The Best Daycare Centers in Jackson Center, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jackson Center. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jackson Center
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare in Sidney offers a nationally accredited early childhood education program with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. They maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and employ certified educators with ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Parents consistently praise the center for its strong communication, developmental milestone tracking, and engaging activities that prepare children for kindergarten. Safety protocols include regular drills, background-checked staff, and health and cleanliness standards.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Troy utilizes the F.L.EX.® Learning Program, which blends play-based learning with academic readiness through STEAM activities, literacy, and character development. Staff include degreed teachers in early childhood education, and the center maintains small class sizes for individualized attention. Safety is prioritized with secured access, video monitoring, and staff trained in CPR and first aid. The facility offers modern classrooms, outdoor play spaces, and enrichment programs like yoga and music. Parents highlight the school's warm environment, regular progress updates, and focus on holistic child development.
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Children's Lighthouse Learning Center
Children's Lighthouse Franchise Company
Children's Lighthouse provides a values-based curriculum integrating the Lighthouse C.A.R.E.S. program (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm, Safety) with academic foundations in literacy, math, and science. The center features certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry and monitored play areas. Their approach includes hands-on learning, technology integration, and character education. Parents appreciate the flexible scheduling, daily communication logs, and emphasis on safety and cleanliness. The center is noted for its engaging summer camps and after-school programs that support working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jackson Center, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Jackson Center, OH, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Jackson Center and the surrounding Shelby County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $150 to $200 per week, while toddler and preschool care is generally between $120 and $170 per week. These rates are often lower than in larger Ohio metropolitan areas. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the publicly funded **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Child Care Assistance** program, which provides subsidies based on income, family size, and need. Eligibility is determined by the Shelby County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or in-home provider in Jackson Center is properly licensed and safe?
All licensed childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Jackson Center, are regulated by the **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)**. You can verify a provider's license, view their latest inspection reports, and check for any compliance violations by using the free, public **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (45334). This report will show their license type (Family Child Care, Child Care Center, etc.), capacity, and any cited rules violations. We also recommend visiting the facility in person, asking about staff-to-child ratios, and checking for current CPR/First Aid certifications.
Are there many daycare options in Jackson Center, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
Jackson Center is a small village, so on-site daycare options are limited, typically consisting of a small number of licensed family childcare homes. Most parents expand their search to nearby communities such as **Sidney, Anna, or Botkins**, which are within a 15-20 minute drive and offer more choices, including larger childcare centers and church-based preschools. It's common for Jackson Center families to commute for childcare. We recommend starting your search early and contacting providers in these neighboring towns, as spots can fill up, especially for infant care.
What is the average waitlist time for enrolling an infant in daycare in the Jackson Center area?
Due to limited local options and high demand for infant care (which has stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists in the Jackson Center area can be significant. For the few family childcare homes in Jackson Center itself, you might wait **3 to 6 months**. For centers in nearby Sidney or Anna, waitlists can range from **6 to 12 months**, or even longer. It is strongly advised to begin contacting providers as soon as you know you will need care, ideally during pregnancy. Getting on multiple waitlists (even in neighboring towns) is a common strategy to secure a spot when needed.
Besides traditional daycare, what other types of childcare or early learning programs are available for preschoolers in Jackson Center?
Jackson Center Local Schools offers a key option for older preschoolers. The district typically provides a **state-funded Early Childhood Education (preschool) program** for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which may be income-based or serve children with developmental needs. This is often a part-day program. For more flexible or full-day care, the nearby **YMCA in Sidney** often offers preschool and before/after-school programs. Additionally, many area churches in neighboring towns host preschool programs (often 2-3 days a week). For school-age children, the Jackson Center school district operates a **BASES (Before & After School Enrichment Program)** for before and after-school care on-site.