The Best Daycare Centers in Port Jefferson, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Port Jefferson. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Port Jefferson
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kampus Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Port Jefferson area from nearby Sidney. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and HighScope for preschool ages. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, secure entry systems, and modern classroom environments. Their program emphasizes early literacy, STEM activities, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning experiences. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment, and provides nutritious meals through their USDA-approved food program.
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Sidney Head Start
Council on Rural Services
Sidney Head Start provides high-quality early childhood education to families in Shelby County, including Port Jefferson residents. This nationally accredited program focuses on school readiness through comprehensive developmental services. Their research-based curriculum addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development with qualified teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The program includes health and dental screenings, nutritious meals, and strong family engagement components. They maintain excellent staff-to-child ratios and offer inclusive programming for children with special needs, along with comprehensive family support services.
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ABC Kid's College
Independent
ABC Kid's College serves the broader Shelby County region including Port Jefferson with a strong educational foundation program. Their curriculum emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and science exploration through play-based learning. The center features degreed early childhood educators, secure facility with coded entry, and modern learning environments with SMART Board technology in preschool classrooms. They offer extended hours to accommodate working families and provide transportation for school-age children. The program includes character education, Spanish language exposure, and regular developmental assessments to track each child's progress. Their outdoor learning environment includes nature exploration areas and age-appropriate playground equipment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Port Jefferson, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Port Jefferson, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Port Jefferson, Ohio, all childcare programs must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes family childcare homes (serving up to 6 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. To verify a facility's license, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website, which shows the provider's license type, any recent inspections, and compliance history. It's a crucial first step for parents to ensure the daycare operates legally and meets state-mandated safety protocols.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Port Jefferson, OH?
In Port Jefferson and the surrounding Jefferson County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in major Ohio cities but can vary. For an infant, you can expect to pay an average of **$600 to $800 per month** for full-time care at a licensed center. Family childcare homes may be slightly less, around **$500 to $700 per month**. For toddlers, costs typically drop by about $50-$100 per month. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can differ based on the facility's amenities, hours, and curriculum. We recommend contacting providers directly for precise rates and inquiring about any available subsidies through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Are there many daycare options in Port Jefferson, and should I expect to be on a waitlist?
Port Jefferson is a small village, so local, in-village daycare options are limited. Many families in the area utilize providers in nearby larger communities like Steubenville or Wintersville. For the few licensed family childcare homes or centers within Port Jefferson itself, **waitlists are common, especially for infant care**. It's advisable to begin your search at least 3-6 months before you need care. Expanding your search radius to include neighboring towns will significantly increase your options, though you may still encounter waitlists of several weeks to a few months for the most sought-after programs.
What resources are available in Jefferson County to help me find and evaluate childcare near Port Jefferson?
The primary local resource is **Ohio's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Jefferson County**, which is part of the statewide network. You can contact them via **Ohio's Child Care Options** website or helpline. They provide free referrals to licensed providers, information on quality indicators (like Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system), and guidance on financial assistance. Additionally, local pediatricians' offices, the Jefferson County Public Library, and community Facebook groups (e.g., "Port Jefferson, OH Community") can be valuable for getting personal recommendations from other parents in the area.
Do any daycares in the Port Jefferson area offer flexible or non-traditional hours for parents with shift work?
Finding daycare with extended, weekend, or overnight hours in Port Jefferson itself is very challenging due to the small size of the community. However, some **larger childcare centers in Steubenville, approximately a 15-20 minute drive away, may offer more flexible schedules** to accommodate healthcare, retail, or manufacturing shift workers common in the region. When calling providers, be very specific about your needed hours (e.g., 6 AM starts, 7 PM pickups, weekend care). Some family childcare providers may also offer individualized arrangements. This is a key question to ask early in your search, as such spots are highly limited and often fill quickly.