The Best Daycare Centers in Savannah, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Savannah. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Savannah
Discovery Corner Learning Center
Independent
Discovery Corner Learning Center is a highly-rated childcare facility located just 10 minutes from Savannah, serving the broader Ashland County area. They offer a comprehensive educational program with age-appropriate curriculum including Creative Curriculum for infants and toddlers and HighScope for preschool ages. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facility access with comprehensive safety protocols. Their program emphasizes hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness skills. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean environment, and excellent communication.
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Kiddie Kollege Child Care & Learning Center
Independent
Located approximately 15 minutes from Savannah in Mansfield, Kiddie Kollege serves families throughout Richland and Ashland counties. This center provides a structured learning environment with a play-based curriculum that incorporates literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. They maintain small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators and offer comprehensive security features including coded entry systems and surveillance. The facility features age-specific learning centers, large outdoor playgrounds, and developmentally appropriate materials. Special programs include music enrichment, physical education, and parent involvement activities. The center is known for its experienced staff, engaging curriculum, and strong focus on individual child development.
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Ashland County YMCA Early Childhood Center
YMCA of Ashland, Ohio
The Ashland County YMCA Early Childhood Center provides quality childcare services to families in Savannah and surrounding communities through the reputable YMCA network. Their program focuses on the whole child development approach, incorporating character values, physical activity, and academic readiness. The center offers state-licensed care with degreed lead teachers and maintains YMCA's high standards for safety and quality. Curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, and social skills building within a nurturing environment. Facilities include secure classrooms, indoor gross motor space, and outdoor play areas. The YMCA's sliding fee scale and financial assistance options make quality care accessible to diverse families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Savannah, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Savannah, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Savannah, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). These licenses ensure providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance violations through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. For Savannah specifically, it's also a good idea to contact the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services, as they oversee local compliance. Always ask to see a provider's current license during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Savannah, OH, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In Savannah and the surrounding rural Ashland County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$150 to $225 per week**, while toddler care may cost **$130 to $200 per week**. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities but can vary based on the type of center, hours, and included amenities. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program helps eligible low-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. Applications are processed through the Ashland County JFS office. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to ask directly.
Given Savannah's rural location, how can I find and evaluate in-home daycare providers, and what should I look for during a visit?
Finding licensed in-home (Type B Family) daycare providers in a rural community like Savannah often relies on local networks. Start by asking for recommendations from other parents, your pediatrician (often part of the Ashland Health Department network), or local churches. You can also use the state's online search tool filtering for "Family Child Care." During a visit, confirm their ODJFS license is posted, check for a safe, child-proofed environment, ask about their daily schedule and emergency plans for severe weather (common in Ohio), and observe how the provider interacts with the children. In a rural setting, also inquire about their policy for outdoor play and their proximity to emergency services.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Savannah, and when should I start looking for care?
While Savannah itself is a small village, many families in the area rely on childcare options in nearby towns like Ashland or Mansfield. Popular centers in the region can have waitlists, especially for infant care, which may range from **3 to 9 months**. For a child under 2, it's advisable to start your search **6-12 months** before you need care. For preschool-age children, looking 3-6 months in advance is often sufficient. When contacting providers, always ask about their current waitlist policy, any fees to join the list, and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-age children in the Savannah area?
Options for non-full-time care in Savannah are more limited but available. The **Savannah Community** is served by the Mapleton Local School District. Some local licensed home providers may offer part-time or before/after-school care, including transportation to/from Mapleton Elementary. For drop-in care, your best bet is to look at larger centers in Ashland (about a 15-minute drive), which may offer more flexible hourly or daily rates. Additionally, explore programs offered by the Ashland County YMCA or the Mapleton School District itself, which may run after-school enrichment or care programs. Building a relationship with a local in-home provider is often the most reliable solution for flexible care in a rural community.