The Best Daycare Centers in Stafford, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stafford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stafford
The Goddard School of St. Clairsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in St. Clairsville offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts through hands-on activities. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and dedicated play areas. All teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Cambridge
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Cambridge provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, and social-emotional learning. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified, with lead teachers holding degrees in early childhood education. The school offers nutritious meals and snacks through their exclusive Primrose Healthful Habits program and maintains strong parent communication through regular updates and family events.
Daycare Services:
Learning Tree Childcare Center
Independent
Learning Tree Childcare Center offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a focus on developmental milestones and school readiness. Their curriculum incorporates Creative Curriculum® with Montessori-inspired elements, emphasizing hands-on learning and social development. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, spacious classrooms with learning centers, and large outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. Teachers are qualified with early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training in child development best practices. The center maintains excellent staff retention rates and focuses on creating a nurturing, home-like environment while implementing structured learning activities and regular progress assessments.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stafford, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Stafford, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility's compliance?
In Stafford, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This public database shows the provider's license status, any recent inspection reports, and any cited violations. For Stafford specifically, you can also contact the **Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services** for local referrals and information.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Stafford, OH, and are there financial assistance programs available?
In the Stafford and broader Columbiana County area, average costs for full-time, center-based infant care typically range from **$700 to $900 per month**. For toddlers, costs may be slightly lower, around **$650 to $850 per month**. Home-based daycare options can sometimes be 10-20% less expensive. These rates are generally lower than major Ohio cities but are significant for local family budgets. Financial assistance is available through the **Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' Publicly Funded Child Care program**. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or education requirements. Parents in Stafford should apply through the Columbiana County JFS office to determine if they qualify for a subsidy to help offset these costs.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Stafford, and what can I do to secure a spot for my child?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Stafford, waitlists for infant and toddler rooms at licensed centers can be **6 to 12 months long**. Popular providers may have even longer waits. To improve your chances, it's recommended to **begin your search and get on multiple lists as early as possible during pregnancy**. Be proactive: visit centers, complete all pre-registration paperwork, and ask about their specific waitlist policies (e.g., if they charge a deposit). Also, consider expanding your search to nearby towns like Salem or East Liverpool, and explore licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the Stafford, OH area?
Parents in Stafford have several local options: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: These are formal facilities, though choices within Stafford's immediate boundaries are limited. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes**: Often run from a provider's residence, these are common in residential areas and offer smaller group sizes. 3) **In-Home Care (Nanny/Au Pair)**: Less common but an option for flexible schedules; families typically use regional agencies or local networks. 4) **Preschool Programs**: Often part of local churches or community organizations, typically serving children ages 3-5 for partial days. Due to Stafford's rural nature, many families also utilize providers in neighboring communities. Checking local community boards, Facebook groups like "Stafford OH Community," and referrals from pediatricians at nearby practices are key to finding all available options.
Are there any quality indicators or local resources beyond state licensing that can help me choose the best daycare in Stafford?
Absolutely. Beyond the state license, look for providers with a **Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) rating**, Ohio's voluntary quality rating system. A higher star rating (1-5) indicates higher standards in learning, development, and professional training. You can search for SUTQ-rated programs in the Ohio Child Care Search tool. Locally, connect with other parents through community groups or the **Columbiana County Early Childhood Advisory Council** for trusted recommendations. Also, consider the program's communication style, cleanliness, outdoor play space, and how they handle emergencies—important factors in a smaller, rural community where response times for services may vary. Always schedule an in-person visit to observe the environment and ask staff about their experience and curriculum.