The Best Daycare Centers in Fairlawn, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fairlawn. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fairlawn
The Goddard School of Fairlawn
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Fairlawn offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with a strong focus on preparing children for kindergarten readiness.
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Primrose School of Bath
Primrose Schools
Located just minutes from Fairlawn in the Bath area, Primrose School of Bath provides Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their approach emphasizes character development, literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. The school features secure facilities with keypad entry, indoor gymnasium, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Their dedicated teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with CPR and First Aid certification. The school offers enrichment programs including music, Spanish, and gardening, along with healthy meals and snacks prepared on-site. Parent communication is maintained through the Primrose Schools app with real-time updates and photos.
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Copley KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Copley KinderCare, located just west of Fairlawn, offers comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on academic, social, and emotional development. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, and science exploration tailored to each age group. The center maintains high safety standards with secured entry, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development through KinderCare University. The facility features multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and offers flexible scheduling options. Parent engagement is supported through regular progress reports and family events throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fairlawn, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Fairlawn, Ohio?
In Fairlawn, Ohio, full-time daycare costs are generally higher than the state average due to the city's desirable location and higher cost of living. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers, costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $800 and $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early education curricula are common. Many facilities in Fairlawn have waitlists, especially for infants, so budgeting for a potential deposit to secure a spot is advisable.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Fairlawn?
All childcare providers in Fairlawn 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 online "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. You can search by provider name, location (Fairlawn, OH 44333), or type. This public database shows the provider's current license status (e.g., Licensed, Licensed - Step Up To Quality Star Rated), capacity, ages served, and any serious compliance violations from recent inspections. You can also view their most recent inspection reports. For the most current information, you can contact the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, which oversees local compliance.
Are there many daycare centers in Fairlawn that participate in Ohio's "Step Up To Quality" (SUTQ) rating system, and why is it important?
Yes, a significant number of daycare centers and in-home providers in and around Fairlawn participate in Ohio's voluntary SUTQ rating system, which is a key indicator of quality. Programs are rated from 1 to 5 stars based on staff qualifications, learning environments, and administrative practices. In a community like Fairlawn with many working professionals, seeking a SUTQ-rated provider is common. A higher star rating often correlates with more structured early learning curricula, lower staff-to-child ratios, and more qualified teachers. This can be particularly important for school readiness, aligning with the high-performing Revere Local School District that serves Fairlawn. You can filter for SUTQ-rated providers specifically in the state's online childcare search.
What is the typical waitlist situation for infant care in Fairlawn, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand and strict infant-to-staff ratios mandated by Ohio law, waitlists for infant care (children under 18 months) in Fairlawn are common and can be lengthy. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and touring daycare options as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to join? How is order determined? How often do they provide updates? Some facilities affiliated with major employers in the Akron/Fairlawn area may have priority lists, so check if your workplace has any partnerships.
Besides traditional daycare centers, what other licensed childcare options are available to parents in Fairlawn?
Fairlawn offers a variety of licensed childcare options to suit different family needs. These include: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings that may offer more flexible hours and a mixed-age group environment. 2. **Preschools:** Many local churches and community organizations offer part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which can be combined with other care. 3. **Employer-Sponsored Care:** Some large employers in the area may offer on-site or partnership childcare benefits; it's worth checking with your HR department. 4. **Drop-In Care Centers:** While less common, some facilities in the wider Akron area offer flexible, reservation-based care for occasional needs. For all options, ensure the provider is licensed by ODJFS. The City of Fairlawn's Parks & Recreation department may also offer seasonal camps and programs for school-age children.