The Best Daycare Centers in Paris, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Paris. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Paris
The Goddard School of Louisville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Louisville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with daily progress reports and parent communication. Serving families in Paris and surrounding communities with flexible full-time and part-time scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Canton
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Canton provides Balanced Learning® approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance from degreed early childhood educators. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and science programs. The secure facility features monitored access, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Staff are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes partnership with parents through regular communication and family events, serving Paris area families with comprehensive early education programs and extended hours.
Daycare Services:
Building Blocks Childcare & Preschool
Independent
Building Blocks Childcare & Preschool is a locally-owned center serving Paris and surrounding communities with comprehensive early childhood programs. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness through hands-on learning activities, creative arts, and developmental milestones. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified teachers who participate in ongoing training. Facilities include secure entry systems, modern classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent-teacher conferences, and flexible scheduling to meet family needs in the Paris service area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Paris, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Paris, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Paris, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes serving more than six children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and educational standards for staff-to-child ratios, background checks, safe environments, and emergency plans. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. You can search by provider name, location (like "Paris, OH"), or type of care. It's crucial to check for any recent violations or compliance issues. For very small in-home care (6 or fewer children), providers may be "legally exempt" and not required to be licensed, so parents should conduct thorough interviews and reference checks.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Paris, Ohio?
The cost of daycare in Paris, Ohio, is generally lower than in major Ohio cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from **$150 to $225 per week**. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, often between **$130 and $200 per week**. Licensed family childcare homes may offer more affordable rates, sometimes $20-$40 less per week. Factors affecting cost include the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (e.g., meals, diapers, formula). For financial assistance, eligible families in Stark County (where Paris is located) can apply for the state's **Publicly Funded Child Care** program through the ODJFS.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in the Paris, Ohio area, and how far in advance should I apply?
Due to the rural nature of the Paris area, the number of licensed daycare centers is limited, which can lead to waitlists, especially for infant care slots. It is common for popular centers in or near Paris to have waitlists of **3 to 9 months**. We strongly recommend beginning your search and submitting applications **at least 6 months before your needed start date**, and if you are expecting, during your second trimester. To increase your options, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Alliance or Minerva, and inquire about both centers and licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times. Always ask about a center's specific waitlist policy and any non-refundable deposit requirements.
What types of childcare programs are most commonly available for school-age children in Paris, Ohio?
For school-age children (ages 5-12), the most common options in Paris are before-and-after-school care programs and summer day camps. The **Paris Independent School District** may offer or partner with a local provider for before/after-school care at the elementary school. Additionally, local community centers, churches, and the **Stark County District Library's Paris branch** often host summer and school-break programs. Some licensed family childcare homes also accept school-age children for before/after school care and transportation to/from Paris Elementary. Due to limited dedicated facilities, many parents in this area rely on a patchwork of these programs, so early registration is key as spaces fill quickly.
What local resources in Stark County can help me find and evaluate childcare options near Paris?
The primary resource for parents in Paris is **Bright Beginnings**, the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving Stark County. They offer a free, personalized referral service to help you find licensed providers that match your needs for location, hours, and budget. You can contact them via their website or phone. Additionally, the **Stark County OSU Extension Office** provides educational resources on child development and parenting. For evaluating a specific provider, beyond checking the state license, we recommend visiting in person, asking for references from current parents, and consulting local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Paris, Ohio Community") for firsthand experiences and recommendations from other parents in the area.