The Best Daycare Centers in Stockport, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Stockport. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Stockport
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Zanesville offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and modern learning environments with age-appropriate classrooms. Their proprietary curriculum includes daily progress reports, nutritious meal programs, and developmentally appropriate activities. The facility serves as a top-rated option for families in the Stockport area seeking high-quality educational childcare with structured learning programs and excellent safety protocols.
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The Goddard School of Zanesville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Zanesville provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with surveillance systems. Their program includes daily enrichment activities, outdoor play spaces, and regular parent communication through a dedicated app. The school maintains excellent state compliance records and serves as a premier early childhood education center for the broader Stockport region.
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Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Little Blessings Childcare & Learning Center offers a faith-based educational environment with a focus on whole-child development through creative curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. The center features experienced early childhood educators, structured daily schedules, and safe, nurturing environments with age-appropriate learning centers. Their program includes developmentally appropriate activities, nutritious meals, outdoor play areas, and strong emphasis on social skills and kindergarten readiness. Serving the Morgan County area including Stockport, this established center maintains excellent state licensing compliance and strong community reputation for quality care and educational excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Stockport, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Stockport, OH, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Stockport and the surrounding Morgan County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $160 per week, while toddler care is slightly lower, around $100 to $140 per week. These costs are generally more affordable than in larger Ohio cities but can vary based on the type of provider (in-home vs. center-based) and specific services offered. For financial assistance, parents should apply for Ohio's publicly funded childcare program through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Eligibility is based on income, work, or school requirements. Locally, you can contact the Morgan County Department of Job and Family Services for application guidance. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
How can I verify if a daycare or in-home provider in Stockport is properly licensed and what should I look for during a tour?
All licensed childcare providers in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance violations by using the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. When touring a facility in Stockport, pay close attention to local-specific factors: ask about their emergency plans for rural areas (like response times for medical services), observe the safety and cleanliness of both indoor spaces and any outdoor play areas, and inquire about staff qualifications and turnover. Given the community's size, also ask how they handle closures if a staff member is ill, as backup options can be limited. A reputable provider will be transparent and welcome these questions.
Are there any licensed childcare centers in Stockport itself, or will I need to look at nearby towns?
Stockport is a small village, so licensed childcare center options within the immediate village limits are very limited, often consisting of small, licensed Type A family childcare homes. Most parents in Stockport look to nearby communities for center-based options. Common commuting routes for childcare include facilities in McConnelsville (the county seat), Zanesville to the west, or Marietta to the southeast. Many families also utilize trusted in-home providers within Stockport. It's important to factor commute time into your childcare plan. A good first step is to use the Ohio Child Care Search tool and filter by "Morgan County" to see all licensed options in the immediate region.
What is the waitlist situation like for daycares in the Stockport area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers serving Stockport and Morgan County, waitlists for infant spots, in particular, can be long and are common. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, if not earlier. For toddler or preschool-age openings, a lead time of 3-6 months is advisable. When contacting providers, be sure to ask specific questions: their current estimated wait time, if a deposit is required to hold a spot, and how often their list is updated. Being proactive and getting on multiple lists (including in nearby towns) is the best strategy to secure care in this rural area.
What are the options for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-age children in Stockport?
Organized after-school care programs within Stockport are limited due to the size of the school district. The primary option is typically the school-based program offered through the Morgan Local School District. Parents should contact the district's administrative office or their child's school directly to inquire about availability, cost, and activities. For part-time or drop-in care for younger or school-age children, your best options are likely licensed family childcare homes in the area that offer flexible schedules. Some in-home providers may accommodate occasional drop-in care if space allows. For consistent part-time needs (e.g., 2-3 days a week), be upfront when interviewing providers, as many may have full-time priority but might have openings to fill. Networking with other local parents can also uncover informal or shared nanny arrangements.
Childcare Insights for Stockport
Finding quality, affordable childcare is one of the most significant challenges for families, and here in Stockport, Ohio, we understand that balancing your budget with the need for excellent care is a top priority. The search for "cheap childcare near me" is about more than just cost; it's about finding a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment for your child without breaking the bank. Fortunately, in our close-knit community, there are pathways to discover care that fits both your child's needs and your financial situation.
A great starting point for any parent in Stockport is to look within our local networks. Home-based daycare providers, often licensed by the state, can be a wonderful and cost-effective option. These smaller settings frequently offer more flexible hours and a family-like atmosphere, which is especially valuable in a rural area where commutes to larger centers might be longer. Asking for recommendations from neighbors, friends at the local churches, or other parents you meet at the Stockport Community Park can lead you to trusted caregivers who may not advertise widely online. Checking with the Morgan County Department of Job and Family Services is also crucial, as they can provide lists of licensed providers and information on potential subsidy programs you might qualify for based on your income.
Another avenue to explore is the possibility of a nanny share with another family in the Stockport area. By partnering with one or two other families, you can split the cost of a caregiver's time, making private care more accessible. This arrangement can be particularly beneficial for families with non-traditional work hours or those who need care in their own homes. While it requires some coordination, the personalized attention for your child and the shared expense can be a perfect solution. Don't overlook local preschool programs at community centers or churches, which often offer part-time care at lower rates than full-time daycare, which can be ideal if you have a flexible schedule or a family member who can help cover other days.
Remember, "cheap" should never mean compromising on safety or quality. When you visit a potential provider, whether it's a home daycare or a center in a nearby town like McConnelsville, trust your instincts. Ask about their license, their experience, their daily routines, and their policies on everything from discipline to emergencies. In a small town, a provider's reputation is paramount. Finally, be sure to inquire about all-inclusive pricing. Sometimes a slightly higher weekly rate that includes meals, snacks, and activities can ultimately be more economical than a bare-bones rate with added fees. Finding the right childcare in Stockport takes some legwork, but by tapping into our community resources and thinking creatively, you can secure a supportive and affordable start for your little one right here at home.