The Best Daycare Centers in Lagrange, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lagrange. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lagrange
Kiddie Academy of Elyria
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Elyria offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and real-time parent communication through the Academy Link app. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. The center is known for its structured daily routines that balance educational activities with play, and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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The Goddard School of Grafton
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Grafton implements the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes play-based learning across seven learning domains. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive safety protocols including secured facilities and regular safety drills. Their modern facility includes SMART Boards in classrooms, outdoor nature exploration areas, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. Parents consistently praise the school's communication and the visible developmental progress in children.
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Primrose School of North Ridgeville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of North Ridgeville operates with the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. The school features degreed early childhood educators, comprehensive security systems including fingerprint access, and rigorous health and cleanliness protocols. Their curriculum includes Spanish language exposure, music instruction, and hands-on science activities. The facility offers multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated music and movement rooms, and spacious classrooms with natural lighting. The school is particularly noted for its strong parent partnership program and detailed developmental progress reporting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lagrange, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lagrange, Ohio?
In Lagrange and the surrounding Lorain County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week for infant care. Home-based licensed childcare providers in Lagrange often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $150 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than the state average for Ohio, reflecting the rural/suburban nature of the community. 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 be applied for through the Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services.
How can I verify if a daycare or in-home provider in Lagrange is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Lagrange, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like care by a relative). The most reliable way to verify licensing and review compliance history is to use the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. You can search by provider name, city (Lagrange), or zip code. This state database provides crucial information, including the license type (Family Child Care Home or Child Care Center), capacity, age ranges served, and any recent inspection reports with citations. For a local perspective, you can also contact the **Lorain County Early Childhood Network** for recommendations and to inquire about providers with strong reputations in the community.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lagrange, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of dedicated daycare centers in the immediate Lagrange area compared to larger cities, waitlists can be common, especially for infant rooms which have strict staff-to-child ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and make inquiries at least 6 to 9 months before you need care. For popular centers or in-home providers with excellent local reputations, you may need to get on a list a year in advance. Many parents in Lagrange also look at options in nearby towns like Elyria or Grafton for more availability. When touring a facility, always ask specifically about their waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some unique childcare options or programs available specifically in the Lagrange community?
Lagrange offers a mix of traditional and community-based options. The **Keystone-LaGrange Cooperative Preschool**, operated through the Keystone Local School District, is a notable program for preschool-aged children that follows a school-year calendar. For before and after-school care, the district may offer SACC (School Age Child Care) programs at the elementary school. Given Lagrange's rural character, many families utilize licensed family childcare homes, which often provide a smaller, home-like setting and may be more flexible with hours for agricultural or shift-working families. Additionally, the **Lagrange Community Church** and other local organizations sometimes host parent-day-out programs or seasonal camps, which can be a good supplemental option.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare provider in Lagrange?
When touring a potential daycare in Lagrange, go beyond the basics. First, ensure the license is visibly posted. Observe the interactions between staff and children—are they engaged and responsive? Inquire about staff tenure and turnover, as consistency is key. Ask about their policies for outdoor play and if they utilize any local amenities, like the Lagrange Community Park. Given Ohio's weather, ask about indoor gross motor activities for rainy or cold days. Specifically ask about their emergency preparedness plans for situations like severe storms or power outages, which can be relevant in a more rural setting. Finally, trust your instincts on the cleanliness, safety, and overall feel of the environment. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Lagrange-area parents.