The Best Daycare Centers in Saint Johns, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Saint Johns. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Saint Johns
The Goddard School of Springfield
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Springfield offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated playgrounds. The center employs highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. Their comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and social-emotional skills. The school provides nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through the Goddard mobile app, and comprehensive safety protocols including secure check-in systems.
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Primrose School of Springfield
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Springfield follows the Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The school features modern, secure facilities with dedicated infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and preschool learning centers. Their curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, math, and science through hands-on activities. The center maintains stringent safety standards including secured entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and the school offers extended hours to accommodate working families. Parents receive daily updates and photos through the Primrose mobile app.
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Kiddie Academy of Urbana
Kiddie Academy International, LLC
Kiddie Academy of Urbana provides educational child care with their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on whole-child development through structured learning and play. The academy features bright, clean classrooms organized into learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts. Their security measures include electronic entry systems, surveillance cameras, and strict pick-up authorization procedures. The center employs degreed early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed progress reports for each child. The program includes healthy meals and snacks, outdoor play in age-separated playgrounds, and enrichment activities including music and movement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Saint Johns, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Saint Johns, Ohio?
In Saint Johns, Ohio, daycare costs are generally in line with the state average for rural/small-town areas. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,100 per month for full-time care at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $700 to $950 per month. Preschool programs (ages 3-5) often cost between $600 to $850 monthly. In-home licensed family childcare homes in the area may be slightly less expensive. It's important to note that costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. Given the limited number of providers in a small community like Saint Johns, securing a spot can be competitive, so it's wise to budget for these ranges and inquire about any potential registration or supply fees.
How do I verify that a daycare in Saint Johns is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
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, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance issues by using the online "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. When touring a facility in Saint Johns, ask to see their current license. During the visit, look for clear evidence of safety: secure entrances, clean and age-appropriate toys, safe outdoor play areas, and posted emergency plans. Observe staff-child interactions—they should be engaged and positive. Ask about staff qualifications, turnover rates, and the adult-to-child ratios, which in Ohio are, for example, 1:4 for infants and 1:12 for preschoolers. Also, inquire about their sick policy and how they handle emergencies specific to your rural area, like severe weather.
Are there any state or local subsidy programs to help with childcare costs for families in Saint Johns?
Yes, eligible families in Saint Johns can apply for assistance through Ohio's publicly funded childcare program, administered by the Auglaize County Department of Job and Family Services (DJFS), which serves the Saint Johns area. This subsidy helps low-income working families, those in education or training programs, and families involved with child protective services pay for care at licensed providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits portal or contact the Auglaize County DJFS directly. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly. Given the rural nature of the community, exploring all available financial support is crucial for many families.
What is the availability and waitlist situation like for infant care in Saint Johns?
Infant care slots are often the most limited and in highest demand in Saint Johns due to stricter staff-to-child ratios required by Ohio law. It is very common for licensed centers and quality in-home providers to have waitlists, sometimes several months long. We strongly recommend that parents begin their search and get on waitlists during pregnancy or as early as possible. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their infant room capacity, current waitlist length, and any deposit required to hold a future spot. Exploring all options—including licensed family childcare homes in the surrounding rural areas—can increase your chances of finding an opening. Persistence and flexibility with your start date are key in a smaller community with fewer providers.
What are the options for before- and after-school care for school-age children in the Saint Johns area?
For school-age children, the primary option in Saint Johns is typically a school-based program or a partnership with a local daycare. You should contact the St. Johns Local School District to inquire about any official before- and after-school "Latchkey" programs they may operate. If the district does not offer one, some local licensed daycare centers or family homes may provide transportation to and from St. Johns Elementary School and offer care during those hours. These programs usually include homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Availability may be limited, so early registration is advised. For more flexible or occasional care, some families in the area also form networks or use approved in-home babysitters, though these may not be state-licensed for regular childcare.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Saint Johns: