The Best Daycare Centers in Ontario, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ontario. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ontario
Imagination Station Child Care Center
Independent
Imagination Station offers a comprehensive educational program focusing on developmental milestones through play-based learning and structured curriculum. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily outdoor play, nutritious meals, and regular parent communication. Specializes in preparing children for kindergarten with literacy and social-emotional development programs. The facility includes separate infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and preschool learning centers with modern educational materials.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Trimble Road
KinderCare Education
This nationally accredited KinderCare center provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Features include secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups. Offers phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and creative arts programs. The facility includes dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, modern classrooms with learning centers, and provides nutritious meals through their food program.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Mansfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure facility with surveillance systems, and low student-teacher ratios. Curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and technology integration. The school provides daily progress reports, parent communication portals, and regular developmental assessments. Facilities include age-specific playgrounds, art studios, and well-equipped classrooms with the latest educational resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ontario, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ontario, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ohio, all childcare providers serving more than six children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes family childcare homes (7-12 children) and childcare centers. Licensed providers must meet strict standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training in CPR, first aid, and child development), health and safety procedures, and facility requirements. To verify a provider's license and inspection history in Ontario, you can use the free online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This resource allows you to see the license status, any recent violations, and the results of compliance inspections, which are crucial for making an informed choice.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ontario, OH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Ontario area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$180 to $250 per week**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$160 and $220 per week**. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff ratios. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care** program helps eligible low- to moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Applications are processed through the **Richland County Department of Job and Family Services**, which serves Ontario residents. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Ontario, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at highly-rated centers in Ontario can be significant, often ranging from **3 to 9 months**, especially for infants due to strict staff-to-child ratios. To improve your chances, it's recommended to begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before you need care. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: their current list length, estimated timeline, whether a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often you should check in. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the Ontario and surrounding Mansfield area, as they may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller setting.
What are some key factors to consider when touring a daycare facility in Ontario, beyond the basic safety checks?
Beyond verifying the license, parents should observe the environment and interactions during a tour. Key local factors include: **Staff retention**—ask about turnover rates, as consistent caregivers are vital for attachment; **Outdoor play access**—given Ohio's weather, inquire about indoor gross motor options for rainy or cold days; **Illness policies**—understand their exclusion criteria and how they handle common childhood illnesses to gauge potential disruptions to your work; **Communication**—ask how they provide daily updates (many use apps like Brightwheel or Tadpoles); and **Local community connections**—do they take walks to Ontario's parks or partner with the Ontario City Schools for pre-K transitions? Trust your instincts on the overall warmth and engagement you see.
Are there part-time or flexible childcare options available in Ontario for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
While traditional Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedules are most common, some options for flexibility exist in the Ontario area. A few childcare centers may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2-3 days per week), though these spots are limited and often at a higher daily rate. Your best bet for non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, or overnight) is to search for licensed **Type B Family Childcare Homes** that advertise flexible care. Additionally, you can explore registered in-home providers or nanny shares by networking through local Facebook groups like "Ontario, Ohio Community" or "Richland County Moms." For drop-in or emergency care, the nearest option is typically in the larger Mansfield area, such as drop-in centers that require advance reservation.