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The Best Daycare Centers in Somerset, OH

Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Somerset. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.

Top Daycare Centers in Somerset

1

Little Buckeye Learning Center

Independent

★★★★☆
4.7/5

Little Buckeye Learning Center is Somerset's premier local childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs in a nurturing small-town environment. The center features a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness. Their experienced teaching staff maintains low child-to-teacher ratios and holds certifications in early childhood education. The facility includes secure classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern learning materials. What sets them apart is their strong community integration and personalized approach to each child's development, with regular progress reports and parent-teacher communication. They provide nutritious meals and snacks through their in-house food program and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families.

Experience:12 years
Reviews:42 parent reviews
10731 Main Street, Somerset, OH 43783

Daycare Services:

Infant CareToddler CarePreschoolPre-KBefore & After School CareSummer Camp
2

Bright Horizons at Lancaster

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

★★★★☆
4.5/5

As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this Lancaster center serves families throughout Perry County including Somerset. The center implements the World at Their Fingers curriculum, which focuses on STEAM education, literacy development, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. Highly qualified early childhood educators maintain small class sizes and individualized learning plans. The state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor nature exploration areas. Their comprehensive approach includes regular developmental assessments, parent education resources, and enrichment programs. The center is known for its strong emphasis on creating a diverse, inclusive environment and maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry.

Experience:16 years
Reviews:68 parent reviews
1850 N Memorial Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130

Daycare Services:

Infant CareToddler CarePreschoolPre-KKindergartenBefore & After School Care
3

KinderCare Learning Center at Zanesville

KinderCare Education

★★★★☆
4.3/5

This established KinderCare location serves the broader region including Somerset families, offering a comprehensive early education program built on decades of experience. The center utilizes KinderCare's proprietary curriculum that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development through play-based and structured learning activities. Certified teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain current certifications in CPR and first aid. The secure facility features keypad entry systems, dedicated learning centers for each age group, and spacious playgrounds with safety surfaces. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, early math concepts, and character development. The center stands out for its strong parent communication system through the KinderCare app, nutritional meal program, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate various family needs.

Experience:18 years
Reviews:55 parent reviews
3455 East Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701

Daycare Services:

Infant ProgramToddler ProgramDiscovery PreschoolPreschoolPre-KBefore & After School Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Somerset, OH

What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Somerset, Ohio?

In Somerset and the surrounding Perry County area, full-time daycare costs are generally more affordable than in larger Ohio cities. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $130 to $180 per week. For toddlers and preschoolers, weekly rates typically range from $110 to $150. These rates are for licensed in-home providers or smaller local centers. It's important to note that options within the village itself are limited, so many parents also consider providers in nearby Thornville, New Lexington, or even Zanesville, which may have slightly higher rates. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) offers childcare assistance programs for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs.

How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in Somerset, Ohio?

The primary resource is the State of Ohio's official **Ohio Child Care Search** tool, managed by ODJFS. You can search by Somerset's zip code (43783) to find all licensed Type A Family Child Care Homes (serving up to 12 children) and Licensed Child Care Centers in the area. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for safety, staff training, and child-to-staff ratios. For Somerset specifically, many options are licensed in-home providers. You should always verify a provider's current license status and review their latest inspection reports, which are public record through this state database. The Perry County Department of Job and Family Services can also provide local referrals.

Are there long waitlists for daycare in Somerset, and how far in advance should I start looking?

Due to the smaller number of providers in Somerset and Perry County, availability can be tight, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for reputable in-home providers or the limited center-based options to have waitlists of 3 to 6 months, or even longer. We strongly recommend beginning your search at least 6 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, adding your name to waitlists during your second trimester is a common strategy. Be proactive and contact multiple providers, including those in neighboring communities like Junction City or Glenford, to increase your chances of securing a spot.

What are the main types of childcare available to parents in Somerset, Ohio?

Parents in Somerset typically have three main options. First, **Licensed Family Child Care Homes** are the most common, where care is provided in a provider's home for a smaller group of children, offering a family-like setting. Second, there are **Licensed Child Care Centers**, though these are fewer in Somerset itself and may require a short commute to a nearby town. Third, there are **Legally Non-Licensed Providers** (often called "Type B" homes), which can care for 1-6 children from a single family (like siblings) but are not required to be licensed. For school-age children, the **Northern Local School District** may offer before- and after-school programs at Somerset Elementary.

What local resources or programs in Perry County can help me pay for childcare?

The **Perry County Department of Job and Family Services (PCDJFS)** administers the state's Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as working or attending school). They can provide application assistance and determine your family's co-pay amount. Additionally, you may inquire about potential support through the **Perry County Children's Trust Fund** for specific needs. For preschool education, the **Perry County Head Start** program, which has locations serving the county, offers comprehensive early childhood services at no cost to income-eligible families, including transportation from areas like Somerset.

Nearby Cities

Explore daycare options in cities near Somerset: