The Best Daycare Centers in Laurelville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Laurelville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Laurelville
The Goddard School of Lancaster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Lancaster offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is their emphasis on play-based learning within a structured environment and their strong parent communication system with daily activity reports and regular progress updates.
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Hocking Valley Community Hospital Child Care Center
Hocking Valley Community Hospital
Operated by Hocking Valley Community Hospital, this childcare center provides exceptional care with a focus on health, safety, and early childhood development. The center benefits from hospital-grade cleanliness standards and on-site medical expertise. Their curriculum emphasizes cognitive, social, and physical development through structured learning activities and creative play. The facility includes secure access controls, modern classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Unique advantages include access to hospital resources, nutritious meal programs designed by dietary specialists, and experienced staff with low teacher-to-child ratios that exceed state requirements.
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Learning Ladder Child Care Center
Independent
Learning Ladder Child Care Center provides a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines structured academic preparation with hands-on learning experiences, including literacy development, mathematics readiness, and social skills building. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern educational materials, and outdoor learning spaces. What makes this center stand out is their commitment to individualized attention, with small class sizes and experienced educators who create personalized learning plans. They also offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong partnerships with local school districts for smooth transitions to kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Laurelville, OH
What types of licensed childcare options are available in Laurelville, Ohio, and how do I verify their licensing status?
In Laurelville and the surrounding Hocking County area, you'll primarily find two types of licensed childcare: licensed family childcare homes (operated in a provider's residence, typically serving 6-12 children) and licensed childcare centers. Due to Laurelville's rural nature, family childcare homes are a common and often more accessible option. To verify a provider's licensing status, you must check with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can use their online "Child Care Search" tool or contact the local county agency. Always confirm that the license is current and review any past inspection reports, which are public record. This is crucial as Ohio has specific staff-to-child ratios, safety training, and health standard requirements that licensed providers must meet.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare in Laurelville, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given Laurelville's smaller size and limited number of providers, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It's not uncommon for families to be on a waitlist for 6 to 12 months. To improve your chances, we recommend contacting providers as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Get on multiple waitlists, including options in nearby towns like Logan or Circleville. Be proactive: follow up with providers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Some in-home providers may have shorter waitlists but may not advertise openly, so asking for recommendations in local Facebook groups (e.g., "Laurelville Community") can be very helpful.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Laurelville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
Costs in Laurelville tend to be slightly lower than state averages but vary by type of care. For a licensed family childcare home, you might pay approximately $120-$160 per week for full-time care. A center-based program, which you'd likely need to commute to a larger town for, could range from $150-$220 per week. Financial assistance is primarily available through Ohio's publicly funded childcare program, administered by the Hocking County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/education requirements. We strongly recommend contacting the Hocking County DJFS office directly to apply and determine if you qualify for a subsidy to help offset these costs.
Are there any childcare providers in Laurelville that offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working in healthcare, manufacturing, or service industries?
Finding childcare for evening, overnight, or weekend shifts is one of the biggest challenges in rural areas like Laurelville. Most licensed home providers and centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer limited flexibility by individual arrangement. Your best strategy is to network with other local shift workers to see if they have a trusted in-home provider or a nanny-share arrangement. Additionally, contacting the Hocking County Chamber of Commerce or the local branch of OhioMeansJobs may help identify if there are any employer-sponsored or community initiatives aimed at supporting non-traditional hour workers.
What should I look for when touring a potential daycare, and are there any Laurelville-specific considerations?
When touring a provider in Laurelville, start with the basics: check for a visible license, ask about staff qualifications and longevity (low turnover is a good sign), and observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment. Given the rural setting, ask specific questions about their policies for outdoor play and nature-based activities, which are a great asset here. Also, inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather (common in Ohio) and medical emergencies, considering the distance to the nearest hospital. It's wise to ask how they handle school delays/closings for the local Laurelville Elementary if you have older children. Finally, trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and engagement with the children, as a close-knit, personal feel is often a hallmark of quality care in a small community.