The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Henry, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Henry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Henry
Mercer County Head Start
Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron & Richland Counties
Mercer County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in the Saint Henry area. The program follows a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness, incorporating literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Certified early childhood educators maintain low teacher-to-child ratios, and the program includes health screenings, nutritious meals, and family engagement services. What sets this center apart is its holistic approach that supports the entire family system while preparing children for kindergarten success through play-based learning and individualized attention.
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Kiddie Campus of Celina
Kiddie Campus Early Learning Centers
Kiddie Campus of Celina serves the Saint Henry community with a comprehensive educational program for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The center implements a structured curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development, featuring STEM activities, literacy programs, and creative arts. State-certified teachers provide individualized learning plans, and the facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. The center stands out for its extended hours, flexible scheduling options, and strong emphasis on parent communication through daily updates and regular progress reports.
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Growing Tree Child Care & Learning Center
Growing Tree Child Care
Growing Tree Child Care & Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a strong educational foundation for children in the Saint Henry region. The center utilizes the Creative Curriculum system, which emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones across all age groups. Qualified early childhood educators focus on individualized instruction, and the program includes music, physical education, and foreign language exposure. The facility features secure access systems, updated playground equipment, and spacious classrooms designed for optimal learning. What makes this center exceptional is its commitment to whole-child development, with comprehensive assessment tracking and strong community partnerships that enhance the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Henry, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Saint Henry, Ohio?
In Saint Henry and the surrounding Mercer County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $200 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes may be slightly less, often ranging from $120 to $170 per week. These rates are generally lower than in major Ohio metropolitan areas but are consistent with rural and small-town Ohio. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts. We recommend contacting several local providers for their most current rates and fee schedules.
How do I verify that a daycare in Saint Henry is properly licensed and what should I look for in an inspection report?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status and view their latest inspection reports for free through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. Simply search by the provider's name or Saint Henry's zip code (45883). When reviewing an inspection report, look for the compliance status. A "Compliant" rating means no serious rules were violated. Pay attention to any "Non-Compliance" citations, especially in critical areas like staff-to-child ratios, background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, and health and safety standards. You can also contact the Mercer County Department of Job and Family Services for local assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Saint Henry, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Saint Henry's smaller size and limited number of providers, quality daycare spots, particularly for infants, can be in high demand. It is not uncommon for the most sought-after centers and in-home providers to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend beginning your search **during your pregnancy or at least 6 months before your needed start date**. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length, the process for getting on it (e.g., if a deposit is required), and how often they update families on their position. Exploring options in nearby towns like Celina or Coldwater may also provide more availability.
What types of childcare options are available specifically within the village of Saint Henry?
Saint Henry primarily offers two types of licensed childcare options. The first is **licensed family childcare homes**, which are operated in a provider's residence and typically care for a smaller group of children, offering a home-like environment. The second is **center-based care**, which may be associated with a local church or independent business. There is no large, corporate chain daycare within the village itself. Many families in the area also utilize legally unlicensed "Type B" homes, which can care for up to 6 children at one time. For school-age children, the Saint Henry Local School District may offer before and after-school care programs. Checking local community boards, Facebook groups, and word-of-mouth referrals are key to finding all available options.
What are the state-required staff-to-child ratios for daycares in Ohio, and how does this impact care in Saint Henry?
Ohio law mandates strict staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and quality of care. For infants (under 18 months), the ratio is 1 staff member for every 5 infants. For toddlers (18-36 months), it's 1:7. For preschoolers (3-5 years), it's 1:12. These ratios are enforced by ODJFS and apply to all licensed providers in Saint Henry. A lower ratio often means more individual attention for your child. In Saint Henry's smaller settings, these ratios are crucial for maintaining a manageable and safe environment. When touring a facility, observe if these ratios are being maintained in real-time. A reputable provider will proudly adhere to or even exceed these state standards, which is a strong indicator of quality care.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Saint Henry: