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
Little Buckeye Learning Center
Independent
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.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Lancaster
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
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.
Daycare Services:
KinderCare Learning Center at Zanesville
KinderCare Education
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.
Daycare Services:
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.
Childcare Insights for Somerset
Finding the right care for your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. If you’re searching for “baby daycare near me” in Somerset, Ohio, you’re likely looking for a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment close to home. The good news is that Somerset and the surrounding Perry County area offer a warm, community-focused atmosphere that can be reflected in its childcare options. Starting your search locally means you’re not just looking for a facility, but for a partner in your child’s early development, right in the heart of your own town.
When beginning your search in Somerset, consider the unique rhythm of our area. Many families here value a balance between structured learning and the freedom to explore, which is something to look for in a daycare setting. A great first step is to drive through town and note the locations; convenience is key, especially on mornings when you’re heading to work at local businesses or farms. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations at places like the Somerset Branch Library or from other parents at the Perry County District Library’s story time—personal referrals in a close-knit community like ours are invaluable. You’ll want to ensure any potential daycare is licensed by the State of Ohio, which you can verify online, providing a baseline for safety and standards.
Visiting a daycare is crucial. When you tour a center or in-home provider in Somerset, pay close attention to how caregivers interact with the infants. Are they engaged, speaking gently, and responding promptly to cues? In a baby room, look for a low caregiver-to-infant ratio, which is essential for individualized attention. Ask about their daily routines for feeding, sleeping, and play. Given our rural setting, some providers may incorporate elements of the natural world into their curriculum, which can be a wonderful benefit. Inquire about their policies on communication; you’ll want regular updates about your baby’s day, whether through an app or a simple daily logbook. Also, consider practicalities like their hours of operation—ensuring they align with your schedule, especially if you commute to nearby Zanesville or Newark.
Finally, trust your instincts. The right place will feel welcoming and secure. You should feel comfortable with the staff and confident in their professionalism and warmth. Talk to them about how they handle the inevitable first illnesses or how they support babies through developmental milestones. Finding quality baby daycare in Somerset, OH, is about connecting with caregivers who will provide a home-away-from-home for your little one, fostering their growth within the supportive fabric of our community. Taking the time to research and visit your options will lead you to a partnership that gives you peace of mind, knowing your baby is in caring and capable hands just around the corner.