The Best Daycare Centers in North Benton, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Benton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Benton
The Goddard School of Alliance
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Alliance offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, social-emotional development, and kindergarten readiness. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through an app, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff.
Daycare Services:
Creative Kids Learning Center
Independent
Creative Kids Learning Center provides a nurturing environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates Creative Curriculum and Ohio Early Learning Standards. Their experienced staff includes certified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, modern learning materials, and structured daily routines that balance educational activities with play. They emphasize social skills development, early literacy, and hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers flexible scheduling options for working families.
Daycare Services:
First Friends Preschool & Daycare
Independent
First Friends Preschool & Daycare offers a Christian-based early childhood program that combines faith-based values with academic preparation. Their curriculum includes HighScope educational approach with active participatory learning, key developmental indicators, and child assessment. Qualified teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, reading, and dramatic play. They focus on whole-child development with emphasis on character building, social skills, and kindergarten readiness while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Benton, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in North Benton, Ohio?
In North Benton and the surrounding Mahoning County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $180 and $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers often have slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus or Cleveland but are in line with the regional average. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and wipes, as this can affect the overall value. Additionally, Ohio offers assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program for eligible families, which can substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in North Benton is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in North Benton, must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. You can search by provider name, location, or type. This public database will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any non-compliance citations from their last several inspections. You can also view inspection reports detailing any rule violations. For a more local perspective, you can contact the **Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services**. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask the director to see their current license certificate, which must be posted in a visible location.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in North Benton, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller, more rural nature of North Benton, waitlists are not as universally long or common as in major metropolitan areas, but they do exist for the most popular and highly-regarded local providers. For infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios, spots are the most limited. It is highly advisable to begin your search at least 4 to 6 months before you need care. If you are expecting a child, starting your research during your second trimester is a good rule of thumb. When contacting providers, be sure to ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to be added, how often they update families on their position, and if they offer part-time spots as a potential pathway to full-time care.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a small community like North Benton?
Parents in North Benton typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare options. First, **Family Child Care Homes**: These are in-home providers, often caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children in a home-like setting. They are a popular choice for their flexibility and potentially lower ratios. Second, **Child Care Centers**: These are standalone facilities, which may be part of a local church, a private business, or a non-profit organization. They often offer more structured curricula and larger peer groups. Third, **Preschool Programs**: These are often part-day programs focused on early education for children ages 3-5, which may be housed within a center, church, or public school. Due to the rural setting, options within the immediate town limits may be limited, so many families also consider providers in nearby communities like Sebring, Alliance, or Salem.
What are some local resources or organizations in Mahoning County that can help me find and choose quality childcare?
A key local resource is **Brightside Child Care & Family Services**, which serves as the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Mahoning County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age). They can also provide guidance on quality indicators, understanding state ratings (Ohio's Step Up To Quality program), and applying for financial assistance. Additionally, the **Mahoning County Early Childhood Advisory Council** works to improve early childhood services in the region. For informal recommendations, connecting with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "North Benton Community Page") or at the **North Benton Presbyterian Church** community events can provide valuable firsthand insights into local daycare experiences.
Nearby Cities
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