The Best Daycare Centers in Frankfort, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Frankfort. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Frankfort
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy is a highly-regarded local childcare center known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They implement a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The center features certified early childhood educators with an average of 8 years of experience, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include secure indoor classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers and a fenced outdoor playground with natural elements. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and a dedicated parent portal, and provides nutritious meals following USDA guidelines. Their safety protocols include keypad entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills.
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Kiddie Academy of Chillicothe
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Chillicothe serves the Frankfort area with their nationally-recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and hands-on learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Their secure facility includes age-specific learning environments, interactive smart boards in preschool classrooms, and multiple outdoor play areas. The academy emphasizes health and safety with secured entry systems, comprehensive cleaning protocols, and health screening procedures. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events. The curriculum incorporates technology integration while balancing traditional learning methods.
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Primrose School of Circleville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Circleville provides premium early education and care serving families in the Frankfort region with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school features degreed lead teachers and a research-based curriculum that includes music, art, Spanish language exposure, and character development. Their secure campus includes bright, well-equipped classrooms, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. The school maintains exceptional safety standards with secured entry, comprehensive staff training, and regular facility assessments. They offer family-style dining with nutritious meals and emphasize holistic child development through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program that incorporates music, art, and social-emotional learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Frankfort, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Frankfort, Ohio?
In Frankfort and the surrounding Ross County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the age of the child. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $130 and $180 per week at a licensed in-home daycare. Larger childcare centers in nearby Chillicothe or Circleville may charge $160 to $220 per week for infants. For toddlers, weekly rates typically range from $120 to $160. It's important to note that Frankfort is a smaller community, so options are more limited and sometimes more affordable than in larger Ohio cities. Many providers include meals and snacks in this cost. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of fees, including any registration or supply charges.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Frankfort, Ohio?
All licensed childcare providers in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on their website to find providers in Frankfort (43062) and view their licensing status, capacity, and age ranges served. Crucially, this public database also includes copies of recent inspection reports, which detail any compliance issues or rule violations. For in-home "Type B" providers licensed for up to 6 children, you can also contact the **Ross County Department of Job and Family Services** directly for information. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license, which must be posted.
Are there any state or local programs in Frankfort that help with childcare costs for low to middle-income families?
Yes, the primary program is **Ohio's Publicly Funded Child Care**, administered through the Ross County JFS office. This program provides financial assistance on a sliding scale based on family income, household size, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Eligibility guidelines are set by the state. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts. For Frankfort residents, it's also worth exploring potential support through community organizations or employer-sponsored programs, though these are less common. The first step is to contact the Ross County JFS to complete an application and determine your family's eligibility and co-pay amount.
What is the availability and waitlist situation for daycare spots, especially for infants, in Frankfort?
Due to Frankfort's size, there are a limited number of licensed daycare providers within the village itself. Infant spots are particularly scarce because of stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios (1:4 for infants). It is very common for the few providers in Frankfort to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. Many families expand their search to nearby towns like Chillicothe (15-20 minutes away), where there are more centers, though waitlists may still apply. The best strategy is to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care, contact multiple providers, and get on multiple waitlists if necessary. In-home daycares may sometimes have more immediate openings.
What are the key differences between a licensed in-home daycare and a childcare center in the Frankfort area?
In Frankfort, your main options are **Type B Family Child Care Homes** (licensed in-home for up to 6 children) and **Child Care Centers** (typically located in nearby cities). Key differences include: * **Setting & Size:** In-home care offers a home-like environment with mixed ages and potentially more flexibility. Centers are larger, have separate classrooms by age, and often more structured curricula. * **Staffing:** Centers have multiple staff and substitutes, so care continues if one teacher is absent. An in-home provider is often the sole caregiver, so you need a plan for their sick days or vacation. * **Regulations:** Both are licensed by the state, but centers have additional facility requirements. Both undergo background checks and training mandates. * **Location & Convenience:** A Frankfort in-home daycare may allow for very short commutes, while a center likely requires driving to Chillicothe. Consider what is more practical for your family's daily routine.
Childcare Insights for Frankfort
Finding the best childcare near you in Frankfort, Ohio, is a journey that blends practical logistics with heartfelt trust. As a parent, you’re not just looking for a location; you’re seeking a nurturing extension of your family, a place where your child can thrive while you work or manage other responsibilities. The good news for families in Frankfort is that our close-knit community offers several wonderful options, from licensed in-home providers to established childcare centers, each with its own unique strengths. The key is knowing how to navigate your search with a local perspective in mind.
Start by considering what "best" means for your family’s specific rhythm. Are you looking for full-time care close to Route 22 for an easier commute, or perhaps a part-time preschool program that prepares your little one for kindergarten at Frankfort Elementary? Many local providers understand the schedules of families working in Chillicothe, Washington Court House, or at the local manufacturing and agricultural businesses, offering flexible hours that align with our area’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask potential caregivers about their policies for the occasional early drop-off or late pickup, as this daily practicality can make all the difference in managing life in Ross County.
Your most valuable resource will be other Frankfort parents. Conversations at Adena Park, the Frankfort Branch Library, or after a Little League game can yield honest, heartfelt recommendations that no online directory can match. These personal referrals often reveal the day-to-day atmosphere of a childcare setting—the provider who organizes wonderful seasonal crafts, the center with a fantastic outdoor play space, or the home that feels exceptionally warm and calm. Additionally, make use of the State of Ohio’s online childcare search tool to verify the licensing status and any inspection reports for providers in our 45628 zip code and surrounding areas. This step ensures your chosen place meets all health, safety, and educational standards.
When you visit a potential childcare provider in Frankfort, go beyond the checklist. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children. Do they get down on the floor to engage? Is the environment cheerful and stimulating? Ask about their daily routine and how they incorporate learning through play. Inquire about their approach to handling conflicts between toddlers or comforting an upset child. For many families here, a sense of shared values and community connection is paramount. A great provider will welcome your questions about their experience, their philosophy, and how they communicate with parents throughout the day.
Remember, the best childcare in Frankfort is the one where you feel a genuine sense of partnership and peace. Trust your instincts during your visits. You know your child best, and that inner feeling of confidence when you see them welcomed into a safe, engaging, and loving environment is the ultimate sign you’ve found the right place. Taking the time to research and visit options thoroughly will lead you to a childcare solution that supports not just your child’s growth, but your entire family’s well-being right here in our hometown.