The Best Daycare Centers in Northfield, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Northfield. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Northfield
The Goddard School of Macedonia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Macedonia offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated playgrounds. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education while maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Primrose School of Twinsburg
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Twinsburg follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes proprietary literacy, math, science, and social studies programs. The facility features secure keypad entry, dedicated age-based learning environments, and outdoor learning spaces. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and developmental updates.
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Kiddie Academy of Solon
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Solon utilizes the Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character education, STEM learning, and literacy development throughout daily activities. Their purpose-built facility includes secure entry systems, age-specific classrooms with observation windows, and multiple outdoor play areas. The academy maintains enhanced health and safety protocols including rigorous cleaning procedures and staff health screenings. Teachers participate in continuous professional development and many hold advanced degrees. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and community connections while providing nutritious meals and snacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Northfield, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Northfield, Ohio?
In Northfield, Ohio, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility and the age of your child. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $220 and $320 per week for infant care (6 weeks to 18 months), and approximately $200 to $280 per week for toddler care. In-home licensed daycare providers often offer slightly lower rates, typically ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are influenced by factors such as staff-to-child ratios, curriculum offerings, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Ohio does not have statewide price controls, so rates are set by individual providers. Compared to larger metropolitan areas like Cleveland, Northfield can be moderately priced, but we recommend contacting several providers directly for their most current fee schedules and to inquire about any potential registration or supply fees.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Northfield?
All childcare programs in Northfield, Ohio, must be licensed 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 publicly available **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. You can search by provider name, location (using Northfield's zip code, 44067), or type of care. This tool will show you the provider's current license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any serious compliance violations or complaints that have been substantiated in the last three years. You can also view inspection reports, which detail findings from both announced and unannounced visits. For an additional layer of due diligence, you can contact the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, which oversees the local area, to ask specific questions about a provider's record.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Northfield, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, waitlists are common for many daycare centers in Northfield, especially for infant rooms which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios under Ohio law. Popular centers may have waitlists ranging from 3 to 9 months. To navigate this, start your search as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update parents on their position, and their policy for offering spots (e.g., by date of application or priority for siblings). We recommend getting on the waitlist for 2-3 preferred centers. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Northfield and surrounding areas like Macedonia or Sagamore Hills, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are the key differences between a childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Northfield?
The two primary licensed options in Northfield are childcare centers and family childcare homes (often called in-home daycares). **Childcare Centers** are facilities dedicated solely to childcare, often with multiple classrooms divided by age. They typically have more staff, structured educational curricula, and larger indoor/outdoor play spaces. They are regulated for group sizes and staff qualifications. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** operate out of the provider's residence, caring for a maximum of 6 children (with no more than 3 under age 2) under Ohio's Type A license, or up to 12 children with an assistant under a Type B license. They often offer mixed-age groups, more flexible hours, and a home-like atmosphere with potentially lower costs. Your choice depends on your child's needs: a center may offer more socialization and formal preschool preparation, while a home may provide more individualized care and consistency with a single caregiver.
What resources or programs are available in Northfield to help with childcare costs for qualifying families?
Ohio offers several assistance programs administered through the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services. The primary resource is the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families who are working, attending school, or in job training. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or in person at the county office. Additionally, some Northfield childcare providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which allows you to use pre-tax dollars for childcare expenses. For direct referrals and guidance on local assistance, you can contact the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** serving Summit County, like 4C for Children.