The Best Daycare Centers in Sharon Center, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharon Center. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharon Center
KinderCare at Medina
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Medina offers a nationally recognized curriculum focused on whole-child development, emphasizing literacy, math, science, and social skills through play-based learning. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with staff holding degrees in early childhood education and ongoing training in safety protocols like CPR and first aid. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents praise the center's consistent communication and individualized attention to developmental milestones, making it a trusted choice for families in the Sharon Center area.
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The Goddard School of Brunswick
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Brunswick provides a play-based, F.L.EX.® Learning Program that integrates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities to foster creativity and critical thinking. The center maintains high safety standards with secured facilities, daily health checks, and trained educators holding early childhood credentials. Highlights include a focus on social-emotional development, outdoor learning spaces, and parent engagement through real-time updates via an app. With a reputation for nurturing environments and strong academic preparedness, it serves as a top-rated option for Sharon Center residents.
Daycare Services:
Children's Lighthouse Learning Center - Medina
Children's Lighthouse Franchising Company
Children's Lighthouse Learning Center in Medina emphasizes a values-based curriculum that combines early literacy, character development, and hands-on learning activities. The center features certified teachers, small class sizes, and a safe environment with secure access and hygiene protocols. Programs include phonics-based reading, math readiness, and enrichment classes like music and art. Parents appreciate the center's focus on community involvement, healthy snacks, and flexible scheduling options, making it a reliable choice for holistic child development in the Sharon Center region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharon Center, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharon Center, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Sharon Center, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Licensing ensures providers meet 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 violations through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. It's highly recommended to use this free resource and even ask the provider directly for their most recent inspection report. Many reputable centers in the Sharon Center area will proudly display their license and have this information readily available for parents.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Sharon Center area, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Sharon Center and greater Medina County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from **$225 to $325 per week**, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging **$200 to $285 per week**. Costs vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, Ohio offers the **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, which helps eligible low-income families pay for care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. You can apply through the Medina County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Sharon Center, and how far in advance should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are quite common for infant and toddler rooms at highly-regarded daycare centers in Sharon Center and the surrounding communities. Due to lower staff-to-child ratios required for younger children, these spots are the most limited. It is strongly advised to begin your search **at least 6 to 9 months before your needed start date**, especially for infant care. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot). Exploring options in nearby towns like Medina, Wadsworth, or Brunswick can also provide more availability.
What types of childcare options are most available in Sharon Center—large centers, in-home daycares, or preschools?
Sharon Center, being a smaller township, has a mix of options, but **licensed family childcare homes** are a prevalent and popular choice, offering a home-like environment with smaller groups. There are also several well-established **childcare centers** located a short drive away in Medina, Brunswick, and surrounding areas that many Sharon Center families utilize. For children ages 3-5, there are both standalone preschool programs (often part-day) and preschool classrooms within larger daycare centers. The **Sharon Center Cooperative Preschool**, for example, is a local parent-cooperative option. Using the Ohio Child Care Search and filtering by "Sharon Center" and "Medina County" will give you the most accurate and current list of all licensed options.
How do daycare centers in the Sharon Center area handle school closures and inclement weather, given Ohio's winters?
Daycare centers in this region have specific policies for delays, closures, and early pickups due to snow, ice, or extreme cold. Most follow the lead of the **Highland Local School District** (which serves Sharon Center) for weather-related delays and closures. However, it's crucial to check each center's individual parent handbook, as some may remain open even if public schools are closed, while others may close. Centers typically communicate via text alerts, email, or apps like Brightwheel. Parents should have a backup plan for severe weather days. Additionally, many centers build a small number of "snow days" into their annual calendar, so you likely won't be charged for those specific closure days.