The Best Daycare Centers in New Concord, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in New Concord. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in New Concord
Muskingum University Child Development Center
Muskingum University
The Muskingum University Child Development Center is a highly-regarded facility located on the university campus, serving both campus and community families. It emphasizes a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, degreed and experienced early childhood educators, and a safe, nurturing environment. Key strengths include its focus on social-emotional development, literacy-rich activities, and outdoor learning spaces. The center is known for strong parent communication and partnerships, with regular progress updates and family involvement opportunities.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Zanesville
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the New Concord area with a comprehensive early childhood program featuring a research-based curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and social skills. The center maintains high safety standards with secured entry systems, regular health checks, and trained staff in CPR and first aid. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and a kitchen providing nutritious meals. Parents praise the center's structured learning environment, consistent communication through daily reports, and flexibility in scheduling options.
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The Goddard School of Zanesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Zanesville offers a premier early childhood education program serving families in the New Concord region. It features a play-based learning approach grounded in F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic readiness with social development. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities with secure classrooms, interactive technology, and expansive outdoor play areas. All teachers are degreed or certified in early childhood education and receive continuous training. The program emphasizes STEAM learning, language development, and character building, with strong parent engagement through a proprietary communication app and regular family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in New Concord, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in New Concord, OH?
In New Concord and the surrounding Muskingum County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay approximately $700 to $900 per month for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $550 to $750 per month. These costs are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus but are consistent with the regional average. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Additionally, many providers in Ohio participate in the state's publicly funded childcare program, which can offer financial assistance to eligible families based on income.
How can I verify that a daycare or preschool in New Concord is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the license type, capacity, and any cited violations from recent inspections. For local insight, you can also contact the **Muskingum County Department of Job and Family Services**. When visiting a potential daycare in New Concord, don't hesitate to ask the director for their most recent inspection report (Form 5101:2-13-26), which they are required to have on-site. Checking this record is a crucial step to ensure the facility meets state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours for parents who work shifts or attend Muskingum University?
Finding childcare with extended, evening, or weekend hours in a smaller community like New Concord can be challenging but not impossible. Most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some in-home family childcare providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers or student parents from Muskingum University. Your best strategy is to contact providers directly to inquire about their flexibility. Additionally, you might explore options in nearby Zanesville, which has a larger population and potentially more providers with varied hours. Networking through local parent groups on social media or contacting the Muskingum University Student Services office can also yield recommendations for caregivers who specifically cater to student schedules.
What is the average waitlist time for enrolling an infant in a daycare center in New Concord?
Due to limited infant care slots and strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios, waitlists for infant care (children under 18 months) in New Concord can be significant. It is common to encounter waitlists of **6 to 12 months**, especially for the most sought-after centers. We highly recommend beginning your search and placing your name on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy or several months before your needed start date. Some providers may require a non-refundable waitlist fee. Be sure to ask about their specific policy for moving up the list and how often you should check in. Exploring licensed family childcare homes can sometimes offer a shorter wait due to smaller group sizes and may provide a viable alternative while you wait for a center opening.
What types of preschool or early learning programs are available for 3- and 4-year-olds in New Concord beyond basic daycare?
New Concord offers several quality early learning options that focus on kindergarten readiness. The **East Muskingum Local School District** may offer a preschool program for children with identified needs, and sometimes has limited spaces for typical peers. There are also licensed daycare centers and faith-based programs that incorporate structured preschool curricula into their daily schedule. These programs often focus on literacy, math foundations, social skills, and motor development. For a more structured approach, you might consider programs in nearby Zanesville, such as Head Start or private preschools, which may offer part-day options. When touring facilities, ask about their curriculum framework (like Creative Curriculum or HighScope), the qualifications of their lead teachers, and how they track and communicate your child's developmental progress.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near New Concord: