The Best Daycare Centers in Garrettsville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garrettsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garrettsville
Garrettsville Learning Center
Independent
Garrettsville Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. The center features a structured curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning and hands-on activities. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring personalized attention for each child. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas. They emphasize social-emotional development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness skills. The center is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong communication with parents through daily updates and regular progress reports.
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The Goddard School of Aurora
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Aurora serves families throughout Portage County including Garrettsville with their nationally recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience). This center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language development, and social skills. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and enrichment programs. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, professional staff, and comprehensive approach to child development that prepares children for academic success.
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Kiddie Academy of Streetsboro
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Streetsboro provides educational childcare serving the Garrettsville area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The academy features secure facilities with coded entry systems, comprehensive health and safety protocols, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor learning environments. Their program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts through hands-on learning experiences. The qualified teaching staff receives ongoing professional development and maintains low child-to-teacher ratios. The center is particularly noted for its structured daily routines, nutritious meal programs, and strong focus on preparing children for kindergarten transition.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garrettsville, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Garrettsville, Ohio?
In Garrettsville and the surrounding Portage County area, costs vary based on the child's age and the type of program. For a full-time, licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. Preschool programs for 3-5 year olds often range from $120 to $180 per week. In-home family childcare providers may offer slightly lower rates, typically between $110 and $175 weekly. It's important to note that these are average estimates; some centers may charge more for extended hours or specialized curricula. Financial assistance is available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which is administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (JFS) based on income eligibility. Always inquire about what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials.
How can I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Garrettsville is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Garrettsville, must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), unless they are legally exempt (like certain church-operated programs). You can verify a provider's license status, view their compliance history, and read any past inspection reports by using the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. This public database shows licensing status, capacity, and any serious rule violations. Additionally, you should visit the facility in person, ask about staff-to-child ratios (which are set by Ohio law, e.g., 1:4 for infants), check for current background checks on all employees, and observe safety features like secure entrances, clean environments, and posted emergency plans. The local Portage County JFS office can also be a resource for questions.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Garrettsville, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers in a smaller community like Garrettsville, waitlists are common, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** before you need care, particularly if you have an infant. For toddler or preschool spots, a 3-6 month lead time is more typical but still recommended. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist: Is there a fee to be on it? How often is it updated? What is the estimated current wait time? Exploring options in nearby towns like Ravenna or Windham can provide more alternatives, though this adds commute time.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Garrettsville?
Garrettsville offers a mix of childcare options typical of a small Ohio town. Your primary choices will be: 1. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often run by a provider in their own home, offering a smaller, home-like setting for a mixed-age group. 2. **Childcare Centers:** There are a few dedicated centers in and around Garrettsville offering structured programs for infants through preschool-age children. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Often attached to churches, community organizations, or the local school district (James A. Garfield Local Schools), these typically serve 3-5 year olds and may operate on a partial-day schedule. 4. **School-Age Care:** For older children, programs may be offered before and after school at the elementary school or through community organizations like the YMCA. Given the rural setting, in-home family childcare is a very prevalent and important part of the local childcare ecosystem.
What local resources or organizations in Portage County can help me find and choose childcare in Garrettsville?
The primary resource for parents is the **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Portage County**, which is 4C for Children. They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of all licensed and certified providers. You can contact them for free, personalized referrals based on your location, child's age, schedule, and needs. They can also guide you through the process of applying for state childcare assistance. Additionally, you can connect with other local parents through community groups on social media (like Garrettsville community pages) for personal recommendations. The **Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce** may have listings for local businesses, including childcare providers. For developmental or special needs concerns, the **Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities** (Millcreek Children's Center) is a key resource.