The Best Daycare Centers in Old Washington, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Old Washington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Old Washington
The Imagination Station
Independent
The Imagination Station is a highly-regarded early childhood education center serving the Old Washington area with a comprehensive developmental curriculum. They employ state-certified early childhood educators and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler exploration areas, and preschool classrooms. Their educational approach combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation, including literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. The center emphasizes safety with secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills. They provide nutritious meals and snacks following USDA guidelines and offer flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Bright Beginnings Learning Center
Independent
Bright Beginnings Learning Center provides high-quality childcare services to families in Old Washington and surrounding communities. The center features a research-based curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through hands-on learning experiences. Their qualified teaching staff includes educators with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music areas. They implement comprehensive safety protocols including electronic check-in/out systems, video monitoring, and strict health and hygiene practices. The center is known for strong parent communication through daily reports, regular conferences, and a parent portal system.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Cambridge serves Old Washington families with a nationally-recognized F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous professional development. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, indoor gymnasium, and multiple outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes robotics, coding foundations, and scientific exploration adapted for young learners. The center maintains excellent health and safety standards with keypad entry systems, comprehensive security protocols, and strict cleaning procedures. They offer enrichment programs including yoga, foreign language exposure, and music appreciation, providing a well-rounded educational experience for children from infancy through kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Old Washington, OH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Old Washington, Ohio?
In Old Washington and the surrounding Guernsey County area, parents typically have access to three main types of licensed childcare. First, there are licensed childcare centers, which are often larger facilities with structured programs and multiple staff members. Second, you'll find licensed family childcare homes, which are smaller, home-based operations that can offer a more intimate, family-like setting; these are popular in rural communities like ours. Third, there are also approved in-home aides for specialized care. Due to Old Washington's rural nature, family childcare homes are a significant part of the local landscape. All providers must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), which ensures they meet health, safety, and educational standards. You can search for all licensed options in our specific area through the ODJFS online provider search tool.
How much does full-time daycare typically cost for an infant or toddler in Old Washington, OH?
Childcare costs in Old Washington and Guernsey County are generally lower than in Ohio's major metropolitan areas, but they still represent a significant household expense. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $160 per week for full-time infant care. A licensed childcare center in a nearby town like Cambridge may range from $140 to $190 per week. Costs for toddlers are typically $10-$20 less per week. It's important to note that many providers in this area have limited infant slots due to stricter staff-to-child ratios, which can affect both availability and price. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current rates and inquiring about any potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Old Washington, and how can I secure a spot?
Given that Old Washington is a smaller community with fewer providers, waitlists for infant care, in particular, are common and can be several months long. Family childcare homes often have very limited capacity (e.g., 6 children total), so spots fill quickly. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or 6-9 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: call and visit multiple providers, get on multiple waitlists (even with providers in nearby Cambridge), and follow up every few months to express continued interest. Many local providers maintain informal lists, so building a personal connection can be beneficial. Be prepared with your planned start date and schedule needs when you inquire.
What should I look for when touring a daycare or family childcare home in our area?
When touring a potential childcare provider in Old Washington, beyond checking their valid ODJFS license posted visibly, focus on factors specific to our community. Ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common to rural Ohio and their protocol for communication if internet/cell service is spotty. Observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment, especially if it's a converted home. Inquire about outdoor play areas and how children experience nature, which is a benefit of our setting. Ask about the provider's experience and ongoing training, and don't hesitate to request references from other local families. Notice how the caregiver interacts with the children—is it warm and engaging? Finally, clarify policies on school delays/closings for the local Buckeye Trail School District and what backup care they suggest.
What financial assistance programs are available to help pay for childcare in Guernsey County?
Ohio offers several programs to help eligible families with childcare costs. The primary resource is the publicly funded childcare program administered through the Guernsey County Department of Job and Family Services (GCDJFS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. You can apply online or at the GCDJFS office in Cambridge. Additionally, some local providers may offer private sliding-scale fees. It's also worth checking if your employer offers a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), which uses pre-tax dollars. For military families, there may be specific subsidies. We strongly recommend contacting the GCDJFS directly to understand the current income guidelines and application process, as this is the most direct way to access significant assistance in our county.
Childcare Insights for Old Washington
Finding reliable, nurturing childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes. For parents in Old Washington, Ohio, searching for "church daycare near me" often leads to a wonderful option that blends quality early education with a values-based environment. The close-knit nature of our community here in Old Washington means that many local church-run programs are more than just facilities; they are extensions of the supportive village we all cherish. These programs often provide a sense of familiarity and trust, knowing your child is cared for in a setting that aligns with the community's character.
When exploring church daycare options in the Old Washington area, it's beneficial to start with a local perspective. Given our rural setting, many families find that these programs offer a convenient and comforting solution without the need for a long commute into larger towns. A great first step is to visit the churches you may already be familiar with in the area, as many host preschool or daycare ministries. Don't hesitate to stop by or call, even if you don't see immediate information online; personal connections are still very much the heart of finding services here. When you visit, pay close attention to the atmosphere. Is it warm and welcoming? Do the children seem engaged and happy? In a small community like ours, the caregivers likely have deep roots here, which can translate into a stable and dedicated staff.
As you consider a church daycare in Old Washington, be sure to ask specific questions that matter for your family's daily life. Inquire about their operating hours to ensure they align with local work schedules, especially if you commute to Cambridge or other nearby hubs. Discuss their educational philosophy—many church-based programs incorporate gentle, age-appropriate lessons on kindness and community alongside letters and numbers. It's also crucial to verify their state licensing and staff-to-child ratios, ensuring they meet all Ohio standards for safety and quality. Ask about their policies on meals, outdoor playtime, and how they handle those inevitable childhood sniffles, which is a practical concern for every parent.
Finally, trust the community network that makes Old Washington special. Talk to other parents at the library, the local park, or community events. Personal recommendations carry immense weight here and can give you genuine insight into the day-to-day experience. Choosing a church daycare is about finding a place where your child will not only be safe and learning but also feel a sense of belonging. In our corner of Ohio, these programs often become a foundational part of a child's early years, fostering growth within the comforting framework of our shared values. Taking the time to find the right fit will provide peace of mind, knowing your little one is in caring hands just around the corner.