The Best Daycare Centers in Perry, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Perry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Perry
The Learning Experience - Mentor
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Mentor serves the Perry area with a comprehensive early childhood education program featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum. The center emphasizes both academic and social development through structured learning activities, character development programs, and hands-on experiences. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs including phonics, foreign language, and fitness. The facility maintains low student-teacher ratios and focuses on creating a nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten readiness.
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Kiddie Academy of Painesville
Kiddie Academy
Kiddie Academy of Painesville provides educational childcare serving Perry families with their Life Essentials curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features secure entry systems, certified teachers with ongoing professional development, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Their approach includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility offers nutritious meal programs, outdoor learning environments, and regular communication with parents through digital daily reports. Emphasis is placed on creating a safe, inclusive environment that supports each child's individual development.
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Primrose School of Concord
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Concord serves the Perry community with their Balanced Learning approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on developing literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies skills while emphasizing character development and citizenship. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, outdoor classrooms, and music and arts programs. The school maintains high standards for teacher qualifications and ongoing training, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Parents receive regular updates on developmental progress through the Primrose Schools app and parent-teacher conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Perry, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Perry, Ohio?
In Perry and the surrounding Lake County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week for infant care. Toddler care is slightly less, typically ranging from $160 to $220 per week. Home-based licensed childcare (Type B homes in Ohio) often offers more competitive rates, generally between $130 to $180 per week. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Perry is part of Ohio's Publicly Funded Childcare program, so eligible families may receive substantial assistance to offset these costs through the Department of Job and Family Services.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Perry?
All childcare programs in Perry must be licensed or certified by the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable resource is the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool available on the ODJFS website. Here, you can search for providers by county (Lake County), city, or zip code. Each listing includes the provider's license status, capacity, age ranges served, and—crucially—a history of inspection reports and any non-compliance citations. You can review these reports to see if violations were corrected. For an added layer of verification, you can contact the **Lake County Department of Job and Family Services** directly. Always ask any provider you visit for their official license number.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Perry, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Perry's mix of residential and rural communities, high-quality daycare options, especially for infants, can have limited immediate availability. It is very common for the most sought-after centers and licensed in-home providers to have waitlists, particularly for children under 2 years old. To secure a spot, parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on waitlists **at least 6 to 9 months** before their needed start date, if possible. Some popular providers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some of the local resources or programs in Perry that can help me find and choose childcare?
Perry parents have several excellent local resources. First, **Bright Beginnings**, a program of the Lake County Educational Service Center, offers free child care referral services and can provide a customized list of licensed providers matching your needs. They also offer guidance on what to look for during a visit. Second, the **Perry Public Library** often has community bulletin boards with information on local home daycares and can be a good place to find flyers. Finally, connecting with local parent groups on social media (like "Perry, Ohio Community" pages on Facebook) can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into provider reputations that aren't found in official reports.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in Perry, such as weather or local activities?
Perry's location offers unique considerations for childcare. First, consider the provider's **weather policies and outdoor space**. Perry experiences lake-effect snow from Lake Erie, so ask about snow day closures, delayed openings, and if they have adequate indoor gross motor areas for active play during long winters. Second, inquire about **local field trips or community engagement**. Many Perry daycares incorporate visits to the Perry Township Park, the Perry Public Library's story times, or local farms, which are great educational opportunities. Finally, consider **transportation and proximity**. If you commute to Painesville, Mentor, or even Cleveland, a provider's location relative to major routes like I-90 or Route 20 can significantly impact your daily drop-off and pick-up routine.