The Best Daycare Centers in Philo, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Philo. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Philo
The Learning Center
The Learning Center
The Learning Center provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness. Their state-licensed facility features secure access systems, CCTV monitoring, and certified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The center offers age-appropriate learning environments with modern educational materials, nutritious meal programs, and spacious outdoor play areas. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, and creative arts, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences to ensure continuous communication and child development tracking.
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The Children's Garden
The Children's Garden
The Children's Garden focuses on holistic child development through a balanced curriculum that combines structured learning with creative exploration. Their qualified teaching staff maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and implements developmentally appropriate practices. The facility includes secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, and age-specific classrooms with hands-on learning centers. They emphasize character development, early literacy, and mathematical thinking while providing nutritious meals and ample outdoor playtime. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular updates, family events, and open communication channels.
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Kiddie Academy of Zanesville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville offers the nationally recognized Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, educational foundation, and social skills. Their state-licensed facility features secure check-in systems, trained CPR/first aid certified staff, and technology-enhanced learning environments. The academy provides age-appropriate educational programs with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts, supported by modern learning materials and interactive technology. Their comprehensive approach includes health and fitness programs, family communication apps, and structured daily routines that balance learning, play, and rest periods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Philo, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Philo, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Philo, Ohio, all childcare providers caring for more than one child from a non-relative family must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the license type, status, any recent inspection reports, and any serious rule violations. It's the most reliable way for Philo parents to check a provider's standing before enrolling their child.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Philo, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Philo and broader Muskingum County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately **$150 to $225 per week**. For toddlers, the cost is typically slightly lower, around **$130 to $200 per week**. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Ohio cities like Columbus. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care** program helps eligible families based on income, work, or school requirements. You apply through the Muskingum County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in Philo, and when should I start looking?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Philo, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers or highly recommended in-home providers to have waitlists of **3 to 9 months**. For infant care, we strongly recommend starting your search **during your second trimester of pregnancy**. For toddler or preschool-age openings, begin looking at least **4-6 months** before you need care. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, check in periodically, and be prepared with a backup plan, which may include considering providers in nearby towns like Zanesville or Duncan Falls.
What types of childcare are most commonly available in Philo, Ohio?
Philo, being a smaller village, offers a few primary types of childcare. The most common are: 1. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes:** Often run out of a provider's residence, these are popular for offering a home-like setting and mixed-age groups. They may have smaller capacities (typically 6-12 children). 2. **Child Care Centers:** There are a limited number of licensed centers, which may offer more structured preschool curricula and have separate classrooms by age. 3. **Part-Day Preschool Programs:** Often affiliated with local churches or community organizations, these typically serve children ages 3-5 and operate for a few hours, a few days a week. Given the rural setting, options are more limited than in urban areas, so many Philo families also consider providers in neighboring communities.
Are there any unique local resources or organizations in Muskingum County that help parents find and evaluate childcare near Philo?
Yes, a key local resource is the **Muskingum County Early Childhood Education Committee (MCECEC)** and the **Help Me Grow Muskingum** program. Help Me Grow, funded by the Ohio Department of Health, offers free support and can provide referrals to quality childcare options. They also help connect families to early intervention services if needed. Furthermore, the **Muskingum County Library System** often serves as a community hub with information on local family resources and may host parenting workshops. For networking and firsthand recommendations, local Facebook groups (e.g., "Philo, Ohio Community" or "Muskingum County Moms") can be invaluable for getting honest reviews from other parents in the area.