The Best Daycare Centers in Marietta, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Marietta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Marietta
The Children's Place of Marietta
Independent
The Children's Place of Marietta is a highly-regarded independent childcare center known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They implement a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. The center features qualified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and modern classroom environments. Their program includes age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. The center is particularly praised for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong parent communication systems, with many parents noting the caring staff and excellent preparation for kindergarten.
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Bright Horizons at Parkersburg
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Parkersburg, located just across the river from Marietta, is part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network serving the Mid-Ohio Valley region. The center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which focuses on emergent learning through hands-on experiences and project-based activities. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, highly qualified teachers with early childhood degrees, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The center offers comprehensive infant and toddler programs with detailed milestone tracking, plus advanced preschool preparation with literacy and mathematics foundations. Parents consistently praise the professional staff, clean facilities, and excellent educational outcomes.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Vienna
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center at Vienna serves the greater Marietta area with a comprehensive early childhood education program built on their proprietary curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, certified early childhood teachers, and structured learning environments with modern educational materials. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, hands-on mathematics activities, and science exploration tailored to each age group. The center is noted for its strong safety protocols, nutritious meal program, and flexible scheduling options. Many parents highlight the center's excellent communication through daily reports and the visible developmental progress in their children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Marietta, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Marietta, Ohio?
In Marietta, Ohio, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $700 to $950 per month for an infant, and $650 to $850 per month for a toddler. In-home daycare providers (Type B Family Child Care Homes licensed by the state) are often slightly more affordable, ranging from $550 to $750 per month. These costs are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Cleveland. It's important to note that many facilities in Marietta include meals and basic supplies in their weekly or monthly rate. Financial assistance is available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which is administered locally through the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services for eligible families.
How do I verify that a daycare in Marietta is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a Marietta provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance violations on the official **Ohio Child Care Search** website. During an in-person tour, look for specific local indicators of quality: ask about staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), check that staff have current Ohio-approved pediatric first aid/CPR certifications, and observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment. In Marietta, many quality programs also participate in Ohio's voluntary quality rating system, **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)**. Look for a SUTQ star rating (1 to 5 stars) displayed, as this indicates a program exceeding minimum licensing standards. Don't hesitate to ask for references from other Marietta-area parents.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Marietta, and what are my alternatives if I need care quickly?
Waitlists for infant spots at the most popular daycare centers in Marietta can be significant, sometimes 6 to 12 months. This is due to high demand and limited infant-care capacity. If you need care quickly, your best alternatives are to: 1) Contact licensed in-home family childcare providers, as they often have more immediate openings and are plentiful in Washington County neighborhoods. 2) Explore smaller church-affiliated preschools that may offer extended daycare hours. 3) Utilize the "Child Care Resource and Referral" service provided by **Building Bridges to Kindergarten** in our region, which can help match you with available openings. 4) Consider a nanny share with another local family, which can be a flexible option in a community like Marietta. Start your search as early as possible and get on multiple waitlists.
What unique childcare or preschool programs are available in Marietta that incorporate local resources or themes?
Marietta offers several childcare programs that leverage our unique historical and natural environment. Some centers and preschools incorporate themes related to the Ohio River, frontier history, and local agriculture into their curricula. For example, programs may include field trips to the **Campus Martius Museum**, the **Ohio River Museum**, or local farms in Washington County. The **Marietta City Schools' Preschool Program** is a high-quality, state-funded option for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds that focuses on school readiness. Additionally, several programs partner with **Marietta College** for special educational activities or utilize the **Marietta Community Garden** for hands-on learning. When researching, ask providers how they connect children to the local community.
How does childcare in Marietta handle school closures, such as snow days or summer break, for school-age children?
Most dedicated daycare centers in Marietta offer **school-age childcare programs** specifically designed for these situations. They typically provide transportation from local elementary schools (like Putnam or Phillips) to their facility for after-school care, and they operate full-day programs during most school closures, including snow days, teacher in-service days, and extended summer and holiday breaks. Costs are usually separate from standard preschool tuition and may be charged on a daily or weekly basis. For summer, many centers and organizations like the **Marietta Family YMCA** run structured day camps that include field trips, swimming, and outdoor activities. It's crucial to inquire about these services and registration deadlines early, as spots in summer programs fill quickly.