The Best Daycare Centers in Mantua, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mantua. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mantua
KinderCare Learning Center - Ravenna
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare Ravenna provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a play-based learning approach aligned with Ohio's early learning standards. The center features a structured curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on activities. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. The facility includes secure entry systems, regularly sanitized classrooms, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents praise the center's consistent communication through daily reports and parent-teacher conferences, along with nutritious meal programs and enrichment activities like music and movement.
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The Goddard School of Aurora
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Aurora offers a F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with creative exploration through STEAM-based activities. Their proprietary curriculum focuses on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development in purpose-built classrooms with modern learning materials. All faculty members hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains rigorous safety protocols including secured perimeters, health screenings, and emergency preparedness drills. Families appreciate the school's transparent communication through real-time mobile updates and regular portfolio assessments tracking developmental milestones.
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Kiddie Academy of Streetsboro
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising LLC
Kiddie Academy Streetsboro implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development through project-based activities and community engagement. The program emphasizes cognitive, physical, and social growth through learning centers that encourage exploration and problem-solving. Certified teachers use formative assessments to customize learning experiences while maintaining small class sizes. The facility features biometric security entry, air purification systems, and natural outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Parents consistently highlight the academy's strong communication, inclusive environment, and focus on preparing children for kindergarten with documented progress reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mantua, OH
What are the typical costs for daycare or preschool in Mantua, Ohio, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Mantua and the surrounding Portage County area, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of program. For infants, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month for full-time care. Toddler care typically ranges from $700 to $950 monthly, while preschool programs often cost $600 to $850 per month. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Cleveland or Akron. For financial assistance, Ohio's publicly funded childcare program is administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Locally, you can apply through the Portage County Department of Job and Family Services in Ravenna. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify that a daycare or in-home provider in Mantua is properly licensed and safe?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Mantua, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) unless they are legally exempt (like certain church-operated programs or care for relatives). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is to use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. This public database shows the provider's license type (e.g., Type A Family Child Care Home, Child Care Center), their current license status, and the results of their most recent inspections, including any cited violations. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Portage County directly. When visiting a potential daycare, don't hesitate to ask to see their current license and ask about their staff-to-child ratios, staff background checks, and emergency procedures.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Mantua, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to Mantua's smaller, more rural setting, the number of licensed childcare slots is limited compared to urban areas. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, waitlists can be significant. It is highly recommended that expecting parents in Mantua begin researching and contacting providers **as early as their second trimester**. Popular local centers and highly-regarded in-home providers often have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infants. Some parents secure a spot before their child is born. For toddler or preschool openings, starting your search 3-6 months in advance is advisable. Be proactive: get on multiple waitlists, ask about the typical timeline, and check in periodically to express your continued interest.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Mantua, Ohio?
Parents in Mantua typically have a few primary options. **Licensed Child Care Centers** offer structured programs in a dedicated facility, though there are only a handful in the immediate Mantua area. More prevalent are **Type A Family Child Care Homes**, which are licensed in-home providers caring for up to 12 children (with no more than 6 being preschool-aged or younger). These often provide a more home-like setting. **Type B Family Child Care Homes** care for up to 6 children from a single unrelated family in the provider's home. Given the rural nature, you may also find **Part-Day Preschools** often affiliated with local churches or community organizations. For school-aged children, the Crestwood Local School District may offer before and after-school care programs at its elementary schools. Many families also rely on informal networks or nanny shares due to the limited formal options.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare or preschool in Mantua, especially given the local community setting?
During a tour, beyond general safety and cleanliness, consider factors unique to a small community like Mantua. Ask about their **outdoor play and nature access**—given the rural surroundings, do they have a safe, enclosed outdoor space, and do they incorporate nature-based learning? Inquire about their **community connections**, such as visits to the Mantua Village Farmers Market or the local library. Check their **transportation and field trip policies** for older children, as destinations might be in nearby towns like Aurora or Ravenna. Observe how staff interact with children—in a close-knit community, you want caregivers who communicate warmly and know each child well. Finally, ask about their **plan for school closures or snow days**, as rural districts like Crestwood may have different delay/cancellation patterns than urban centers, and you'll need to know if the daycare follows the same schedule.