The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin
The Goddard School of Franklin
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Franklin 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, arts, and social-emotional development with low student-teacher ratios. Features include secure keypad entry, daily photo updates for parents, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and specialized learning centers for different developmental stages.
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Kiddie Academy of Franklin
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Franklin provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, literacy, mathematics, and science. The academy features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development, secure electronic entry systems, and real-time updates through their mobile app. Their facility includes dedicated music and movement areas, STEM labs, outdoor learning environments, and nutritionally balanced meals prepared on-site. The program emphasizes school readiness with structured learning activities balanced with creative play and social development opportunities.
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Bright Horizons at Dayton - Springboro
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Springboro serves the Franklin area with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes emergent learning and project-based activities. The center features NAEYC accreditation, highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure building access and health screening procedures. Their emergent curriculum allows children to explore interests through long-term projects while developing critical thinking skills. The facility includes natural outdoor classrooms, art studios, literacy-rich environments, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. They offer flexible scheduling and employer-sponsored care options for working families in the Franklin region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin, Ohio?
In Franklin, Ohio, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of center. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $180 and $250 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $160 to $220. These costs are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Cincinnati but are consistent with the Warren County area. Home-based daycare providers in Franklin may offer slightly lower rates, often between $140 and $190 per week. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early/late pick-up may apply. Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's Publicly Funded Child Care, which uses a sliding fee scale based on family income.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Franklin is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. When touring a facility in Franklin, ask to see their current license and their most recent inspection report (Form 5101:2-13-11). During the tour, specifically observe: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), cleanliness and safety of indoor/outdoor spaces, the engagement and qualifications of caregivers, and the overall emotional climate. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Southwest Ohio and their policies on illness. Reputable centers in Franklin, like those affiliated with the Warren County Early Childhood Collaborative, will be transparent with this information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Franklin, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant care at highly-regarded centers in Franklin can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. For toddler and preschool slots, wait times are typically shorter, around 1 to 4 months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search during the second trimester of pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. To manage waitlists, consider applying to multiple providers, including both center-based and licensed home-based options. Some centers in Franklin may charge a small, non-refundable waitlist fee. Staying in regular, polite contact with the center director can also help. Exploring options in nearby communities like Springboro or Middletown can provide backup choices if Franklin waitlists are full.
What types of childcare programs are uniquely available or popular in Franklin, Ohio?
Franklin offers a mix of traditional and community-focused childcare options. Popular types include faith-based preschools often affiliated with local churches, which may offer part-day programs for ages 3-5. The Franklin City School District also offers preschool programs for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which may include special education services. Given Franklin's strong sense of community, many parents also utilize licensed family childcare homes, which provide a smaller, home-like setting. For school-age children, the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department often runs summer camps and before/after-school programs at local schools or the Franklin Community Park. Additionally, several centers participate in Ohio's "Step Up To Quality" (SUTQ) rating system, which helps parents identify programs that exceed minimum licensing standards.
What are the key local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in Franklin, Warren County?
The primary local resource is **4C for Children**, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency serving Warren County and Southwest Ohio. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help parents find licensed childcare that fits their needs. You can contact them via their website or phone line. Another critical resource is the **Warren County Department of Job and Family Services**, which administers publicly funded childcare assistance and can provide local provider lists. For evaluating quality, always check a program's "Step Up To Quality" star rating on the ODJFS website. Locally, connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Franklin, OH Community") or asking for recommendations at the Franklin Public Library can provide valuable, firsthand insights into local daycare experiences.
Childcare Insights for Franklin
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, and for parents in Franklin, Ohio, the search for a nurturing "family day care near me" is about more than just convenience—it’s about finding a home away from home for your little one. Family day care, provided in a licensed caregiver’s private residence, offers a unique blend of a cozy, family-like atmosphere with structured care, often with smaller group sizes than larger centers. This can be an ideal setting for young children, providing the consistency and personalized attention that helps them thrive.
In Franklin, your search for the perfect family day care provider can begin close to home, quite literally. Many wonderful providers operate in neighborhoods throughout the city, from the established streets near downtown to the quieter subdivisions. A great first step is to connect with other local parents at the Franklin Community Park or the Franklin Area Historical Society’s family events; personal recommendations are invaluable. You can also utilize the State of Ohio’s official online tool, the Ohio Child Care Search, managed by the Department of Job and Family Services. This resource allows you to filter specifically for licensed Type A Family Child Care Homes in Warren County, giving you a verified starting list of providers in and around Franklin.
When evaluating options, consider what makes childcare in Franklin special. A quality local provider will often incorporate elements of our community into their daily rhythm. They might take children on stroller walks to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the Great Miami River Recreational Trail or participate in local library programs at the Franklin-Springboro Public Library. This local connection helps children develop a sense of belonging. It’s also wise to discuss practical matters specific to our area, such as their policy on delayed openings or closures during Southern Ohio’s occasional severe weather, and how they handle the schedule for the highly valued Franklin City Schools’ calendar, including snow days and summer breaks.
Visiting a prospective home daycare is crucial. Look beyond the toys and notice the feeling of the space. Is it safe, clean, and welcoming? Observe how the provider interacts with the children—are they engaged and responsive? Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about their daily schedule, educational philosophy, discipline approach, and their experience. Inquire about their licensing, insurance, and safety certifications, including CPR training. Trust your instincts as a parent; you are looking for a partner in your child’s early years. Finding the right family day care in Franklin, Ohio, is about discovering a caregiver who not only meets all the practical needs but also shares your values, providing a secure and stimulating environment where your child can learn, play, and grow right here in our community.