The Best Daycare Centers in Solon, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Solon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Solon
The Goddard School of Solon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Solon offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. The center features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their STEAM-focused curriculum includes Spanish language exposure, yoga instruction, and technology integration. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, bright classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music areas. Parent communication is enhanced through real-time updates and regular progress reports.
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Primrose School of Solon
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Solon follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum emphasizes character development, literacy, and STEM concepts through hands-on activities. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and spacious outdoor learning environments. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and offers enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education. Parent engagement is supported through regular communications and family events.
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Solon KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Solon KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum focusing on academic, social-emotional, and physical development. The center features experienced teachers with an average of 8 years tenure, secure entry systems, and regular safety drills. Their curriculum includes phonics-based reading readiness, math concepts, and science exploration through hands-on learning centers. The facility offers age-appropriate playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages. The center provides nutritious meals and snacks, and maintains strong parent partnerships through daily reports, parent-teacher conferences, and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Solon, OH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Solon, Ohio?
In Solon, Ohio, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,000 and $1,400 per month. These rates reflect Solon's status as an affluent suburb with high-quality facilities. In-home daycare providers may offer more affordable options, generally ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early/late pick-up are common. Compared to the Ohio state average, Solon's costs are on the higher end, which is often correlated with lower child-to-staff ratios, enhanced educational curricula, and newer facilities common in the area.
How do I verify a daycare's licensing and inspection history in Solon?
All childcare providers in Solon must be licensed by the State of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). To verify a provider's license and view their full compliance history, parents should visit the **Ohio Child Care Search** website. You can search by the provider's name, location, or license number. This public portal shows the license type (e.g., Child Care Center, Type A Home, Type B Home), capacity, any current licensing restrictions, and the results of all recent inspections, including any cited rule violations and the steps taken to correct them. For Solon-specific inquiries, you can also contact the Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services, which may have additional local oversight information.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Solon, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, due to high demand for quality care, many of the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Solon have significant waitlists, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long. To navigate this, parents are advised to begin their search and get on multiple lists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. When contacting a center, ask specific questions: your child's position on the list, how often it's updated, if a deposit is required to hold a spot (and if it's refundable), and their typical turnover rate. Also, consider expanding your search to include high-quality licensed home-based providers in Solon and neighboring communities like Twinsburg or Aurora, which may have shorter wait times while still offering excellent care.
What are some of the unique enrichment or educational programs offered by Solon daycares?
Reflecting the community's emphasis on education, many Solon daycare centers integrate specialized enrichment programs into their curriculum. Common offerings include: **STEM/STEAM labs** with age-appropriate robotics and coding basics, **foreign language immersion** (often Spanish or Mandarin), **music and movement classes** with dedicated instructors, and **yoga or mindfulness programs**. Several centers also have partnerships with local institutions like the Solon Center for the Arts for introductory arts education. Furthermore, given Solon's diverse population, many programs emphasize cultural awareness and inclusion. Outdoor learning is also a priority, with many facilities featuring nature-based play areas and gardens. It's best to tour centers and ask for a detailed schedule to see these programs in action.
What resources are available in Solon for parents seeking financial assistance with childcare costs?
Several resources can help Solon families manage childcare expenses. First, you may qualify for the **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Publicly Funded Child Care program**, which provides subsidies based on income, family size, and need. Application is through the Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services office. Second, many local daycare centers offer **sibling discounts** or **corporate partnership discounts** with major Solon employers like Nestlé, Swagelok, or Lincoln Electric. Third, you can use a **Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)** through your employer to pay for care with pre-tax dollars. Lastly, some local churches and community organizations in Solon may offer need-based scholarships or operate more affordable preschool programs. The **Solon Family Center** is a great local hub for information on these and other family support services.
Childcare Insights for Solon
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire for a nurturing, safe environment for your child. For parents in Solon, Ohio, searching for "private daycares near me" opens a door to several excellent local options, each with its own unique approach to early childhood education. The process, while sometimes overwhelming, can be navigated smoothly with a focus on what matters most for your family and an understanding of the local landscape.
Solon is known for its strong community feel and excellent schools, and this standard extends to its private daycare offerings. Many local centers leverage the city's beautiful parks and community events into their curriculum, offering children in Solon not just classroom learning but a connection to their neighborhood. As you begin your search, consider starting with a drive through areas like the SOM Center Road corridor or the Aurora Road business districts, where several well-established centers are conveniently located for commuting families. Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly valuable here; don't hesitate to ask other parents at the Solon Community Park playground or your local library branch for their personal experiences.
When evaluating private daycares in Solon, look beyond the basics. Ohio’s Step Up To Quality rating system is a crucial tool, indicating a program’s commitment to exceeding minimum licensing standards. Ask specific questions about daily routines, teacher qualifications and tenure, and their philosophy on play-based versus structured learning. Given Solon’s diverse population, inquire how diversity and inclusion are woven into daily activities and classroom materials. Practical considerations are key, too. Consider your commute—proximity to major routes like I-480 or US-422 can make morning drop-offs significantly easier. Explore each center’s policies on holidays, especially those aligning with the Solon City School District calendar, as well as their handling of minor illnesses, which is an inevitable part of childcare.
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to a feeling of trust and alignment. Schedule tours during active hours to see the dynamic between caregivers and children. Notice if the children seem engaged and happy. A quality private daycare in Solon will feel like an extension of your family’s values, providing a secure base where your child can explore, socialize, and grow. The investment you make in this careful search pays dividends in peace of mind, knowing your little one is in capable and caring hands right here in our community. Take a deep breath, trust your instincts as a parent, and know that Solon offers a supportive environment for this important journey.