The Best Daycare Centers in Lees Creek, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lees Creek. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lees Creek
Wilmington Early Learning Center
Community Action Commission of Fayette County
Wilmington Early Learning Center operates as a high-quality early childhood education facility serving Clinton County and surrounding areas including Lees Creek. The center follows the Creative Curriculum system with comprehensive developmental assessments and individualized learning plans. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and maintain Ohio's Step Up To Quality ratings. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and structured outdoor play areas. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and school readiness through play-based and structured activities. They participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program providing nutritious meals and snacks.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Wilmington
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Wilmington provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM activities, and literacy. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs state-certified early childhood educators. Their secure facility includes coded entry systems, video monitoring, and dedicated age-appropriate learning environments. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through learning centers, technology integration, and outdoor exploration. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios. The academy serves families throughout Clinton County including the Lees Creek area.
Daycare Services:
Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Independent
Bright Beginnings Learning Center offers a nurturing educational environment with a balanced approach to early childhood development. Their curriculum combines Montessori-inspired activities with traditional early learning standards, focusing on independence, social skills, and academic readiness. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern classrooms equipped with developmentally appropriate materials, and structured outdoor play spaces. All teaching staff hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes regular developmental assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities including music, art, and physical education. They serve families from Lees Creek and surrounding Clinton County communities with flexible full-time and part-time scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lees Creek, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Lees Creek, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Lees Creek, as part of Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes serving more than six children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, first aid, and child development), health and safety procedures, and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the license type, any recent inspection reports, and any serious violations. For very small in-home care (six or fewer children), providers may be legally exempt from licensing but can choose to become "Type B" licensed, which involves some oversight. Always ask to see a current license and recent inspection reports.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Lees Creek, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Lees Creek and surrounding Clinton County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$700 and $950 per month**. Home-based daycare may be 10-20% lower. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff ratios. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program helps eligible low- to moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. You apply through the Clinton County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Lees Creek, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited high-quality options in a smaller community like Lees Creek, waitlists for infant rooms at reputable centers can be significant. It is common to encounter waitlists of **6 to 12 months**, especially for infants. For toddler and preschool spots, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search **during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date**. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Is the list by age group? Being proactive and getting on multiple lists increases your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What unique childcare options are available in Lees Creek for parents with non-traditional work hours?
Finding evening, overnight, or weekend care in a small town like Lees Creek is challenging, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your primary options will be in-home family childcare providers, who may offer more flexible hours. Some may accommodate shift workers for local employers like manufacturing plants or healthcare facilities in Wilmington. We recommend contacting the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Clinton County**, which can provide a customized list of providers who advertise flexible hours. Another option is exploring a nanny share with another local family with similar scheduling needs, though this requires more coordination and is not a licensed arrangement.
Are there any state or local quality rating systems to help me choose a daycare in Lees Creek?
Yes. Ohio operates a voluntary quality rating and improvement system called **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)**. This is a crucial tool for parents. Programs earn 1 to 5 stars based on rigorous standards in areas like staff education and training, learning environment, family engagement, and administrative practices. A higher star rating indicates a higher-quality program. You can filter for SUTQ-rated programs using the Ohio Child Care Search tool. In Lees Creek and Clinton County, seeking a program with at least a 3-star rating is a good benchmark for quality. While not all excellent providers participate, an SUTQ rating provides an objective, state-verified measure of quality beyond basic licensing.