The Best Daycare Centers in Malta, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Malta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Malta
Little Buckeye Learning Center
Independent
Little Buckeye Learning Center serves the Malta area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants and HighScope for preschoolers. The center employs state-certified teachers with specialized training in early childhood development. Facilities include secure entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. They emphasize hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers nutritious meals meeting USDA guidelines.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville provides educational childcare to families in the broader Malta region with their Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with interactive technology, and age-appropriate learning materials. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes literacy, STEM activities, and social skills development while maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols including comprehensive background checks and emergency preparedness training.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Zanesville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Zanesville serves the Malta area with their Balanced Learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social studies while developing character and life skills. The facility features secure environments with surveillance systems, dedicated music and art rooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training. The school maintains exceptional health and safety standards including rigorous cleaning protocols and nutritional meal programs developed with childhood nutrition experts.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Malta, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Malta, Ohio?
In Malta and the surrounding Morgan County area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in major Ohio cities. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay approximately $120 to $160 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $110 to $140. These are estimates for licensed home-based daycares or smaller centers. Prices can vary based on the provider's credentials, program structure, and included amenities like meals. It's important to note that due to the rural nature of the area, options are limited, which can sometimes keep prices stable but also means fewer choices for budget comparison. Some providers may offer discounted rates for siblings.
How do I verify if a childcare provider in Malta is licensed and what are Ohio's key regulations for them?
All licensed childcare providers in Ohio, including those in Malta, are regulated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and see any compliance history for free on the **Ohio Child Care Search** website. Key state regulations for licensed providers include mandatory background checks for all staff, specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), annual training requirements in health and safety, and adherence to safe sleep practices for infants. In a small community like Malta, many parents also rely on personal recommendations, but checking the official state license is a crucial step for ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
Are there any preschool programs integrated into daycare services in the Malta area?
Yes, but options are integrated and limited. Given Malta's size, there are no large, standalone preschools. However, several licensed home daycare providers and the limited local centers often incorporate a preschool curriculum for children ages 3 to 5. These programs focus on kindergarten readiness, covering basic literacy, numeracy, social skills, and motor development. It's common for these to be part of the regular daycare day rather than a separate half-day program. For more structured preschool, some families look at options in nearby McConnelsville (the county seat) or consider the public school district's (Morgan Local Schools) preschool program, which may have specific income or special needs eligibility requirements.
How long are waitlists for daycare in Malta, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to the limited number of providers in Malta and Morgan County, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular licensed home daycares or the local center to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search and get on waitlists **as early as possible**, ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. Be proactive: contact multiple providers, ask about their current list length and estimated turnover, and consider putting down a (refundable) deposit to secure a future spot. Flexibility on your start date can also improve your chances.
What resources are available to help with childcare costs for families in Malta, Ohio?
The primary resource is the **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Publicly Funded Child Care program**. This program, administered through the Morgan County Department of Job and Family Services, provides financial assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, education, etc.). You can apply online or contact the local county office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees based on income. For tax purposes, you can also utilize the federal **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit**. It's advisable to discuss potential assistance directly with providers, as they are often familiar with the local application process.