The Best Daycare Centers in Ross, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ross. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ross
The Goddard School of Ross
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ross offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and live streaming cameras for parent monitoring. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills in purpose-built classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas with modern safety surfaces and equipment.
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Primrose School of Hamilton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Hamilton follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities. The center features secure building access, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and health and safety protocols that exceed state requirements. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration, and the outdoor environment includes age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfacing. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides nutritious meals and snacks.
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Childtime of Hamilton
Learning Care Group
Childtime of Hamilton provides comprehensive early education through their proprietary Empowered Curriculum™ that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. The center features degreed teachers, secure entry systems, and regular safety drills. Their Grow Fit® wellness program promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity with balanced meals and active play. The facility includes technology-enhanced classrooms, multiple playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. Parent communication is facilitated through daily reports and a mobile app that shares photos and updates throughout the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ross, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ross, Ohio?
In Ross, Ohio, and the surrounding Butler County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home family childcare providers often range from $140 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities like Cincinnati or Columbus but have been increasing. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate (e.g., meals, diapers, wipes, curriculum). Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which is administered by Butler County Job and Family Services, so it's worth checking your eligibility.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Ross?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Ross, must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The primary tool for verification is the **Ohio Child Care Search** website. You can search by provider name, location (Ross, OH 45061), or type. This public database shows the provider's license status (Type A Home, Type B Home, Child Care Center), capacity, age ranges served, and most importantly, their compliance history. You can view inspection reports, any cited rules violations, and the steps taken to correct them. For the most direct local insight, you can also contact the Butler County Department of Job and Family Services, which oversees local compliance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Ross, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists are common for infant spots in Ross, especially at the more sought-after centers and licensed in-home providers. Due to high demand and limited infant-to-staff ratios, it is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. For toddler and preschool-age openings, the wait may be shorter, but starting 3-4 months in advance is still advisable. Be sure to ask specific centers about their waitlist policies, including any fees to hold a spot and how often you need to confirm your continued interest.
What are the main differences between a daycare center and a licensed in-home provider in Ross?
In Ross, parents typically choose between state-licensed Child Care Centers and Licensed Family Child Care Homes (Type A or Type B). **Centers** (like those on Hamilton-Middletown Road or in nearby Fairfield) often offer structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger peer groups. They may have more staff and resources. **Licensed In-Home Providers** operate in a residential setting, offering a smaller, often more family-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. They may offer more flexible hours. Both are regulated by ODJFS but have different staff-to-child ratios and physical environment rules. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your preference for environment.
What local resources or organizations in Butler County can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Ross?
The most comprehensive local resource is **4C for Children**, the child care resource and referral agency serving Butler County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers based on your specific needs (location, hours, budget). They can also guide you through understanding quality indicators and state ratings. Additionally, **Butler County Success** (the local Public Children Services Agency) and the **Butler County Department of Job and Family Services** can provide information on subsidized care and support services. For networking and firsthand reviews, local Facebook groups like "Ross, Ohio Community" or "Butler County Moms" can be valuable for getting parent recommendations and experiences with specific providers.