The Best Daycare Centers in Piqua, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Piqua. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Piqua
Kiddie Academy of Piqua
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Piqua offers a comprehensive Life Essentials curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and creative arts. The center features state-certified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure entry systems, and daily communication apps for parents. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor room, and outdoor playgrounds. The academy emphasizes social-emotional learning and school readiness with low student-teacher ratios and nutritious meal programs included in tuition.
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Brightside Academy Ohio - Piqua
Brightside Academy
Brightside Academy provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. The center offers both private pay and subsidized care options through Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and social skills development with qualified teachers who receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure environments, nutritional meal programs, and comprehensive learning centers designed to support each child's individual growth and development.
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The Goddard School of Troy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located in nearby Troy and serving the Piqua area, The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum. The school features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, secure keypad entry systems, and modern classroom technology. Their play-based learning approach incorporates STEAM activities, foreign language exposure, and character development. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor motor skills areas, and dedicated art and music spaces, 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 Piqua, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Piqua, Ohio?
In Piqua, Ohio, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $160 and $220 per week at a licensed childcare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $140 to $190. Home-based daycare providers (licensed Type A family childcare homes) often charge slightly less, averaging $130-$180 per week for infants. These costs are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Dayton or Columbus. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials. Many providers in Piqua participate in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Publicly Funded Child Care program, which can offer financial assistance to eligible families based on income.
How do I verify that a daycare or preschool in Piqua is properly licensed and what should I look for in their inspection reports?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a Piqua provider's license status and view their inspection reports online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. When reviewing reports for a local center or home, pay close attention to compliance with key rules: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, health and safety standards, and required training in CPR, First Aid, and child abuse prevention. In Miami County, providers are also inspected by the local health department for sanitation. A good practice is to look for providers with a consistent record of compliance and few or no serious violations (Type I). You can also contact the Miami County Department of Job and Family Services for additional local resources and information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Piqua, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlist times in Piqua can vary significantly. For infant care spots, which are the most limited due to strict staff-to-child ratios, it is common to encounter waitlists of 3 to 9 months, especially at highly-rated centers. For toddler and preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, typically 1 to 4 months. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start researching and contacting providers **as early as possible**, ideally 6-12 months before their needed start date. Some popular centers affiliated with employers or community organizations may have even longer waits. When contacting a provider, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update families, and if they offer priority for siblings or employees of local businesses.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Piqua, aside from large daycare centers?
Piqua offers a variety of childcare options to fit different family needs. Beyond traditional daycare centers, common alternatives include: * **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often smaller, home-based settings (Type A or B licenses) that may offer more flexible hours and a mixed-age group environment. * **Preschools:** Many local churches and community organizations, such as the YMCA or Piqua Central Preschool, offer part-day or full-day preschool programs for children ages 3-5, often with a stronger educational focus. * **School-Age Childcare:** Programs offered by Piqua City Schools or organizations like the Boys & Girls Club for before and after school care, as well as summer camps. * **In-Home Care:** While not licensed as a daycare, some families hire nannies or sitters. Resources like the Miami County OSU Extension office or local Facebook community groups can help connect parents with caregivers. The key is to ensure any option you choose meets Ohio's licensing requirements if they are caring for children from more than one unrelated family.
What resources are available in Piqua to help me find and choose quality childcare?
Parents in Piqua have several valuable local resources: * **Miami County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS):** They can provide referrals to licensed providers and information on financial assistance programs like publicly funded childcare. * **4C for Children (Miami County):** This is a primary Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency serving the region. They offer a free referral service, quality improvement coaching for providers, and parent education on choosing care. You can call or use their online search. * **Ohio Child Care Search:** The official state online database allows you to search by zip code (45356) and filter by age, hours, and program type. * **Local Networks:** Talking to other parents at places like the Piqua Public Library's storytime, the Piqua Community Foundation's family events, or in neighborhood groups can provide personal recommendations and insights into local providers' reputations and cultures.