The Best Daycare Centers in Etna, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Etna. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Etna
The Goddard School of Etna
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Etna offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. They emphasize STEAM learning, character development, and provide daily communication to parents through their mobile app. The center is known for its clean, modern facilities and structured yet nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Etna
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Etna provides a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and social skills development. Their facilities include secure keypad entry, camera monitoring systems, and USDA-approved meal programs. Certified early childhood educators implement age-appropriate learning activities with a focus on bilingual education through their proprietary Spanish program. The center features interactive learning centers, indoor gymnasium, and outdoor play areas with safety surfaces. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and development tracking through regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Pataskala
Kiddie Academy Domestic
Kiddie Academy of Pataskala serves the Etna area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character education. The center features secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and health/safety protocols exceeding state requirements. Their degreed educators implement project-based learning and technology integration appropriate for each age group. The facility includes dedicated music and movement rooms, computer learning stations, and age-separated playgrounds. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through daily activity reports and regular family events. The academy is particularly noted for its structured yet creative learning environment and strong kindergarten readiness program.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Etna, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Etna, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Etna, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's compliance and view their latest inspection reports, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the license status, any violations, and the program's star rating under Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) system. It's a crucial first step for parents in the Etna area to ensure a facility meets state-mandated standards for safety and quality.
How long are typical waitlists for infant daycare in Etna, and when should I start looking?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict staff-to-child ratios), waitlists for infant care at quality centers in Etna and the surrounding Licking County area can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be **6 to 12 months long**. We strongly recommend that expecting parents begin researching and touring facilities **as early as the second trimester of pregnancy**. Many popular centers in the area have waitlist application processes that expectant parents can join. Starting early provides the best chance of securing a spot that aligns with your planned return-to-work date.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for a toddler in Etna, OH?
The cost of childcare in Etna varies by the type of program and its quality rating. For a full-time toddler (age 2-3) at a licensed center, parents can expect to pay between **$220 and $320 per week**. Family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from **$180 to $250 per week**. These costs are influenced by factors like the center's Step Up To Quality rating, included amenities (meals, curriculum), and staff credentials. It's important to note that these are average estimates for the Licking County region; always request a detailed fee schedule during tours. Financial assistance may be available through Ohio's Publicly Funded Child Care program for eligible families.
Are there any state-funded preschool or early learning programs available for 4-year-olds in Etna?
Yes, Etna is served by the **Southwest Licking Local School District**, which may offer preschool options. The primary state-funded program is **Ohio's Early Childhood Education (ECE) grant**, which provides high-quality preschool to eligible 4-year-olds, often at low or no cost based on family income. Availability is limited and typically prioritized for children with special needs or from lower-income households. Additionally, many local daycare centers participate in Ohio's **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** program and offer preschool curricula. The best action is to contact the Southwest Licking district office directly and also inquire with SUTQ-rated childcare centers in Etna about their preschool programs and potential income-based scholarships.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare center in Etna to assess quality and safety?
Beyond checking the state-required license, a thorough tour should assess both observable safety and the quality of interactions. Key things to look for in Etna centers include: **Cleanliness and secure access** (locked doors, sign-in procedures), **age-appropriate and well-maintained playgrounds**, and **evidence of structured learning and play** (daily schedules, children's artwork). Critically, observe **staff engagement**—are teachers on the floor interacting warmly with children? Ask about staff turnover, as high turnover can disrupt care. Inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Central Ohio. Finally, verify their participation in **Step Up To Quality**; a 3- to 5-star rating is a strong indicator of a program committed to exceeding minimum standards. Trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere.
Childcare Insights for Etna
Finding trustworthy and nurturing infant child care is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a new parent in Etna, Ohio. The search for "infant child care near me" is more than just a query; it's a quest for a safe, loving, and stimulating environment for your little one during those crucial early months. In our community, nestled within Licking County, parents have a blend of options, from dedicated in-home providers to established childcare centers, each offering a unique approach to those first smiles and steps.
When beginning your search right here in Etna, proximity and convenience are naturally important, but the foundation of your choice must be quality and fit. A great first step is to utilize the State of Ohio's official resources. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website allows you to search for licensed providers in the 43018 area and view their latest inspection reports. This public record offers invaluable peace of mind, detailing compliance with state-mandated ratios, safety standards, and health protocols. For infant care, Ohio mandates a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5, but many quality providers in our area maintain even smaller groups to ensure more individualized attention.
Consider the daily rhythm of life in Etna. A provider's location relative to major routes like U.S. Route 40 or State Route 310 can impact your commute to work in Columbus, New Albany, or elsewhere in the county. Schedule visits during active hours to observe not just the cleanliness and safety of the physical space, but the genuine interactions between caregivers and babies. Look for caregivers who are on the floor engaging, responding warmly to cries, and talking to the infants throughout the day. Inquire about their philosophy on feeding, napping, and communication. How will they partner with you to maintain consistency with your routines at home? Many local providers understand the needs of working families in our growing area and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate varying shifts.
Don't underestimate the power of local connections. Ask for recommendations from other parents you meet at the Etna Community Park or through local community groups on social media. Personal experiences from neighbors can lead you to wonderful, smaller-scale in-home providers who might not have a large online presence but have built stellar reputations through word-of-mouth. These providers often create a cozy, family-like atmosphere that can be ideal for an infant's first venture into care.
Finally, trust your instincts. You know your child best. The right infant care setting in Etna will feel like an extension of your own care—a place where you are confident your baby is cherished, secure, and given opportunities to grow. Taking the time to research, visit, and ask detailed questions will lead you to a partnership that supports your family’s journey, right here in our own community.