The Best Daycare Centers in Scottown, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Scottown. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Scottown
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Huntington serves the Scottown area with a nationally-recognized early childhood education program featuring a balanced curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Their qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and use age-appropriate learning centers to encourage exploration. The facility includes secure entry systems, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritional meal programs. Parents praise the consistent communication and developmental progress tracking through their proprietary assessment tools.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Ashland provides a play-based learning approach with F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and hands-on learning materials. Parent satisfaction is high due to daily updates, strong safety protocols, and focus on individual child development milestones.
Daycare Services:
Ironton Child Development Center
Community Action Organization of Scioto County
Ironton Child Development Center offers comprehensive early childhood services with a focus on school readiness through Creative Curriculum and Ohio Early Learning Standards. The center maintains high staff qualifications with CPR/first aid certification and small group sizes for personalized attention. Safety features include monitored access, emergency preparedness drills, and nutritious USDA-approved meals. Families appreciate the inclusive environment, regular parent-teacher conferences, and strong community partnerships supporting holistic child development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Scottown, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Scottown, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Scottown, Ohio, all childcare providers caring for more than six children must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes family childcare homes (7-12 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures facilities meet health, safety, and staff training standards, including background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, and age-appropriate child-to-staff ratios. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. For very small in-home care (1-6 children), providers can opt for voluntary licensure or be "legally exempt," so it's crucial to ask about their certification and policies directly.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Scottown, and are there financial assistance programs available locally?
In the Scottown and surrounding Lawrence County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $130 to $180 per week, while toddler care may cost between $110 and $150 per week. These rates are generally lower than in major Ohio cities but can vary based on the facility's amenities and curriculum. For financial assistance, Ohio offers the publicly funded Child Care program through the Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Scottown, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Scottown, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be significant. It's common for popular centers or highly-regarded in-home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool-age children, wait times may be shorter, around 3-6 months. We strongly recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to check in periodically. Exploring options in nearby towns like Ironton or Chesapeake may also increase availability.
What types of childcare settings are most common in Scottown, and what are the pros and cons of each?
Scottown primarily offers three types: licensed childcare centers, licensed family childcare homes, and legally exempt in-home care (caring for 1-6 children). **Centers** (like those in nearby Ironton) offer structured programs, multiple staff, and often preschool curricula, but may have longer commutes and waitlists. **Licensed Family Homes** provide a home-like setting with mixed ages and potentially more flexibility, ideal for families seeking a smaller group. **Legally Exempt Care** (often a neighbor or relative) can be the most affordable and flexible but may not be subject to state inspections. Your choice depends on priorities like cost, structure, and the social environment you desire for your child.
Are there any daycare facilities in Scottown that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in healthcare, manufacturing, or other industries?
Finding childcare with extended hours (evenings, overnight, or weekends) is a significant challenge in Scottown, as most providers operate on a standard 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. There are very few, if any, licensed facilities in the immediate area that advertise 24/7 care. Your best options are to: 1) Inquire with individual licensed family homes, as some may offer limited flexibility for a premium. 2) Seek a private, trusted nanny or babysitter who can accommodate your schedule. 3) Look at facilities in the larger Huntington, WV, or Ashland, KY, metro areas (a 30-45 minute drive), where shift-work childcare is more commonly available. Planning and building a backup care network is essential for non-traditional workers here.