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.
Daycare Services:
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.
Childcare Insights for Steubenville
Finding reliable, nurturing childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family in Steubenville makes. For many parents, the idea of a church-based daycare offers a comforting sense of community and shared values alongside practical care. If you're searching for "church daycare near me" in the Ohio Valley, you're likely looking for a place that feels like an extension of your home, where your child's development is nurtured in heart and mind. The good news is that Steubenville and its surrounding communities are home to several wonderful church-affiliated programs that provide more than just supervision; they offer a foundation built on compassion and local connection.
When beginning your search here in Steubenville, it's helpful to understand the landscape. Many local churches host licensed daycare centers or preschools that welcome families from all backgrounds, while maintaining a faith-based environment. These programs often integrate gentle, age-appropriate lessons about kindness, gratitude, and community into their daily routines, which can be a beautiful complement to your family's values. A key practical step is to look beyond the immediate phrase "daycare" and consider terms like "Christian preschool," "mother's day out," or "early learning center" affiliated with local congregations. This can broaden your options within the Steubenville area, from downtown to the hillside neighborhoods.
Visiting a potential daycare is crucial, and in a close-knit community like ours, personal recommendations are gold. Don't hesitate to ask fellow parents at the park, your local library branch, or community events for their experiences. When you tour a facility, pay close attention to the feeling you get. Is the atmosphere warm and joyful? How do the caregivers interact with the children? Inquire about their curriculum structure, safety protocols, and how they handle those inevitable sniffles. Given our Ohio seasons, ask about their outdoor play space and policies for rainy or cold days. It's also wise to discuss practicalities like their hours of operation—considering shifts common to our local industries—and their policy for school closure days, which may align with the Steubenville City School District.
Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. The right church daycare in Steubenville will feel like a partnership. You should feel confident that the staff communicates openly, that the environment is secure and stimulating, and that your child is seen as an individual. Many of these centers become a wonderful support system, connecting your family to local events, holiday programs, and a network of other parents. Taking the time to find the right fit provides immense peace of mind, knowing your little one is in caring hands while you work or manage daily life. Your search for a nurturing, faith-based childcare solution here in the Ohio Valley is not just about finding a service, but about finding a community for your child to grow and thrive.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Steubenville: