The Best Daycare Centers in Reno, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Reno. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Reno
The Goddard School of Zanesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Zanesville offers a premier early childhood education program serving families in the Reno area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning. Features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure facility with keypad entry, daily communication with parents via mobile app, and age-appropriate STEAM curriculum. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers nutritious meal programs. Their safety protocols include comprehensive background checks and ongoing staff training.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Cambridge
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves the Reno community with comprehensive early childhood programs. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features include certified early childhood educators, secure building with surveillance systems, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and healthy meal programs. The center offers flexible scheduling and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and daily updates. Their safety record includes regular drills and strict health protocols.
Daycare Services:
Muskingum University Campus Center for Early Childhood Education
Muskingum University
Operated by Muskingum University, this lab school serves as a training ground for early childhood education students while providing high-quality care for community families. Features a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum with strong emphasis on social-emotional learning. Benefits from university resources, highly qualified lead teachers with advanced degrees, and low child-to-teacher ratios. The facility includes observation rooms for parent viewing, modern learning materials, and outdoor nature exploration areas. Maintains exceptional safety standards with university security support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Reno, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Reno, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Ohio, all childcare providers caring for more than six children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes centers, family childcare homes, and in-home aides. Licensing ensures providers meet health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. For Reno, which is part of Washington County, you can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. It's crucial to look for providers with a "Licensed" or "Star Rated" status, as Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating system indicates higher-quality programs. Always visit in person and ask for their license certificate.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Reno, Ohio area?
Childcare costs in Reno and surrounding Washington County are generally lower than in major Ohio cities but can vary based on the type of care. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately **$130 to $180 per week** for full-time infant/toddler care. Family childcare homes may range from **$110 to $150 per week**. These are estimates, and prices can be higher for centers with high SUTQ star ratings. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee (meals, diapers, curriculum). For financial assistance, Ohio offers the Publicly Funded Child Care program; eligibility is based on income, and you can apply through the Washington County Department of Job and Family Services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Reno, and what's the best strategy for securing a spot?
While Reno is a smaller community, popular and highly-rated daycare centers in Washington County can have waitlists, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It's common to encounter waitlists of **3 to 6 months**. The best strategy is to start your search early, ideally during pregnancy or 4-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers—not just in Reno but also in nearby towns like Marietta or Belpre. Get on multiple waitlists (there may be a small fee) and follow up with a polite call every 4-6 weeks. Also, consider licensed family childcare homes, which often have more immediate openings and can provide a home-like setting.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available for school-age children in Reno, especially during summer and school breaks?
For school-age children (ages 5-12) in Reno, options include before-and-after-school programs, summer day camps, and licensed family childcare homes. The **Fort Frye Local School District** may offer or partner with local organizations for school-age care. Many local daycare centers in the area extend their services to school-age children, providing transportation to and from nearby elementary schools. During the summer, look for full-day summer camps offered by community centers, the Washington County YMCA, or local churches. These programs often incorporate field trips, swimming, and outdoor activities. It's advisable to register for summer programs by early spring, as spaces fill quickly.
How does Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating system work, and why is it important when choosing a daycare in Reno?
Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a voluntary star-rated quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare programs. A higher star rating (1 to 5 stars) indicates a program exceeds Ohio's minimum licensing standards. When choosing care in Reno, a SUTQ-rated program is a strong indicator of quality. These programs have staff with higher education and specialized training, use research-based curricula, maintain lower staff-to-child ratios, and engage in continuous improvement. A provider's SUTQ rating is displayed on the Ohio Child Care Search website. Choosing a rated program can provide greater peace of mind about your child's early learning environment and may also be a requirement for certain state childcare assistance programs.
Childcare Insights for Reno
Finding reliable childcare that fits a non-traditional work schedule can feel like one of the biggest challenges a parent in Reno, Ohio, faces. Whether you work night shifts at one of the regional hospitals, have rotating hours at a manufacturing plant, or simply need the peace of mind that comes with knowing care is available anytime, the search for "24 hour daycare near me" is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity for making family life work. In our close-knit community of Reno and the broader Washington County area, the landscape for overnight and round-the-clock care requires a specific approach, blending local resources with proactive planning.
First, it’s important to understand that licensed 24-hour childcare centers are rare, even in larger cities. In a smaller community like Reno, they are exceptionally scarce. This doesn’t mean quality care is unavailable; it means your search may need to broaden creatively. Your most valuable first step is to contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. They can provide a verified list of all licensed providers in Washington County, which may include some in-home daycare providers or smaller centers in nearby Marietta or Belpre that offer extended evening and overnight hours, even if not formally advertised as 24/7. Speaking directly with these providers about their flexibility is key, as some may accommodate occasional overnight needs for established families.
Given the specific demands of Reno parents, many find that building a network of trusted in-home caregivers is the most sustainable solution. This involves connecting with other local families through community boards at places like the Reno Post Office or the Barlow Fairgrounds, or on social media groups for Washington County parents. Often, experienced childcare professionals, such as retired nurses or teachers, are willing to provide overnight care in a child’s home, offering a consistent and familiar environment. Thoroughly vetting any individual caregiver with background checks, references, and a detailed contract is non-negotiable for your child’s safety and your peace of mind.
Another practical avenue to explore is the possibility of shift-sharing with other parents in Reno who have similar schedules. Coordinating with a coworker or a neighbor can create a reliable patchwork of care. This not only builds community but also ensures your child is with someone who truly understands the unique rhythms of shift-work life in our area. Remember, when evaluating any care situation, ask detailed questions about the nighttime routine, safety protocols for sleeping, and how emergencies are handled. Visit the space during the hours your child would actually be there to get a genuine feel for the environment.
While the perfect, dedicated 24-hour daycare center might not be on every corner in Reno, Ohio, diligent and community-focused searching can uncover wonderful, flexible childcare solutions. By tapping into local networks, having open conversations with licensed providers about your specific needs, and considering in-home options, you can find the secure, nurturing care that allows you to work and rest easy, knowing your child is safe and well-cared for, no matter the hour.