The Best Daycare Centers in Grafton, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Grafton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Grafton
The Goddard School of Elyria
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Elyria offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, sign language for infants, and character development programs. 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 maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized learning plans for each child.
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Little Lighthouse Learning Center
Independent
Little Lighthouse Learning Center provides a nurturing Christian-based environment with a strong academic foundation. Their curriculum includes the Creative Curriculum system combined with Hands-On Bible lessons, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers are required to have early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing training. The program emphasizes character development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness with regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
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Kiddie Academy of North Ridgeville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of North Ridgeville offers the Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic learning through project-based activities. Their program includes technology integration, Spanish language exposure, music and movement, and hands-on science activities. The state-of-the-art facility features secure keypad entry, video monitoring, and well-equipped classrooms with natural lighting. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The academy emphasizes health and wellness with nutritious meals and regular physical activity, while maintaining strong parent communication through daily reports and a dedicated parent portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Grafton, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Grafton, Ohio?
In Grafton and the surrounding Lorain County area, daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $225 to $300 per week. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, often between $200 and $275 per week. In-home licensed family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, generally between $160 and $225 per week. It's important to note that these are average estimates; prices can be influenced by factors like specific program amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and whether meals are included. Compared to larger Ohio cities like Cleveland, Grafton's costs are moderately priced, but it's always wise to budget for potential annual increases.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Grafton?
All childcare programs in Grafton must be licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The primary resource for parents is the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool available on the ODJFS website. You can search by provider name, city (Grafton), or zip code to find detailed reports. These reports include the license status (e.g., Licensed, Type A Home, Type B Home), capacity, ages served, and, crucially, the history of compliance inspections and any cited rules violations. You can also contact the **Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services** for local assistance. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license, which should be posted visibly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Grafton, and what's the best strategy to secure a spot?
Waitlists are common for infant rooms and highly-rated centers in Grafton, especially given the community's mix of suburban and rural demographics. It is not unusual for popular centers to have a 3 to 9-month waitlist for infants. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers—including both centers and licensed family homes—to get on their lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Follow up politely every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Elyria or North Ridgeville for more options.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in Grafton?
While many centers in Grafton prioritize full-time enrollment, flexible options do exist. Several licensed family childcare homes offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days a week) or even drop-in care, which can be ideal for parents with irregular or shift work schedules. Some larger daycare centers may offer part-time preschool programs for children ages 3-5. For school-age children, the **Midview Local School District** offers before- and after-school care programs at its elementary schools. Additionally, local churches and community organizations sometimes host preschool programs with half-day schedules. It's essential to inquire directly with providers about their flexibility, as spots for non-full-time schedules are often limited.
What resources or financial assistance are available to help Grafton families afford childcare?
Ohio offers several assistance programs. The primary one is the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by the Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and work/training requirements. Many licensed providers in Grafton accept this subsidy. Additionally, you may be eligible for the federal **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit**. Locally, some employers in the area (including those in nearby industrial parks or healthcare facilities) may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). It's also worth checking with individual daycare centers, as some may offer sibling discounts or scholarships. Always start by contacting Lorain County JFS to assess your eligibility for state aid.