The Best Daycare Centers in Smithville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Smithville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Smithville
The Goddard School of Wooster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Wooster offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character education. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through daily reports, and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff.
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Kidz Town Early Learning Center
Independent
Located right in Smithville, Kidz Town Early Learning Center provides comprehensive childcare services with a focus on individualized development. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through play-based activities, literacy development, and social skills building. The center maintains small class sizes with qualified early childhood educators who receive ongoing training. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. They offer flexible scheduling options and maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication and family events. The center is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to community values.
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Primrose School of Medina
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Medina offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy, math, science, and social studies while developing character and life skills. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, age-appropriate learning materials, and structured outdoor play spaces. Staff includes degreed early childhood educators who maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The program includes healthy meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent communication through the Primrose Schools app. Their comprehensive safety protocols and high-quality educational standards make them a top choice for families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Smithville, OH
What are the typical costs for daycare in Smithville, Ohio, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Smithville, Ohio, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $150 to $200 per week at a licensed center, while toddler care typically ranges from $130 to $170 per week. Home-based daycare providers often charge slightly less, around $120 to $160 per week for full-time care. To help with these costs, Ohio offers the Publicly Funded Child Care program, which is administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Parents in Smithville can apply through the Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify a daycare is properly licensed and check its inspection history in Ohio?
All childcare centers and family childcare homes in Smithville must be licensed by the State of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The easiest way to verify a provider's license and review their compliance history is to use the online **Ohio Child Care Search Tool**. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location (like Smithville), or type. It displays the license status, capacity, ages served, and, crucially, the results of recent inspections, including any cited violations and the steps taken to correct them. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for the Northeast Region directly for information. Always visit a potential daycare in person and ask to see their current license certificate, which should be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Smithville, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to high demand and limited infant slots (which have stricter staff-to-child ratios), waitlists are common at many licensed daycare centers in and around Smithville. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists **during the second trimester of pregnancy**, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. Some popular centers may have waitlists exceeding a year. Don't limit your search to Smithville proper; consider expanding to nearby communities like Wooster, Orrville, or Marshallville for more options. Be proactive: contact multiple centers, ask detailed questions about their waitlist process (e.g., Is there a fee? How often should I check in?), and consider licensed family childcare homes, which may have more immediate availability.
What are the options for part-time or non-traditional hour childcare in Smithville for parents with shift work?
Finding part-time or evening/weekend care in a smaller community like Smithville can be challenging, as most centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. Your best options are often licensed family childcare homes, as some providers offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers at local employers like the Smithville-based manufacturing plants or Wooster Hospital. Another option is to explore **in-home care** through a trusted nanny or babysitter, which can be arranged via local networks or platforms like Care.com, filtering for the Smithville area. Additionally, you can inquire with centers in nearby Wooster, as some may offer more flexible scheduling. Be sure to clearly communicate your specific hour needs upfront during your search.
What resources are available in Smithville to help me evaluate and choose a quality childcare program?
Beyond checking state licensing, parents in Smithville have several local resources. First, **Wayne County Help Me Grow** provides free support and developmental screenings for children birth to age 3 and can offer referrals to quality providers. Second, many providers participate in Ohio's **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ)** rating system, a voluntary program that rates childcare programs from 1 to 5 stars. You can filter for SUTQ-rated programs in the Ohio Child Care Search Tool. Third, leverage local parent networks on community Facebook groups (e.g., "Smithville, Ohio Community") for personal recommendations and experiences. Finally, schedule tours and come prepared with a checklist of questions about curriculum, safety protocols, staff qualifications, and daily routines. Trusting your observations and your child's comfort during a visit is crucial.