** Informal groups of parents sometimes organize shared care; these are often found through local parent networks on social media.