The Best Daycare Centers in Scioto Furnace, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scioto Furnace. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scioto Furnace
Bright Beginnings Child Development Center
Independent
Bright Beginnings is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum. The center features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios. Their educational approach includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, modern classrooms with age-appropriate learning centers, and extensive outdoor play areas. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their USDA-approved food program. Parents praise the center's strong communication, individualized attention, and preparation of children for kindergarten.
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Kiddie Academy of Portsmouth
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy offers the proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness. The center features state-licensed teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. Their security system includes coded entry, comprehensive background checks, and real-time parent communication through the Academy Link® app. The facility includes dedicated learning labs for different age groups, indoor gross motor play area, and monitored outdoor playgrounds. Their program emphasizes technology integration, foreign language exposure, and community awareness activities. Parents consistently rate the center highly for its structured learning environment and experienced staff.
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The Learning Tree Child Care Center
Independent
The Learning Tree provides a play-based educational approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum elements with Ohio Early Learning Standards. The center employs experienced early childhood educators with specialized training in child development and safety protocols. Features include secure facility access, comprehensive health and safety procedures, and allergy-aware meal planning. The center offers extensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education. Their outdoor learning environment includes nature exploration areas and developmentally appropriate playground equipment. Parents appreciate the center's family-like atmosphere, experienced leadership, and focus on individual child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scioto Furnace, OH
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available for families in Scioto Furnace, Ohio?
In Scioto Furnace and the surrounding Scioto County area, parents have several licensed options. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) licenses three primary types: Child Care Centers, Family Child Care Homes (Type A and Type B), and School-Age Child Care Programs. Given Scioto Furnace's small, rural nature, Family Child Care Homes (often run from a provider's residence) are a common and convenient local option, offering a home-like setting with smaller groups. For more structured programs, parents often look to licensed centers in nearby communities like Portsmouth or Wheelersburg. All licensed providers in Ohio must meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Scioto County?
It is crucial to check a provider's compliance record. The State of Ohio provides a free, public online tool called "Step Up To Quality" and the Ohio Child Care Search. You can search by provider name, city (e.g., Scioto Furnace, Portsmouth), or zip code. This portal shows a provider's license status, their rating in the state's voluntary quality rating system (1-5 stars), and detailed reports of any recent licensing inspections, complaints, and rule violations. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Scioto County directly for assistance. Always visit a potential daycare and ask to see their current license certificate, which must be posted.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Scioto Furnace area, and are there financial assistance programs?
Costs in rural Scioto County are generally lower than state averages but vary by type of care. For a licensed Family Child Care Home, full-time infant care may range from $120-$160 per week. A center-based program in a nearby town might cost $140-$180 per week. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the publicly funded Child Care program administered by the Scioto County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training/education requirements. We strongly recommend contacting the Scioto County DJFS office to apply and determine if you qualify for subsidy vouchers.
Are waitlists common for daycares in Scioto Furnace, and what should I do to secure a spot?
While the immediate Scioto Furnace area has limited providers, creating high demand for local in-home spots, waitlists are a standard practice for the most sought-after programs, especially for infant care. It is advisable to begin your search at least 3-4 months before you need care. Contact providers directly to inquire about availability and get on their waitlist. Be prepared to provide your child's anticipated start date and age. Expanding your search to include licensed homes and centers in adjacent communities like Lucasville or West Portsmouth can increase your options and reduce wait time.
What local resources or organizations in Scioto County can help me find and evaluate childcare?
A key local resource is the **Scioto County Early Childhood Direction Center**, which helps connect families with services. Additionally, **Help Me Grow Scioto County** provides support for children's development and can offer referrals. For a centralized search, use the **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) network** online or by phone; they serve all Ohio counties and can provide personalized lists of licensed providers matching your location, schedule, and child's age. The **Scioto County Public Library** may also have community bulletin boards with local childcare advertisements. Networking with other parents at community centers or churches in Scioto Furnace can provide valuable word-of-mouth recommendations.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Scioto Furnace: