The Best Daycare Centers in Homer, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Homer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Homer
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cortland serves the Homer area with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. Certified teachers implement developmental milestones tracking and offer STEM activities, foreign language exposure, and music enrichment. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and employs staff with early childhood education credentials. Parents appreciate the daily communication through their mobile app, nutritious meal program, and focus on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
Daycare Services:
Step By Step Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Step By Step Child Care serves families in the Homer region with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes whole-child development. Their facility includes secure monitoring systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-specific learning centers. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement Creative Curriculum with supplemental Montessori-inspired activities. Special features include a comprehensive kindergarten readiness program, on-site culinary staff preparing balanced meals, and extended hours for working families. The center is known for its inclusive environment, strong parent-teacher partnerships, and emphasis on building foundational literacy and math skills through hands-on learning.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Tree Child Care Center
Independent
The Learning Tree Child Care Center provides quality early education to the Homer area with a play-based learning approach integrated with structured academic components. Their facility features secure access controls, dedicated infant rooms with separate sleeping areas, and multiple outdoor play spaces. The curriculum focuses on developmental domains including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth through thematic units and project-based learning. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The center is recognized for its strong literacy program, character education components, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate various family needs while maintaining consistent care quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Homer, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Homer, OH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Homer and the surrounding rural areas of Licking County, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $225 per week, while toddler care is generally between $130 and $190 per week. These costs are often slightly lower than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Newark due to the rural setting. For financial assistance, parents should apply for the publicly funded childcare program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), which is administered locally by the Licking County Department of Job and Family Services in Newark. Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Additionally, some local in-home providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Homer is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and check for any serious violations by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. When touring a facility in Homer, pay close attention to the staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), ask about staff qualifications and tenure (turnover can be high in rural areas), and observe the safety and cleanliness of the environment. Given Homer's small size, also ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to Central Ohio and their policy for outdoor play in rural settings.
Are there many licensed daycare centers in Homer, or will I need to look at in-home providers or neighboring towns?
Homer is a very small village, so licensed daycare centers within the village limits are extremely limited or non-existent. Most parents in Homer rely on licensed Type B family childcare homes (in-home providers) within the community or commute to nearby towns for center-based care. Your primary search should focus on licensed in-home providers in Homer itself or centers in neighboring communities like Utica, Johnstown, or Newark, which are within a 15-25 minute drive. Building a network through local community groups or the Homer United Methodist Church can be a valuable way to find trusted in-home providers who may not advertise widely online.
What is the waitlist situation like for childcare in the Homer area, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers serving the Homer community, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care slots. It is strongly recommended that you begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. For popular in-home providers with excellent local reputations, waitlists can be a year or more. When contacting providers, be prepared to ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if they charge a fee to be on the list, and how often they update availability. Being flexible on your start date can improve your chances. Don't hesitate to get on multiple lists, including those in Utica or Johnstown.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Homer?
Homer is served by the North Fork Local School District, with elementary students attending Utica Elementary School. There are no formal before or after-school care programs located within the village of Homer itself. Your main options are: 1) The school district may offer a program at the elementary school in Utica—contact North Fork Local Schools directly. 2) Seek a licensed family childcare home in Homer or Utica that provides transportation to/from school. 3) Arrange private care with a local babysitter or nanny share with other families in the community. This is a common challenge for rural families, so connecting with other parents through the Homer Community Facebook page or school events is crucial for finding and coordinating solutions.
Childcare Insights for Homer
Finding reliable and affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families, and if you’re searching for “low cost daycare near me” in Homer, Ohio, you’re likely navigating that very balance between quality care and a manageable budget. Living in a close-knit community like ours in Licking County has its advantages, and tapping into local resources and networks can be the key to discovering childcare solutions that feel both supportive and sustainable for your family.
First, it’s important to define what “low cost” means in our specific area. Costs can vary, but exploring home-based daycare providers in and around Homer can often present a more affordable option compared to larger centers in nearby cities like Newark or Mount Vernon. These in-home providers, often licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, offer smaller group settings and can provide a family-like atmosphere that many parents cherish. Starting your search by asking for personal recommendations from neighbors, local Facebook community groups such as “Homer, Ohio Community,” or fellow parents at the Homer Public Library can lead to discovering these smaller, often word-of-mouth operations that don’t always have a large online presence.
While Homer itself is a small village, your search for affordable care should include the surrounding townships and nearby communities. Don’t overlook the possibility of shared childcare arrangements with another family in the area, which can significantly reduce costs. Furthermore, financial assistance is a crucial avenue to explore. Ohio offers childcare subsidies through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You can apply for this assistance through the Licking County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local faith-based organizations or churches in the broader Licking County area may offer daycare or preschool programs at a reduced cost or with sliding scale fees based on your family’s income.
When you contact a potential provider, whether a home daycare or a center, be prepared with specific questions. Ask about their full daily rate, what that rate includes (meals, snacks, supplies), and if there are any additional fees. Inquire about their Ohio licensing status and their policies on early pickup or late drop-off. Visiting the facility is essential; trust your instincts about the environment and how the caregivers interact with the children. An affordable price must be paired with a safe, nurturing, and stimulating space for your child to thrive.
Remember, the search for low-cost daycare in Homer, Ohio, requires a blend of local networking, exploring broader county resources, and diligently investigating financial aid options. By leveraging the community connections that small-town life offers and utilizing the state and county support systems available, you can find a childcare setting that provides peace of mind for you and a positive, engaging experience for your little one. Your effort in this search is an investment in your child’s well-being and your family’s stability right here in our community.