The Best Daycare Centers in Sterling, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sterling. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sterling
The Goddard School of Wooster
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Wooster offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor playgrounds. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides regular parent communication through daily reports and digital portfolios.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Massillon
KinderCare Education
KinderCare Massillon provides comprehensive early childhood education with research-based curriculum that includes phonics-based reading readiness, mathematics, science, and social studies. Their program focuses on whole-child development through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive safety protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and many hold Child Development Associate credentials or higher. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms, toddler learning centers, and preschool classrooms with age-appropriate learning materials and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups.
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Apple Creek Early Childhood Center
Independent
Apple Creek Early Childhood Center offers a nurturing Christian-based environment with a strong academic foundation. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematical thinking, and social-emotional learning through structured play and hands-on activities. The center features small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios, secure facility access, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and monitoring systems. Teachers are trained in early childhood development and maintain ongoing professional development. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement activities. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular communication and family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sterling, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sterling, Ohio?
In Sterling and the surrounding Wayne County area, full-time daycare costs can vary based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes often range from $140 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than those in larger Ohio metropolitan areas but are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, included meals, and educational curricula. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee. Additionally, many families in Ohio utilize the state's publicly funded childcare program; eligibility is based on income and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Sterling is properly licensed and check their compliance history?
All childcare centers and family childcare homes in Sterling must be licensed by the State of Ohio, Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). The most reliable way to verify a provider's status and history is to use the online "Child Care Search" tool on the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral (OCCRRA) website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location (including Sterling, OH 44276), and type. It will show the license status (e.g., Licensed, Licensed-Plus, Step Up To Quality rating), any recent inspection reports, and details of any non-compliance citations. You can also contact the local Wayne County Department of Job and Family Services for assistance.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sterling, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Sterling's smaller, rural community size, the number of licensed daycare slots is more limited compared to urban areas. Popular centers and highly-rated in-home providers often have waitlists, especially for infants and toddlers. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. For an infant spot, starting your search during pregnancy is advisable. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer a priority list for siblings of current enrollees or employees of local major employers.
What are the main types of childcare options available specifically within the village of Sterling?
Parents in Sterling, OH, typically have three primary licensed childcare options. First, there are **licensed childcare centers**, which are formal facilities, though there may be only one or two within the village limits, with more options in nearby towns like Rittman or Wooster. Second, **licensed family childcare homes** are common, where a provider cares for a smaller group of children in their own residence; these can offer a more home-like setting and may have more flexible hours. Third, for school-age children, the **Sterling Local School District** may offer before- and after-school care programs. Many Sterling families also utilize **in-home caregivers** (nannies or babysitters), which are not licensed but can be arranged privately.
What resources are available locally to help me find and choose a daycare that fits my family's needs in Wayne County?
The primary local resource is the **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral (OCCRRA) agency serving Wayne County**. You can contact them via their website or phone for a free, personalized referral list of licensed providers in and around Sterling based on your specific needs (hours, age of child, location). They can also guide you through understanding Ohio's "Step Up To Quality" rating system, which evaluates programs on learning standards and professional development. Additionally, connecting with other parents through local community groups like the Sterling Community Facebook page or asking for recommendations at places like the Sterling Branch Library can provide valuable firsthand insights.