The Best Daycare Centers in Houston, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Houston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Houston
The Goddard School of Troy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Troy offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers implement play-based learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities in secure, modern classrooms. The facility features age-appropriate playgrounds, secure entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. With low student-to-teacher ratios and degreed early childhood educators, they provide individualized attention and regular progress reports. The curriculum focuses on literacy, math concepts, and social skills development while maintaining daily communication with parents through their proprietary mobile app.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare at Sidney
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Sidney provides nationally-recognized early childhood education with research-based curriculum that aligns with Ohio Early Learning Standards. Their experienced teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development through phonics-based instruction, hands-on math activities, and social-emotional learning. Additional features include nutritious meal programs, outdoor learning environments, and flexible scheduling options. Parents receive daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences to track developmental milestones.
Daycare Services:
A Brighter Day Learning Center
Independent
A Brighter Day Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with Christian-based values and academic excellence. Their curriculum combines structured learning with creative exploration through thematic units that incorporate literacy, mathematics, science, and arts. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified teachers who hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secure entry systems, video monitoring, and strict health protocols. The facility includes age-segregated playgrounds, dedicated nap areas, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their program emphasizes character development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness while providing flexible scheduling and inclusive pricing. Parents appreciate the strong community feel and consistent communication through daily reports and regular family events.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Houston, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Houston, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In 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 centers, family childcare homes, and in-home aides under certain conditions. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff training standards. To verify a provider in Houston, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website, which shows the license type, inspection history, and any serious compliance violations. You can also contact the local county office of ODJFS for the Miami County region, which oversees Houston. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Houston, Ohio, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Houston and the surrounding Miami County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$150 to $225 per week**, while toddler care may cost **$130 to $200 per week**. Costs can vary based on the type of center, staff-to-child ratios, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Ohio offers the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program**, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. Applications are processed through the Miami County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Houston, Ohio, and what strategies can I use to secure a spot for my child?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Houston, quality daycare centers and licensed home providers can have significant waitlists, especially for infants. It's common to encounter waits of **3 to 9 months**. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and follow up every few months. Consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Troy or Piqua for more options. Being flexible with your start date can also improve your chances.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Houston, Ohio, beyond traditional daycare centers?
Given Houston's small-town setting, parents often utilize a mix of options. Beyond licensed childcare centers, common alternatives include: * **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often more flexible and home-like, caring for smaller groups of children. * **In-Home Care (Nannies/Au Pairs):** Less common but available, sometimes shared between families ("nanny share") to manage costs. * **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** Often affiliated with local churches or community organizations, suitable for older toddlers and preschoolers. * **Relative, Friend, and Neighbor (RFN) Care:** A very common arrangement, though it may not be licensed. For licensed options, check the Ohio Child Care Search tool, as some registered providers operate under more flexible rules.
How does Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating system work, and are there highly-rated programs near Houston?
**Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** is Ohio's voluntary quality rating system for licensed childcare programs. Ratings range from 1 to 5 stars, based on staff qualifications, learning environments, and family engagement. A higher star rating indicates a program that exceeds minimum licensing standards. While Houston itself has a limited number of providers, you can find SUTQ-rated programs in the broader Miami County area. Use the Ohio Child Care Search filter to show only rated programs. Even a 1-star rating is a positive sign of commitment to quality improvement. When visiting, ask providers about their SUTQ status and their plan for maintaining or improving their rating.