The Best Daycare Centers in Spencer, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Spencer. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Spencer
KinderCare Learning Center
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Learning Center in Medina is a highly-rated childcare provider serving Spencer and surrounding areas with a comprehensive educational approach. They employ a balanced curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social skills through play-based and structured activities. All teachers are qualified with early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing training. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Safety protocols include regular drills and health checks. Parents praise the center for its strong communication, developmental tracking, and nutritious meal programs, making it a trusted choice for families seeking reliable, educational childcare.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Medina offers a premium early childhood education program serving Spencer families with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program, which emphasizes play-based learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities. The curriculum is designed to foster independence and creativity, with low teacher-to-child ratios ensuring personalized attention. Staff hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous professional development. The center boasts modern facilities with secure access, clean environments, and both indoor and outdoor play spaces. High parent satisfaction stems from its focus on safety, regular progress updates, and inclusive atmosphere.
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Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center in Lodi is a locally-owned childcare facility that serves Spencer and nearby communities with a personalized, nurturing approach. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning to support cognitive, social, and emotional development. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes for individualized care. The center features safe, clean classrooms, fenced outdoor play areas, and emphasizes health and nutrition with homemade meals. Parents value the strong community feel, transparent communication, and focus on building foundational skills, making it a standout for those seeking a family-oriented environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Spencer, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Spencer, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Spencer, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and facility safety. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance violations by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the ODJFS website. For Spencer specifically, it's also a good idea to ask providers directly for their license number and their most recent inspection summary, which they are required to post.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Spencer, OH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Spencer and greater Medina County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $180 to $250 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $160 to $220 per week. Costs can vary based on the type of facility (center vs. in-home) and the specific programs offered. For financial assistance, Ohio's publicly funded childcare program is administered through the Medina County Department of Job and Family Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's important to inquire directly.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Spencer, and how far in advance should I start looking for infant care?
Yes, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots in Spencer due to limited capacity and stricter staff-to-child ratios required by Ohio law. It is highly recommended that expecting parents begin researching and contacting daycare centers as early as their second trimester, or at least 6-9 months before their needed start date. Some of the more sought-after centers in the area may have waitlists that extend a year or more. For more immediate needs, expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Spencer and neighboring towns like Lodi or Homerville may yield more availability.
What are the typical operating hours for daycare centers in Spencer, and are there options for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Most licensed daycare centers in Spencer operate on a standard schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, options for evenings, weekends, or overnight care are extremely limited within the city itself. Parents with shift work or irregular hours may need to explore alternatives such as licensed family childcare homes, which can sometimes offer more flexible hours, or seek in-home nanny services. For reliable after-hours care, you may need to look toward larger nearby cities like Medina or Akron, which have a greater variety of providers.
What resources are available in Spencer to help me find and evaluate quality childcare options?
A primary local resource is **Ohio's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency**, which serves Medina County. You can contact them via 2-1-1 or their website for a personalized referral list of licensed providers in Spencer based on your specific needs. Additionally, the **Medina County District Library** branches may have community bulletin boards with local provider information. For evaluation, beyond checking the state's online licensing reports, you can ask providers for references from current parents and schedule in-person tours to observe the environment, ask about curriculum, and understand their policies on communication, safety, and nutrition.