The Best Daycare Centers in Lebanon, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lebanon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lebanon
Primrose School of Mason
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Mason offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive monitoring. Highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials provide individualized attention with low student-to-teacher ratios. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social skills development through hands-on learning experiences. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated art and music rooms, and spacious classrooms designed for optimal learning. The school is known for its strong parent communication system and comprehensive safety protocols.
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The Goddard School of Mason
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mason provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. The facility features secure entry systems, daily health checks, and comprehensive safety protocols. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. The curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, language development, and social-emotional learning. The school offers modern classrooms, multiple playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. Parents appreciate the regular progress updates and the school's commitment to individualized development.
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Lebanon Presbyterian Preschool
Lebanon Presbyterian Church
Lebanon Presbyterian Preschool offers a developmental, play-based curriculum that focuses on the whole child. The school maintains small class sizes with experienced early childhood educators who create nurturing, stimulating environments. The curriculum emphasizes social skills, emotional development, and kindergarten readiness through hands-on activities, creative arts, and structured play. Safety is prioritized with secure facilities, background-checked staff, and comprehensive emergency procedures. The preschool features bright, well-equipped classrooms, an indoor play area, and an outdoor playground designed for young children. The program is particularly noted for its strong community involvement, experienced teaching staff, and focus on developing confident, curious learners prepared for elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lebanon, OH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lebanon, Ohio?
In Lebanon, Ohio, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week. This is generally slightly lower than the state average for Ohio, which can be closer to $215-$300 per week in larger metropolitan areas. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (in-home daycare vs. center-based), the specific curriculum or programs offered, and the age of the child, with infant care usually being the most expensive. It's advisable to budget for potential annual increases and inquire about what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, diapers, and enrichment activities.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Lebanon is properly licensed and what are Ohio's key regulations?
All childcare programs in Lebanon must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history for free through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. Key Ohio regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, annual health and safety training, and specific square footage requirements per child. Licensed providers in Warren County, where Lebanon is located, are also subject to unannounced inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with these state standards.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lebanon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for daycare, especially for infants, are common at many of the popular centers and licensed in-home providers in Lebanon. Due to high demand and limited infant slots, it is strongly recommended that parents begin their search **6 to 12 months** before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool-age care, 3-6 months of lead time is often sufficient. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (if any), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring multiple options, including providers in nearby communities like Mason or Monroe, can also increase your chances of securing a timely placement.
What types of childcare assistance or subsidy programs are available for families in Lebanon, Ohio?
Eligible families in Lebanon can apply for childcare financial assistance through the **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)**. The primary program is publicly funded childcare, which helps low-income working families, those in education/training programs, or families involved with protective services pay for care at licensed providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. Applications are processed through the **Warren County Department of Job and Family Services**. Additionally, some local centers may offer private scholarships or sliding scale fees, and all Ohio families can utilize the federal Dependent Care FSA to pay for care with pre-tax dollars.
What are some key factors to consider when choosing between a home-based daycare and a center-based facility in Lebanon?
Choosing between a licensed Type A Family Child Care Home (in-home) and a childcare center in Lebanon involves weighing several local factors. **Home-based care** often offers a smaller, family-like setting with mixed-age groups, potentially more flexible hours, and may be slightly less expensive. They are often located in residential neighborhoods. **Center-based care** typically provides a more structured educational curriculum, multiple classrooms segmented by age, larger facilities with dedicated outdoor play spaces, and multiple staff members for coverage. In Lebanon, centers may have more robust connections to local school district pre-K programs. Consider your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and visit both types to get a feel for the environment, safety, and provider interactions. Always verify the ODJFS license for either option.