The Best Daycare Centers in Steubenville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Steubenville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Steubenville
Weirton Medical Center Child Development Center
Weirton Medical Center
This hospital-affiliated childcare center offers exceptional early childhood education with a strong emphasis on health, safety, and developmental milestones. The center features state-licensed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development, comprehensive security systems including keypad entry and surveillance, and a research-based curriculum that includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. The medical center affiliation provides additional health and safety resources that set this center apart in the region.
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KinderCare at St. Clairsville
KinderCare Learning Companies
This nationally accredited KinderCare center provides high-quality early childhood education with a comprehensive curriculum that includes phonics, math, science, and creative arts. The center features experienced teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with coded entry systems. Their approach focuses on whole-child development through play-based learning, structured activities, and individualized attention. The center offers flexible scheduling options and maintains strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Wheeling
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with play-based discovery. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, modern security systems including electronic entry, and purpose-built classrooms with advanced learning materials. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, while also focusing on social skills and character development. The school maintains excellent health and safety protocols with regular sanitation and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Steubenville, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Steubenville, Ohio?
In Steubenville, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $150 to $220 per week at a licensed daycare center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), weekly rates typically range from $130 to $190. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, often between $120 to $170 per week for infants. These costs are generally lower than the Ohio state average, reflecting the lower cost of living in Jefferson County. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through programs like the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Publicly Funded Child Care, which uses a sliding scale based on family income.
How can I verify that a daycare or preschool in Steubenville is properly licensed and has a good safety record?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. This database shows the provider's license type (e.g., Type A Family Child Care Home, Child Care Center), capacity, and any past licensing violations or inspections. For Steubenville specifically, you can also contact the **Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services** for local resources and information. When visiting a potential daycare, ask to see their current license and their most recent inspection report, which they are required to post. Checking for certifications in CPR/First Aid for staff and asking about their emergency preparedness plans for situations like fires or severe weather are also crucial local safety steps.
Are there many daycare options with flexible or non-traditional hours for parents working shifts in Steubenville?
Finding childcare for non-traditional hours (evenings, nights, or weekends) can be challenging in Steubenville, as most licensed centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule. However, some in-home family childcare providers may offer more flexible hours to accommodate shift workers common in the area's healthcare, retail, and industrial sectors. Your best strategy is to use the Ohio Child Care Search tool and filter for providers who list "Non-Traditional Hours" as a service option. Additionally, networking through local Facebook groups like "Steubenville Area Moms" or contacting the **Jefferson County Community Action Council** can help you find smaller, licensed home providers willing to accommodate shift schedules. Planning ahead and getting on waitlists is essential due to limited flexible-hour spots.
What resources are available in Steubenville to help me find and choose a quality daycare?
Several local and state resources can assist Steubenville parents. Your first stop should be the **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency** serving Jefferson County, which offers free referrals, quality information, and parenting resources. You can access them via **Brightside Up** (formerly 4C for Children), which serves this region. The **Jefferson County Family & Children First Council** is another local organization that can provide guidance and support. For hands-on research, attend local community events at the Steubenville Public Library or the Fort Steuben Mall, where providers sometimes host information tables. Finally, always schedule in-person tours, prepare a list of questions about curriculum, teacher qualifications, and daily routines, and trust your instincts about the environment and how staff interact with children.
How long are waitlists for popular daycare centers and preschools in Steubenville, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Steubenville can vary from a few months to over a year, especially for infant rooms which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. For popular programs associated with schools, churches, or with strong educational reputations, it is not uncommon to encounter a 6-12 month wait. To secure a spot, it is highly recommended that you begin your search and schedule tours **during your pregnancy** or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. When you tour a facility, ask specifically about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Do they offer sibling priority? Being proactive and putting your name on multiple lists (even if there's a small fee) increases your options. For immediate needs, expand your search to include licensed family child care homes in neighboring communities like Wintersville or Mingo Junction, which may have shorter wait times.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Steubenville: