The Best Daycare Centers in South Lebanon, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in South Lebanon. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in South Lebanon
KinderCare at Mason
KinderCare Education
KinderCare at Mason provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Their Learning Adventures program includes phonics, music, and STEM activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication and the nurturing environment that prepares children for kindergarten readiness.
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The Goddard School of Mason
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Mason offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic, social, and emotional development. Certified teachers implement STEAM-focused curriculum with daily enrichment activities including yoga, foreign language exposure, and technology integration. The center features secure keypad entry, live streaming for parents, and modern classrooms with natural lighting. The school maintains rigorous safety protocols and emphasizes character development, with parents highlighting the exceptional staff retention and individualized attention children receive.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Mason
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Mason delivers their exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master's-level educated teachers. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, character development, and hands-on learning through their Primrose Friends characters. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure entry systems, age-separated playgrounds with safety surfaces, and dedicated music and art studios. The school provides healthy chef-prepared meals and maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. Parents consistently report exceptional kindergarten readiness outcomes and appreciate the school's strong communication and community involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in South Lebanon, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in South Lebanon, Ohio?
In South Lebanon, Ohio, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $220 and $300 per week for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $190 to $260 per week. In-home daycare providers (licensed Type B homes) often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $150 to $220 per week. These costs are generally in line with the Warren County average. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and wipes, as policies differ. Financial assistance may be available through programs like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which uses an income-based sliding fee scale.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare in South Lebanon?
All childcare providers in South Lebanon must be licensed or certified by the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is to use the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. You can search by provider name, location, or type. This public database shows the license type, capacity, any serious rule violations (called "non-compliance" citations), and the dates of their last inspections. For the most current information, you can also contact the **Warren County Department of Job and Family Services**, which oversees local providers. Always visit a potential daycare and ask the director to see their current license and discuss any past inspection findings.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in South Lebanon, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to high demand, especially for infant spots, many reputable daycare centers in South Lebanon and the surrounding Warren County area do maintain waitlists. It is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search **6 to 12 months in advance**. For infant care, contacting centers during the second trimester of pregnancy is a common strategy. Some centers may have shorter waits for toddler or preschool-age children. When contacting a center, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update families on their position, and their estimated timeline for an opening. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed in-home providers can increase your options.
What are the options for part-time or flexible childcare schedules in South Lebanon?
While many centers prioritize full-time enrollment, South Lebanon does offer some part-time and flexible options. Several licensed in-home daycare providers may offer daily or half-day rates, which can be ideal for parents with non-traditional or rotating schedules. Some larger centers in the area may offer part-time schedules (e.g., 2 or 3 days a week), but these spots are limited and often fill quickly. Another growing option is utilizing **drop-in childcare centers** located in nearby cities like Mason or Lebanon, which can be useful for occasional needs. For true flexibility, you might also consider connecting with local nanny shares or babysitting networks through South Lebanon community Facebook groups or apps like Care.com, filtering for Warren County providers.
What local resources or programs in Warren County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
Warren County offers excellent free resources for parents. Your first stop should be **4C for Children**, the child care resource and referral agency serving our region. They maintain a comprehensive, updated database of licensed providers, offer personalized referrals, and provide guidance on what to look for during a visit. You can also contact the **Warren County Early Childhood Collaborative** for information on early learning programs and community support. For financial assistance, the **Warren County Department of Job and Family Services** determines eligibility for Ohio's publicly funded childcare program. Additionally, attending local community events, like those at the South Lebanon Community Center, can provide word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents in your neighborhood.