The Best Daycare Centers in Plain City, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Plain City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Plain City
The Goddard School of Plain City
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Plain City offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure keypad entry, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, modern classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. The center is known for its strong communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, along with enrichment programs including yoga, music, and Spanish.
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Kiddie Academy of Hilliard
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hilliard serves the Plain City area with their Life Essentials® curriculum that emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM education. The academy features secure electronic entry systems, indoor gymnasium, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with early childhood education credentials who receive ongoing professional development. The program includes technology integration, hands-on learning activities, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the academy's structured learning environment, excellent communication through the mobile app, and the caring, professional staff who create a nurturing atmosphere for children's development.
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Creative World School - Hilliard
Creative World Schools
Creative World School in Hilliard provides inquiry-based learning through their exclusive curriculum that encourages exploration and discovery. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and specialized learning environments including a STEM lab and creative arts studio. Their teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. The program includes daily Spanish instruction, music and movement classes, and comprehensive kindergarten readiness preparation. The school is particularly noted for its innovative approach to early childhood education, strong parent community, and commitment to developing critical thinking skills through hands-on, project-based learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Plain City, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Plain City, Ohio?
In Plain City and the surrounding Madison and Union County areas, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $220 and $300 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $200 to $270 per week. In-home licensed family childcare homes often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $160 to $240 per week. These costs are generally lower than those in nearby Columbus suburbs like Dublin or Powell. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, formula, and curriculum materials. Many providers in the area offer sibling discounts, which can be a valuable consideration for families with more than one child.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Plain City is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare centers and family childcare homes in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection history, including any citations, through the publicly available **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. Simply search by the provider's name or zip code (43064 for Plain City). This report will show their star rating under Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program, which is a voluntary rating system that indicates a higher level of quality. Additionally, you can contact the local licensing office for ODJFS Region 4, which covers Union County. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Plain City, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Plain City's growth as a residential community and limited number of dedicated centers, waitlists are common, especially for infant rooms. It is highly recommended to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before your needed start date, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Some of the more popular centers in or near Plain City may have waitlists exceeding 12 months for infants. Don't overlook licensed in-home providers in the community, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting. Being flexible on your start date and considering providers in nearby towns like Marysville or Dublin can also increase your options.
What are some of the unique benefits or programs offered by daycares in Plain City that connect to the local community?
Several childcare providers in Plain City leverage the area's semi-rural and community-focused atmosphere. Common local benefits include: visits to **Pastime Park** or local farms for outdoor play and learning, participation in events like the **Plain City Dairy Day** parade, and partnerships with the **Plain City Public Library** for story times. Some centers incorporate agricultural themes into their curriculum, reflecting the surrounding farmland. Furthermore, due to the tight-knit community, many providers foster strong relationships between families and may organize local playgroups or parent events. When touring, ask about field trips, community involvement, and how they integrate the local environment into daily activities.
What should I know about transportation and before/after-school care options for school-age children in Plain City?
For school-age care, the **Jonathan Alder Local School District** serves Plain City. Many parents rely on the district's own programs or private daycare centers that offer transportation to and from specific elementary schools like Plain City Elementary or Canaan Middle School. You must confirm that a provider has transportation agreements with the district and is licensed for school-age care. Some in-home providers may also offer before/after-school care but typically do not provide transportation. Costs for school-age care are lower than infant care, often ranging from $80 to $150 per week. It's crucial to inquire about schedules for school inservice days, snow days, and summer break, as coverage options and costs vary. The Plain City Recreation Department also sometimes offers camps and programs that can supplement childcare needs.