The Best Daycare Centers in Strongsville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Strongsville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Strongsville
The Goddard School of Strongsville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Strongsville offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes play-based learning with structured activities that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Kiddie Academy of Strongsville
Kiddie Academy International
Kiddie Academy of Strongsville utilizes the Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development with academic learning. Their program includes technology-enhanced learning, Spanish language exposure, and hands-on activities. The center features secure keypad entry, monitored classrooms, and age-appropriate learning environments. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices with low student-to-teacher ratios. The academy emphasizes health and fitness through structured physical activities and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site.
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Primrose School of Strongsville
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Strongsville follows the Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated with character development and life skills. The facility offers secure environments with coded entry systems, dedicated age-based classrooms, and outdoor learning spaces. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. The school focuses on whole-child development through a balanced approach of academics, play, and character building.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Strongsville, OH
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Strongsville, Ohio?
In Strongsville, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $950 and $1,250 per month. These rates are generally higher than the Ohio state average, reflecting Strongsville's suburban Cleveland location and higher cost of living. Home-based daycare options (licensed Type B family childcare homes) can be more affordable, often ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly. It's important to note that these are base rates; additional fees for registration, supplies, or early/late pick-up are common. Many facilities offer sibling discounts, and parents should explore financial assistance options like Ohio's publicly funded childcare program or employer-sponsored dependent care FSAs.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Strongsville, and how can I secure a spot?
For the most sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Strongsville, waitlists can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It is not uncommon for families to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for centers with exceptional reputations or specific educational philosophies (like Montessori). To secure a spot, parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting a center, be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$150) and provide your due date or desired start date. Staying in regular, polite contact with the center director every few months can help keep your application top-of-mind. Also, consider exploring excellent licensed in-home providers, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more flexible enrollment process.
What are the key state licensing requirements I should verify for any daycare in Strongsville?
All childcare providers in Strongsville must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Key requirements you should verify include: **Staff-to-Child Ratios** (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers, 1:12 for preschoolers), **Maximum Group Sizes**, and **Staff Qualifications** (including background checks, first aid/CPR certification, and ongoing training hours). Licensed centers and homes are subject to regular, unannounced inspections; you can and should review a provider's latest inspection report and compliance history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. This public database shows any rule violations, from minor paperwork issues to more serious health and safety concerns. Always ask to see the provider's current license during your tour.
Are there any unique local resources or programs in Strongsville to help parents find and evaluate childcare?
Yes, Strongsville parents have excellent local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) service provided by Starting Point**, the designated agency for Cuyahoga County. They offer free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Strongsville and the surrounding area, help with understanding quality indicators, and provide guidance on financial assistance. Additionally, the **Strongsville City Schools** offer preschool programs for children with special needs and, through community education, sometimes host parenting workshops. For peer recommendations, the local Facebook group "**Strongsville Moms (and Dads!)**" is an active forum where parents frequently share experiences and reviews of specific daycare centers and in-home providers.
What are the most common types of childcare programs available in Strongsville, and how do they differ?
Strongsville offers a variety of childcare options to suit different family needs: 1. **Child Care Centers**: Larger, facility-based programs (e.g., Primrose School, The Goddard School, local church-affiliated centers) offering structured curricula, multiple classrooms, and extended hours. They are often the most expensive but provide a school-like environment. 2. **Licensed Family Child Care Homes (Type B)**: Care provided in a provider's home for up to 6 children (or up to 12 with an assistant). These often offer a mixed-age, family-like setting with more flexible hours and potentially lower costs. 3. **Preschools**: Typically part-time programs (mornings or a few days a week) focused on education and socialization for children ages 3-5, often run by churches, community centers, or private schools. 4. **School-Age Child Care (SACC)**: Before- and after-school programs, frequently operated by the Strongsville City Schools' Recreation Department or the YMCA, for kindergarten through 5th-grade students. The choice depends on your child's age, your schedule, budget, and desired learning environment.
Childcare Insights for Strongsville
Finding quality, affordable childcare is one of the most significant quests for any parent, and if you're searching for "affordable daycares near me" in Strongsville, Ohio, you're in a community that values family and offers several wonderful options. The key is knowing where to look and what to consider to find a program that fits both your budget and your child's needs. Strongsville's blend of suburban comfort and community resources creates a supportive environment for this search.
Start by defining what "affordable" means for your family's budget, remembering that cost often reflects factors like staff-to-child ratios, educational curriculum, and facility amenities. In Strongsville, you'll find a range of childcare settings, from larger, established centers to licensed home-based providers, often called Type A or Type B homes in Ohio. Exploring both can reveal hidden gems. Many local centers offer structured preschool programs integrated into their daycare, which can be a cost-effective way to prepare your child for kindergarten within the Strongsville City Schools district. Don't hesitate to ask every provider for a detailed breakdown of their fees—what’s included in the weekly tuition versus what might be an extra cost for meals, enrichment activities, or supply fees.
Leveraging local resources is crucial. The Strongsville branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library is not just for storytime; it can be a hub for connecting with other parents who can share firsthand experiences and recommendations. Additionally, Ohio’s state-sponsored resource, **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA)**, is an invaluable tool. You can use their website or call their referral line to get a tailored list of licensed providers in the 44136, 44149, and surrounding zip codes, complete with information about their state inspection records and any available openings. This takes the guesswork out of the initial search.
When you've narrowed down a list, schedule tours. Seeing a daycare in action during a regular day in Strongsville tells you more than any brochure. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children, notice if the environment is clean and stimulating, and ask about their policies on everything from sick days to outdoor play at their facility. Inquire about possible financial assistance. Many centers in Ohio participate in programs like Publicly Funded Child Care, which can help eligible families significantly reduce costs. Also, some local churches and community organizations in Strongsville may operate preschool programs with sliding scale tuition.
Finally, trust your instincts. The right affordable daycare in Strongsville will feel like a partnership. The staff should communicate openly, and you should feel confident that your child is safe, engaged, and happy. Finding that balance between cost and quality requires some diligence, but the peace of mind that comes with securing a nurturing spot for your child in our community is truly priceless. Your search is an investment in your child's early years right here in Strongsville.