The Best Daycare Centers in Oakwood, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Oakwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Oakwood
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare in Kettering provides a comprehensive early childhood education program with a research-based curriculum focused on literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features highly qualified teachers with CPR and First Aid certifications, low teacher-to-child ratios, and secure facilities with keypad entry. Parents praise the engaging learning environments, nutritious meal programs, and regular communication through the KinderCare app. The center serves Oakwood families with flexible scheduling and emphasizes school readiness through hands-on activities and outdoor play spaces.
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The Goddard School of Centerville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Centerville offers a play-based learning approach with a F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes cognitive, physical, and social development. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing training. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and safety protocols like biometric entry systems. Highly rated for its strong parent-teacher partnerships, the school provides daily updates and focuses on individualized learning plans. It serves Oakwood residents with extended hours and enrichment programs in music and art.
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Primrose School of Dayton South
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Dayton South utilizes a Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to foster independence and critical thinking. The school employs experienced educators with background checks and ongoing professional development. Facilities feature secure, clean environments with dedicated learning centers, outdoor play areas, and technology-integrated classrooms. Parents highlight the school's emphasis on character development, healthy meals, and transparent communication through the Primrose app. It serves Oakwood families with a focus on whole-child development and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Oakwood, OH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Oakwood, Ohio?
In Oakwood, Ohio, the cost of full-time daycare is typically higher than the state average due to the city's suburban, high-demand environment. For infant care (children under 18 months), parents can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (ages 18 months to 3 years), monthly costs generally range from $1,000 to $1,400. These rates reflect the higher operational costs, staff qualifications, and lower child-to-staff ratios required by Ohio law. In-home daycare providers in Oakwood may offer slightly lower rates, but availability is limited. It's important to note that these are base tuition costs; additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pick-up are common.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Oakwood is properly licensed and what should I look for in inspection reports?
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 and view their latest inspection reports through the publicly accessible **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. When reviewing a report for an Oakwood provider, pay close attention to compliance issues, specifically looking for any "non-compliance" citations related to staff-to-child ratios, background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, or health and safety standards. A clean report is ideal, but minor administrative citations are common. You can also contact the local ODJFS office for the Southwest Region for additional context. Always ask the provider directly about any citations and how they were corrected.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Oakwood, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, due to Oakwood's family-oriented community and limited number of centers, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move begin their search and get on waitlists **6 to 12 months** in advance of their needed start date. For toddler and preschool spots, a 3 to 6-month lead time is advisable. Some highly sought-after centers affiliated with local schools or community programs may have even longer lists. When touring facilities, always ask for their specific waitlist policy, including any deposit required to hold a spot and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What are the main types of childcare options available within the city limits of Oakwood?
Oakwood offers several types of licensed childcare options, though the number of facilities is smaller than in larger neighboring cities like Dayton. Your main choices within the city include: 1) **Child Care Centers**: These are larger facilities, often with structured curricula for various age groups. 2) **Family Child Care Homes**: Licensed in-home providers caring for a smaller number of children in a residential setting. 3) **Preschools**: Many local churches and community organizations offer part-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, which may not provide full-day care. For full-day, year-round care, centers are the most prevalent option in Oakwood. Many families also consider providers in surrounding communities like Kettering or Dayton if local waitlists are prohibitive.
Does the Oakwood City School District offer any preschool or before/after-school care programs for school-age children?
The Oakwood City School District itself does not typically operate a universal preschool program for the general public. However, they do facilitate the **Oakwood Preschool Program**, which is a tuition-based, part-day program for 3- and 4-year-olds, often with limited spots. For school-age care, the district partners with the **Oakwood Community Center** to provide the "Latchkey" program, which offers before-school and after-school care for students in grades K-5. This popular program operates at the elementary schools and provides homework help, snacks, and activities. Registration for Latchkey opens in the spring and fills quickly, so early inquiry is essential. Always check the district's website for the most current program details and enrollment windows.