The Best Daycare Centers in Struthers, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Struthers. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Struthers
The Goddard School of Boardman
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Boardman is a premier early childhood education center located just minutes from Struthers. They follow the Goddard Systems' F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. The school features state-certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their curriculum includes STEAM learning, language development, and character enrichment programs. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement activities. Parents consistently praise the attentive staff, clean facilities, and strong educational foundation provided.
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Kiddie Academy of Boardman
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Boardman offers a comprehensive Life Essentials® curriculum that balances education and character development. Located conveniently near Struthers, this center provides age-appropriate learning environments with low student-to-teacher ratios. Their program includes technology integration, hands-on learning activities, and character education. The facility features secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and strict health and safety protocols. Teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The academy emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and regular updates. Their program includes nutritious meals, outdoor play areas, and enrichment activities that support whole-child development.
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Primrose School of Poland
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Poland delivers high-quality early education and care through their Balanced Learning® approach, combining academic preparation with character development. The school serves families from Struthers and surrounding communities with a research-based curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, art, and movement to support brain development. The facility features secure entry systems, comprehensive safety protocols, and well-maintained indoor and outdoor learning environments. Teachers are highly qualified with background checks and ongoing training. Parents consistently report exceptional communication, personalized attention, and outstanding preparation for kindergarten.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Struthers, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Struthers, Ohio?
In Struthers and the surrounding Mahoning Valley area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $180 and $250 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes are often slightly more affordable, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average for Ohio, reflecting the local cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and formula. Some centers may offer a discounted rate for multiple children. We recommend contacting providers directly for their most current pricing and inquiring about any available financial assistance programs, like Ohio's publicly funded childcare, which many Struthers providers accept.
How do I verify that a daycare in Struthers 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 public database allows you to search for providers in Struthers (45044) by name or zip code. For each listing, you can view their license status, capacity, and any cited violations from their last several inspections. It's crucial to look beyond just the license being "active." Review the inspection reports for details on any non-compliance issues related to staff-to-child ratios, background checks, safe sleep practices for infants, or facility safety. You can also contact the ODJFS Office for Mahoning County directly for additional information. Always schedule a tour and ask the director to explain any past violations and how they were corrected.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Struthers, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at highly-regarded daycare centers and in-home providers in Struthers. Due to limited capacity for younger children (driven by strict staff-to-child ratios), it is not unusual for popular providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a return to work begin their search and tours during the second trimester of pregnancy. For older preschoolers (ages 3-5), availability is generally better, but starting your search 3-4 months in advance is still wise. When you tour a facility, always ask about their specific waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often do they update families on their position? Do they give preference to siblings of current enrollees?
What local resources or programs in Struthers can help me find and choose quality childcare?
Parents in Struthers have several valuable local resources. Your first stop should be **Brightside Academy's Family Support Services** or **4C for Children**, which serve the Mahoning Valley region. These agencies offer free referral services to help match your family's needs with licensed providers. They can also guide you through the application process for Ohio's publicly funded childcare assistance. Additionally, the **Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County's Struthers branch** often has community bulletin boards with information on local childcare. For firsthand insights, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Struthers Community" or "Mahoning Valley Moms" to ask for recommendations and experiences from other parents. The Struthers City School District may also have information about preschool programs for older children.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Struthers?
For school-age children attending Struthers City Schools, the district itself typically operates the most convenient option: the **Wildcat Club** or a similarly named before/after-school program held within the elementary schools. This program usually offers homework help, snacks, and recreational activities. Space can be limited, so early registration is key. Alternatively, several licensed daycare centers in Struthers and nearby Poland or Boardman offer school-age programs that provide transportation to and from specific local schools. Some local churches and community organizations like the **Struthers Community Center** may also offer seasonal or ongoing after-school care. Costs for these programs are generally more affordable than full-time daycare, often ranging from $50 to $100 per week. Contact the Struthers Schools administrative office for the most current information on district-sponsored care.