The Best Daycare Centers in Fairborn, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fairborn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fairborn
KinderCare Learning Center at Fairborn
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Fairborn provides a nationally recognized curriculum focused on early childhood development through play-based and structured learning. The center emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills with age-appropriate activities. Staff include credentialed teachers with CPR and First Aid certification, and the facility features secure entry systems, fenced outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parent communication is prioritized through daily updates and regular progress reports, making it a trusted choice for military and civilian families in the Fairborn area.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Beavercreek
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Beavercreek offers the F.L.E.X.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum, blending academic readiness with play-based learning to foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs degreed educators trained in early childhood development. Safety features include keypad entry, onsite security, and rigorous cleanliness protocols. The program includes STEAM activities, language arts, and character development, with strong parent engagement through a proprietary mobile app for real-time updates.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Beavercreek
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Beavercreek utilizes the Balanced Learning® approach, integrating academic, physical, and character development through hands-on activities and purposeful play. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, and arts, with a focus on building life skills and empathy. The school features secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor learning environments, and a dedicated chef preparing balanced meals. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing training, supported by a structured parent communication system that includes weekly lesson plans and developmental assessments.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fairborn, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fairborn, Ohio, and how can I verify a center is compliant?
In Fairborn, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), child-to-staff ratios, and program curriculum. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. It's highly recommended to use this free resource and to ask any prospective daycare for their license number. Many reputable centers in Fairborn will also be proud to show you their most recent inspection summary.
What is the average cost of full-time infant and toddler daycare in Fairborn, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Fairborn area, costs can vary based on the type of care (center-based vs. in-home) and the age of your child. On average, parents can expect to pay between **$180 to $250 per week** for a toddler and **$200 to $280 per week** for infant care at a licensed center. Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program**, administered by the Greene County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare centers in Fairborn that offer care for non-traditional hours, given the proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base?
Yes, the presence of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base significantly influences childcare options in Fairborn. Several local daycare centers and in-home providers explicitly cater to military and shift-working families by offering extended hours, early openings (as early as 5:30 AM), late closings, or even 24-hour care. It's a key question to ask when touring facilities. Providers familiar with the base community often have more flexible policies for drop-off/pick-up and understand the demands of variable schedules. Checking with the Air Force's **Child and Youth Programs** office can also provide referrals to approved off-base providers who accommodate shift work.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Fairborn, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers, especially for infant rooms, are common in Fairborn and can range from **3 to 9 months**, sometimes longer. Due to high demand from both local families and the military community, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists **as early as possible during your pregnancy**. When contacting a center, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they prioritize certain families (e.g., siblings, military)? Exploring multiple options, including licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times, is a good strategy.
What resources are available in Fairborn to help me find and evaluate different childcare options?
Fairborn parents have several excellent local resources. The primary hub is **4C for Children**, the child care resource and referral agency serving Southwest Ohio. They offer a free, personalized referral service to match your family's needs with licensed providers in Fairborn/Greene County. You can also attend local events like the **Greene County Family & Children First Council's resource fairs**. For hands-on evaluation, always schedule tours and use a checklist. Key local factors to assess include their emergency preparedness plans (given the area's occasional tornado risk), outdoor play space, and their experience with children from diverse backgrounds, including military families who may experience deployment.