The Best Daycare Centers in Hicksville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hicksville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hicksville
Kiddie Academy of Bryan
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Bryan is a highly-regarded educational childcare center serving the Hicksville area with comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum. The facility features state-certified teachers, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their educational approach focuses on character development, STEM activities, and literacy through structured play and hands-on learning. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication about child development progress.
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Imagination Station Early Learning Center
Independent
Imagination Station provides high-quality early childhood education with a play-based learning approach that serves families throughout the Hicksville region. The center features certified early childhood educators and a comprehensive curriculum that includes language development, math readiness, and social skills. Their facility includes secure classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. The center is known for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Safety protocols include secure entry systems and regular health screenings.
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Defiance Area YMCA Child Development Center
YMCA of Greater Toledo
The Defiance Area YMCA Child Development Center offers nationally-accredited early childhood programs serving Hicksville families with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning through the Creative Curriculum system. The center features highly-qualified teaching staff with ongoing professional development, modern security systems, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. The YMCA's values-based approach incorporates character development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Parents appreciate the comprehensive programming and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hicksville, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Hicksville, OH?
In Hicksville and the surrounding Defiance County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $140 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $120 to $150 per week. These costs are generally more affordable than in larger Ohio metropolitan areas. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Ohio offers assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program for eligible families, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I verify a daycare or preschool in Hicksville is properly licensed and in good standing with the state?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Hicksville, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This resource allows you to search by provider name, location, or type and will show the license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any past inspection reports with cited violations. You can also contact the Defiance County Department of Job and Family Services for local assistance. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Hicksville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Hicksville, availability can be limited, and popular centers or highly-regarded in-home providers often have waitlists, especially for infant care. It is highly recommended to begin your search at least 3 to 6 months before you need care. For infant spots, starting your search during pregnancy is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, estimated wait time, and if a deposit is required to hold a spot. Exploring options in nearby towns like Defiance or Paulding may provide additional alternatives if local waitlists are extensive.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Hicksville, OH?
Hicksville primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **licensed family childcare homes**, which are operated in a provider's residence and often offer a smaller, home-like setting with mixed-age groups. The second is **licensed childcare centers**, which are facility-based and may offer more structured preschool programs for older toddlers and preschoolers. There are also faith-based preschool programs often affiliated with local churches that may offer part-day options. Given the rural setting, formal, large corporate childcare chains are less common; most providers are locally owned and operated. For school-age children, the Hicksville Exempted Village School District may offer before and after-school care programs.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare in Hicksville and Defiance County?
Your primary local resource is **Defiance County Help Me Grow**, which is part of the Ohio Early Intervention system. They can provide referrals and information on local childcare options. The **Defiance County Department of Job and Family Services** administers childcare assistance and can also provide provider lists. For hands-on evaluation, use the state's online Ohio Child Care Search tool and always schedule in-person tours. Don't underestimate the value of local networks; ask for recommendations from other parents at community centers, the Hicksville Public Library, or your pediatrician's office. These personal referrals can be invaluable for understanding a provider's reputation in a close-knit community.