The Best Daycare Centers in Raymond, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Raymond. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Raymond
Kiddie Academy of Troy
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Troy offers a comprehensive educational curriculum called Life Essentials® that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Highly qualified teachers implement age-appropriate learning activities with low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor gross motor room, and secure outdoor playgrounds. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's commitment to developmental milestones tracking.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Troy
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Troy follows the F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center employs degreed teachers who receive ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive camera monitoring, and strict health protocols. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The facility features age-specific playgrounds, art studio, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents consistently note the warm, nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for kindergarten.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Piqua
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Piqua implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which emphasizes language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and technology. The center features NAEYC-accredited programs with teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. Advanced security includes biometric entry systems and comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols. The facility offers spacious classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. The center is particularly noted for its emergent curriculum that follows children's interests and its strong emphasis on social-emotional development and executive function skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Raymond, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Raymond, Ohio?
In Raymond and the surrounding rural areas of Ohio, daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, full-time infant care typically ranges from $175 to $225 per week. For in-home licensed family childcare providers, the cost is often slightly lower, ranging from $140 to $190 per week. These rates are generally more affordable than in larger Ohio metropolitan areas. It's important to note that many providers in this region have limited infant slots due to stricter state-mandated staff-to-child ratios, which can influence both cost and availability. Always ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and supplies.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Raymond is properly licensed and has a good record with the state?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Raymond, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the provider's license status, any recent inspection reports, and details of any rule violations. It's also highly recommended to visit the facility in person, ask for references from current parents, and contact the local **Help Me Grow** agency for additional resources and support in evaluating quality.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Raymond, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to the smaller number of providers in a rural community like Raymond, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be common and sometimes lengthy. It is advisable to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months** before you need care, especially for infants under 18 months. Some popular local centers or highly-regarded in-home providers may have waitlists extending several months. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist policy, estimated timeline, and if they require a deposit to hold a spot. Exploring options in nearby towns like Bellefontaine or Urbana may provide additional alternatives if local waitlists are too long.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in a small town like Raymond, Ohio?
Raymond primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **licensed family childcare homes**, which are often run out of a provider's residence and can care for a smaller group of children, offering a home-like environment. The second is **licensed childcare centers**, which may be standalone businesses or affiliated with local churches or community organizations. Due to the rural setting, formal preschool programs are often integrated into these daycare settings rather than being standalone. There are also a limited number of approved **in-home caregivers** (who care for children from a single family). Finding transportation-inclusive care is less common, so logistics are an important consideration for parents.
What financial assistance programs are available to help Raymond families afford childcare?
Ohio offers several programs to assist eligible families. The primary resource is the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by ODJFS, which provides subsidies based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or school attendance). You can apply through the Logan County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. For children with developmental needs, **Help Me Grow** of Logan & Champaign Counties can provide connections to early intervention services that may include supportive childcare resources. It's best to apply for assistance well in advance, as processing can take time.
Childcare Insights for Raymond
Finding reliable childcare during the week is a challenge many parents have navigated, but when your work schedule, errands, or simply a needed break falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the search for weekend daycare can feel particularly daunting. For parents in Raymond, Ohio, this quest requires a blend of local knowledge and practical planning. The good news is that while options may be more limited than standard weekday care, solutions do exist in and around our community, often requiring a bit of proactive searching and networking.
Your first and most valuable step is to connect with other local parents. The close-knit nature of Raymond means word-of-mouth recommendations are gold. Consider asking in community spaces like the Raymond Branch of the Union Township Public Library or chatting with neighbors at local events. Many in-home daycare providers in the area might offer occasional or regular weekend care for families they already serve during the week, but they often don't advertise this publicly. Don't hesitate to ask your current provider if they or someone they know might be available; personal referrals often lead to the most trusted arrangements.
Expanding your search geographically is often necessary. While Raymond itself is a small village, looking toward the larger surrounding areas like Marysville, Urbana, or even the northern fringes of Springfield can reveal more formal options. Some larger childcare centers in these neighboring cities occasionally offer weekend hours, especially those affiliated with hospitals or 24-hour fitness centers that cater to shift workers. A targeted online search using phrases like "weekend childcare Marysville OH" or "date night sitters Urbana" might yield better results than limiting your query to Raymond alone. Remember, a short drive for dependable care can be well worth the peace of mind.
Another excellent avenue for Raymond parents is to explore local college networks. Institutions like Ohio Hi-Point Career Center or Clark State College, which have students pursuing early childhood education or nursing degrees, can be a source of responsible and often certified weekend babysitters. These students frequently seek flexible, part-time work and can provide quality care. Posting your needs on community boards at these schools or using reputable caregiver apps while setting your location to our area can help you connect with them.
When you do find a potential weekend care option, whether it's a center or an individual, ask specific questions. Inquire about their hours, rates (which are often higher than weekday rates), their planned activities, and their policies on meals and naps. For in-home situations, ensure you feel completely comfortable with the environment. Trust your instincts—the welcoming, community-focused spirit of Raymond means that many caregivers understand the unique needs of families in our area. With some diligent searching and community networking, you can find the supportive weekend care that allows your family to thrive, knowing your children are in safe and caring hands right here in our part of Ohio.