The Best Daycare Centers in Shadyside, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shadyside. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shadyside
Little Learners Christian Preschool & Childcare Center
Independent
Little Learners Christian Preschool & Childcare Center is a highly-rated local facility serving Shadyside and surrounding communities. They offer a comprehensive Christian-based curriculum that integrates faith with early childhood education, focusing on developmental milestones and school readiness. The center features experienced, certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. Their program emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy foundations, and hands-on learning experiences. Safety protocols include secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Primrose School of St. Clairsville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of St. Clairsville is a nationally accredited childcare center located approximately 8 miles from Shadyside, serving families throughout Belmont County. They implement the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum, which blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities to promote academic, social, and character development. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and nutritious meal programs. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, music and arts integration, and strong parent communication through daily updates and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Wheeling
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located approximately 12 miles from Shadyside in Wheeling, West Virginia, The Goddard School serves families throughout the Ohio Valley region. This FLEX Learning Program facility offers play-based learning with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) integration across all age groups. The school features secure, modern facilities with age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated art and music spaces. All lead teachers have degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Safety features include keypad entry systems, comprehensive video monitoring, and rigorous health and cleanliness protocols. The program emphasizes individualized learning plans and regular developmental assessments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shadyside, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Shadyside, Ohio?
In Shadyside and the surrounding Belmont County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $130 to $180 per week. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $120 to $160. These rates are generally lower than in major Ohio cities like Columbus or Cleveland. Costs depend on the type of provider (in-home vs. center-based), the specific services offered (like meals or curriculum), and whether the facility is a licensed Type A (center) or Type B (in-home) provider under Ohio law. It's advisable to budget for potential registration fees and to ask if rates include supplies like diapers and wipes.
How do I verify that a daycare in Shadyside is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). To verify a Shadyside provider's status, you can use the free online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. This database shows the provider's license type, capacity, and any past compliance inspections, including citations. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Belmont County directly for information. When evaluating a local daycare, always ask to see their current license and their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post. Checking this record is crucial for ensuring the facility meets state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Shadyside, and how can I secure a spot?
While Shadyside is a smaller community, popular and highly-rated daycare centers and in-home providers can have waitlists, especially for infant care. It's common for spots to be limited due to strict state-mandated staff-to-child ratios. We recommend starting your search during pregnancy or at least 3-6 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their interest lists. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot once it's offered. Also, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Martins Ferry or Bridgeport, which may have additional options and shorter wait times.
What local resources or programs in Shadyside can help me pay for childcare?
Ohio offers financial assistance for eligible families through the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or in person at the Belmont County JFS office. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in the Shadyside area may offer sliding-scale tuition or occasional scholarships. It's also worth inquiring directly with daycare providers if they offer any sibling discounts, which are common in the area.
What are the key differences between a licensed in-home daycare and a childcare center in Shadyside?
In Shadyside, you'll primarily find two licensed options: **Type B Family Child Care Homes** (in-home) and **Type A Child Care Centers**. Type B homes are smaller, caring for up to 6 children (or up to 12 with an assistant) in the provider's residence. They often offer a more home-like, flexible environment and may be more affordable. Type A centers are larger facilities with more structured curricula, multiple staff, and often longer operating hours. Centers must meet specific requirements for physical space, staff qualifications, and programming. Your choice may depend on your child's needs for socialization versus a smaller setting, your work schedule, and your location within Shadyside, as in-home providers may be more neighborhood-based.