The Best Daycare Centers in Franklin Furnace, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Franklin Furnace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Franklin Furnace
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and holds degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and structured daily schedules that balance academic instruction with creative play. They offer nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of Wheelersburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Wheelersburg implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, academic readiness, and physical wellness. Their state-licensed teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certification. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and modern learning spaces with interactive technology. Their program includes Spanish language exposure, music and movement activities, and outdoor learning in age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents appreciate the transparent communication through their mobile app and the center's commitment to individualized learning plans.
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The Goddard School of Portsmouth
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Portsmouth offers F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic learning with play-based exploration. Their faculty includes degreed early childhood educators who implement STEAM-focused lessons and promote critical thinking skills. The facility features secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, and developmentally appropriate classrooms with learning centers for literacy, math, and creative arts. Their program includes yoga instruction, gardening activities, and community service projects that build character. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular progress reports and family engagement events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Franklin Furnace, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Franklin Furnace, Ohio, all childcare providers caring for more than six children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes family childcare homes (7-12 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license and inspection history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. It's highly recommended to check this database, as it shows the license type, any recent violations, and the compliance history. For very small in-home care (1-6 children), providers can opt for a "Type B Family Child Care Home" license, which has different requirements.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Franklin Furnace, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Franklin Furnace and greater Scioto County area, full-time daycare costs are generally more affordable than in major Ohio cities but can vary. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately **$130-$180 per week** at a licensed center, while toddler care may range from **$120-$160 per week**. Family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates. Financial assistance is available through the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by the Scioto County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school requirements. We recommend contacting the Scioto County DJFS office directly to apply and determine your potential subsidy.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours in Franklin Furnace for parents working shift jobs?
Finding daycare with extended evening, overnight, or weekend hours in Franklin Furnace can be challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options for non-traditional hours are typically licensed **family childcare homes**, as some providers may offer more flexible schedules to accommodate shift workers at local industries like the power plant or healthcare facilities. It requires direct inquiry and may involve a longer search. Additionally, exploring in-home nanny shares with other local families on similar schedules could be a viable alternative. Networking through local Facebook community groups for Franklin Furnace/Scioto County is a practical way to find these less-advertised options.
What resources are available in Franklin Furnace to help me find and evaluate local daycare providers?
The primary resource is the **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Network**, specifically the agency serving Scioto County, which is **4C for Children**. They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of all licensed providers in the area. You can contact them for a personalized referral list based on your needs (age of child, hours, location). They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit and questions to ask. Locally, the **Scioto County Health Department** can provide information on health and safety compliance. For peer reviews, parents often use the "Franklin Furnace/Scioto County Community" Facebook groups to ask for recommendations and firsthand experiences.
Given Franklin Furnace's more rural setting, what should I consider regarding transportation and location when choosing a daycare?
In Franklin Furnace's rural context, location and transportation are critical factors. Many providers are in residential areas or along main routes like State Route 52 or 522. Consider your daily commute to work—daycares along your route to Portsmouth, Ironton, or Ashland, KY, might be more convenient than one in the opposite direction. Ask providers about their **drop-off and pick-up windows** to ensure they align with your travel time. Also, inquire about their policies for late pick-up due to unforeseen travel delays. If you rely on someone else for transportation, ensure the provider's location is accessible for them. Finally, check if the facility has a safe, designated parking area for easy child drop-off, as some home-based providers may have limited driveway space.
Childcare Insights for Franklin Furnace
Finding reliable childcare is one of the most important and sometimes daunting tasks for parents. If you're in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, and typing "find childcare near me" into your search bar, you're likely seeking a safe, nurturing, and convenient option for your little ones. The good news is that our close-knit community offers several avenues to explore, blending the benefits of small-town care with access to broader resources in the Scioto County area.
Your search should begin with understanding the specific types of care available right here. Franklin Furnace itself is home to a number of licensed home-based daycare providers, which often offer a family-like setting with flexible hours that can be ideal for parents working shifts at local industries or commuting to nearby Ashland or Portsmouth. These smaller settings can provide personalized attention and a consistent routine for your child. For more structured early education programs, many parents in our area look to the surrounding communities. Several highly-regarded childcare centers and preschools are just a short drive away in Wheelersburg and Portsmouth, offering curriculum-based learning and larger peer groups for social development.
A crucial local resource is the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) website, which hosts a searchable database of all licensed providers. You can filter by zip code (45629) to see options directly in Franklin Furnace and immediately adjacent areas. This tool ensures any provider you consider meets the state's health, safety, and staff training standards. Furthermore, connecting with other parents is invaluable. Consider asking for recommendations in local community spaces like the Franklin Furnace Post Office, at the Green Township Fire Department events, or through social media groups specific to Scioto County parents. Personal experiences from neighbors can give you genuine insight into the day-to-day environment of a daycare.
When you've narrowed down a list, scheduling a visit is essential. Pay attention to how the caregivers interact with the children—are they engaged and responsive? Ask about their policies on outdoor play, as having access to safe outdoor space is a wonderful benefit of our semi-rural setting. Inquire about their plan for inclement weather or school delays, as this can affect your commute along routes like Ohio 52 or 140. Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right childcare provider in Franklin Furnace will not only put your mind at ease but will also become a supportive partner in your child's growth, fostering a sense of community that makes our area a special place to raise a family.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Franklin Furnace: