The Best Daycare Centers in Englewood, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Englewood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Englewood
KinderCare at Englewood
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Englewood offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum including phonics-based reading programs, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their balanced approach combines structured academic preparation with play-based learning, featuring dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, outdoor playgrounds with safety surfaces, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and the developmental progress children make.
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The Goddard School of Englewood
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Englewood provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic, social, and emotional development. The center features state-certified teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and modern security systems including keypad entry. Their comprehensive curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, with additional enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The facility includes multiple age-specific playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parents highlight the school's structured yet nurturing environment and excellent teacher retention.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Vandalia
Primrose School Franchising Company
Located just minutes from Englewood, Primrose School of Vandalia offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master's-level educated early childhood specialists. The school features secure facilities with comprehensive safety protocols, including restricted access and emergency preparedness training. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on learning experiences. The campus includes dedicated music and art studios, age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfaces, and nutritious chef-prepared meals. The school maintains high staff qualifications with ongoing professional development and receives consistent praise for its exceptional communication and child development tracking systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Englewood, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Englewood, OH?
In Englewood and the surrounding Montgomery County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $220 to $320 per week for infant care, and slightly less, around $200 to $280 per week, for toddler care. In-home licensed family childcare homes are often more affordable, typically ranging from $150 to $220 per week. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Ohio offers assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program for eligible families, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses. We recommend contacting the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) or using their online calculator to check eligibility.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Englewood is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Englewood, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool available on the ODJFS website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or type. For each listing, you can view the license status (e.g., Licensed, Licensed - Step Up To Quality Star Rated), capacity, ages served, and most importantly, a history of inspection reports and any non-compliance citations. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Montgomery County directly for additional information. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Englewood, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-rated centers in Englewood, especially for those with high Ohio "Step Up To Quality" star ratings. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 3-6 months in advance is advisable. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often is the list updated? Do they offer sibling priority? Also, consider expanding your search to include high-quality licensed family childcare homes in Englewood neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate availability.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Englewood?
The two main licensed options in Englewood offer distinct environments. **Childcare Centers** are typically larger facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms divided by age. They usually have more staff, structured educational curricula, and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and large playgrounds. They are subject to strict ODJFS ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups. This can be ideal for siblings to stay together and often provides more flexible hours. They have different ratio rules (a maximum of 6 children total, with no more than 3 under age 2). Both types are licensed and inspected, but the choice often comes down to your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for a specific learning environment.
What local resources or organizations in Englewood can help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Englewood parents have several valuable local resources. The primary agency is **4C for Children**, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency serving Montgomery County. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help match your family's needs with licensed providers. You can access their search tools and speak with referral specialists online or by phone. Additionally, the **Englewood Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local childcare providers and may host parenting resources. For evaluating quality, focus on providers participating in Ohio's **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** voluntary rating system. A 3-, 4-, or 5-star rating is a strong indicator of a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards in areas like learning environment, professional development, and family engagement.
Childcare Insights for Englewood
Finding the right childcare arrangement is one of the most significant decisions a parent makes, and for many families in Englewood, a full-time schedule isn’t always necessary. Whether you’re balancing a part-time job, pursuing education, or simply seeking socialization and structured play for your little one a few days a week, searching for “part time daycare near me” can feel both hopeful and overwhelming. The good news is that Englewood and the surrounding Miami Valley area offer several quality options tailored to flexible needs, and knowing what to look for locally can make your search much smoother.
First, it’s helpful to understand the common models for part-time care in our community. Many local centers and in-home providers offer programs based on set days, such as Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedules. This consistency helps children build routine and form bonds with caregivers and peers. Other facilities may offer more flexible, drop-in style care, though these spots can be limited and often require advance booking. As you begin your search in Englewood, consider starting with well-regarded local centers that have a presence in our area, and don’t overlook the licensed family childcare homes in our neighborhoods; they often provide a smaller, home-like setting and can be more adaptable with part-time schedules.
When evaluating options, proximity is key for a less stressful routine. Consider the route between your home, the daycare, and your workplace or other daily commitments. Englewood’s location near I-70 and State Route 48 means many parents commute to Dayton, Huber Heights, or Vandalia, so a daycare with easy highway access might be a practical priority. Visit any potential place during operating hours to observe the environment. Look for engaged caregivers, clean and safe spaces, and evidence of structured activities. Ask specific questions about their curriculum for part-time children and how they help them integrate into the group dynamic. Inquire about their policies on illness, communication (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles), and their experience with flexible schedules.
Another vital step is to connect with your network. Englewood has a strong sense of community, so ask for recommendations from other parents at the Englewood Farmers Market, the local library storytime, or neighborhood social media groups. First-hand experiences can provide invaluable insight into a provider’s reliability and the true fit of their part-time program. Finally, trust your instincts. The right part-time daycare in Englewood should not only meet your logistical needs but should also give you a sense of confidence and peace when you leave your child. Your child deserves a nurturing place to learn and grow, and you deserve a partner in childcare that supports your family’s unique rhythm. With a bit of focused research and these local considerations in mind, you can find a wonderful part-time solution that feels just right.