The Best Daycare Centers in Ellsworth, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ellsworth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ellsworth
Kiddie Academy of Canfield
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Canfield provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Certified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities in modern, clean classrooms with low student-teacher ratios. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups, and offers nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents consistently praise the center's communication through daily reports and the developmental progress they observe in their children.
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The Goddard School of Boardman
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Boardman offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.E.X.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and rigorous safety protocols. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, with additional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The school maintains excellent communication with parents through regular updates and portfolio assessments of child development.
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Kindercare Learning Center at Boardman Park
KinderCare Education
Kindercare Learning Center at Boardman Park provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with a balanced approach to learning that addresses all areas of child development. The center features a comprehensive security system including coded entry and thorough staff screening. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and learning centers stocked with high-quality educational materials. Teachers create individualized learning plans and provide regular progress reports to parents. The center is known for its inclusive environment and strong focus on building foundational skills for school readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ellsworth, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ellsworth, OH?
In Ellsworth and the surrounding Mahoning 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 $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes often range from $130 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Cleveland, but availability in Ellsworth's more rural setting can be limited, which can influence price. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which uses an income-based sliding fee scale.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Ellsworth is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Ellsworth, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain church-operated programs or care for relatives). You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection history online through the ODJFS **Child Care Search** tool. This public database shows the provider's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any cited non-compliance issues from their last several inspections. You can also contact the **Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services** for local referrals and information. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license certificate, which must be posted.
Are there any licensed childcare centers directly in Ellsworth, or will I need to look in neighboring towns?
Ellsworth itself is a small village, so licensed childcare center options within the village limits are extremely limited or non-existent. Most families in Ellsworth look to nearby communities for center-based care. Common commuting destinations for childcare include **Canfield**, **Boardman**, and **Austintown**, which are within a 15-20 minute drive and offer a wider selection of licensed childcare centers and preschools. Your other primary option within Ellsworth is a licensed **Family Child Care Home**, which is a smaller, home-based setting. Checking local community boards, Facebook groups for Ellsworth/Canfield parents, and referrals from the Mahoning County JFS are the best ways to find these home providers.
What is the average waitlist time for infant daycare spots in the Ellsworth area, and how can I secure a spot?
Due to the high demand for infant care and limited providers, waitlists in the Ellsworth area and surrounding Mahoning County communities are common and can be lengthy. For popular centers in nearby Canfield or Boardman, you may encounter waitlists of **6 to 12 months** for an infant spot. Family childcare homes may have shorter lists but also fewer openings. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Stay in contact with providers every few months to express continued interest, as spots can sometimes open unexpectedly.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options specific to Mahoning County?
Parents in Ellsworth have several key local resources. The primary agency is the **Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS)**, which administers the county's childcare assistance programs and can provide a referral list of licensed providers. Another excellent resource is **4C for Children**, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving this region of Ohio. They offer free, personalized referrals, guidance on choosing quality care, and information about quality ratings through Ohio's **Step Up To Quality** system. Additionally, joining local parent groups on social media, such as "Canfield/Ellsworth Community Connection" or "Mahoning Valley Moms," can provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations.
Childcare Insights for Ellsworth
Finding quality and affordable childcare is one of the most significant tasks for any family, and if you're a parent in Ellsworth, Ohio, typing "daycare prices near me" into a search bar, you're likely seeking clear, local guidance. Understanding the childcare landscape in our small, close-knit community is the first step toward making a confident decision for your little one. While specific prices can vary based on several important factors, having a general sense of the local market and knowing what influences cost can empower your search.
In Ellsworth and the surrounding Mahoning County area, daycare prices are often influenced by the type of care you choose. A licensed in-home daycare provider, which is a common and cherished option in smaller communities like ours, may offer a more personalized setting and can sometimes have a lower weekly rate, often ranging from approximately $150 to $200 per week for full-time infant or toddler care. Larger childcare centers, which you might find in nearby cities like Canfield or Boardman, typically have a structured curriculum and multiple staff members. Their rates for full-time care can be higher, often starting closer to $200 to $250 per week or more. It's crucial to remember that these are estimates, and the actual cost will depend on your child's age, as infant care is universally more expensive than preschool-age care due to required staff-to-child ratios.
When evaluating "daycare prices near me" in Ellsworth, look beyond the weekly tuition. Many facilities have additional fees that impact the overall cost. Ask about registration or enrollment fees, which can be a one-time annual charge. Inquire if the price includes essentials like diapers, wipes, and meals, or if you are expected to provide these. Some providers in our area may include lunch and snacks, which adds tremendous value and convenience to your daily routine. Also, understand their policy for holidays, sick days, and vacation time; some centers in the region still charge for days your child does not attend to hold their spot, which is an important budget consideration.
Your search in Ellsworth should also include exploring valuable resources that can help manage costs. Ohio offers assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program, which helps eligible families with the cost of care. You can apply through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to see if you qualify for a subsidy based on your income and need. Furthermore, don't underestimate the power of local connections. Talk to other parents at the Ellsworth Fire Department community events or the local park. Personal recommendations are gold in a small town and can lead you to a wonderful provider whose values align with your family's. Ultimately, while price is a major factor, the right fit—a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child thrives—is the true goal of your search here in our community.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Ellsworth: