The Best Daycare Centers in Sharpsburg, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sharpsburg. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sharpsburg
The Goddard School of Heath
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Heath offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on literacy, STEM, social skills, and creative arts. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and rigorous staff training make them a top choice for families in the Sharpsburg area.
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Kindercare Learning Center at North 21st Street
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Their Learning Adventures program includes phonics, music, and STEM enrichment. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated playgrounds for different age groups, and nutritionally balanced meals. Highly trained teachers create individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The center emphasizes social-emotional development and school readiness skills, with many teachers holding advanced degrees in early childhood education. Their extended hours and flexible scheduling accommodate working families from Sharpsburg and surrounding communities.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Licking Memorial
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Licking Memorial offers high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and discovery. The center features modern classrooms designed for different developmental stages, secure outdoor play spaces, and comprehensive health and safety protocols. Their experienced educators hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The program focuses on building foundational skills in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while nurturing creativity and problem-solving abilities. The center maintains excellent staff retention and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family engagement events, serving as a trusted childcare provider for Sharpsburg area families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sharpsburg, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sharpsburg, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's status?
In Sharpsburg, Ohio, all childcare providers caring for more than one child from different families must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). This includes family childcare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and facility safety. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. You can search by provider name, location (like Sharpsburg or Stark County), and view their license type, any inspection reports, and compliance history. This is a crucial first step for any parent in the area.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in the Sharpsburg area, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Sharpsburg and greater Stark County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$800 to $1,100 per month**. Toddler care is slightly less, often between **$700 and $950 per month**. Family childcare homes may offer lower rates. These costs can vary based on the program's amenities, hours, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program helps eligible families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training/education requirements. Applications are processed through the Stark County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sharpsburg, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler rooms at highly-regarded daycare centers in and around Sharpsburg, especially given the limited number of dedicated facilities in this smaller community. Many parents find they need to look at options in nearby areas like Canton or Massillon. It is strongly recommended to **begin your search and get on waitlists 6 to 12 months before you need care**, particularly for infants. For preschool-age children, 3-6 months of lead time is often sufficient. When touring a facility, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any fees to join it, and how often they update families on their position.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Sharpsburg, Ohio?
Sharpsburg, being a smaller borough, has a mix of options, though parents often look to neighboring communities. The primary types available locally and in the immediate Stark County area include: 1. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often run from a provider's residence in residential neighborhoods, offering a home-like setting for a smaller group of children. 2. **Childcare Centers:** These are more common in nearby Canton, Massillon, and Perry Township. They offer structured programs, multiple classrooms, and often extended hours. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Often affiliated with local churches, community centers, or public school districts (like Perry Local Schools) and typically serve children ages 3-5 for part-day programs. Due to Sharpsburg's size, exploring providers within a 10-15 minute drive significantly expands your options.
What are some key local factors or questions I should consider when touring a daycare in the Sharpsburg area?
Beyond standard questions, consider these Sharpsburg/Stark County-specific factors: * **Transportation & Commute:** If you work in Canton, Akron, or elsewhere, ask about early drop-off/late pick-up flexibility to accommodate your commute on I-77 or state routes. * **Outdoor Play & Safety:** Given the residential and sometimes rural surroundings, inquire about secure, fenced outdoor play areas and their policies for outdoor time in variable Ohio weather. * **Local School District Link:** For preschool-age children, ask if the curriculum aligns with Perry Local Schools' kindergarten readiness standards. * **Emergency Plans:** Ask about specific plans for severe weather common to Ohio (tornadoes, snowstorms) and how they communicate with parents during such events. * **Community Involvement:** Some local centers participate in Stark County-wide initiatives like the "Dolly Parton Imagination Library" or field trips to local spots like the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park.