The Best Daycare Centers in Sullivan, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sullivan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sullivan
The Goddard School of Medina
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Medina offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmental milestones tracking and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development, with daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. The center serves Sullivan families with comprehensive safety protocols and nutritious meal programs.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Medina
Primrose School Franchising Company
Primrose School of Medina provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from educated teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, music, and foreign language exposure. The facility features secure keypad entry, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Staff maintain Ohio's highest licensing standards with ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes whole-child development through their exclusive Harmony & Heart® program and partners with parents through regular progress updates and family events.
Daycare Services:
Kiddie Academy of Medina
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising
Kiddie Academy of Medina implements their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character education, technology integration, and hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure access control, modern learning environments, and outdoor nature exploration areas. Their educated teaching staff maintains small class sizes and uses the Tadpoles® app for real-time parent communication. The academy emphasizes STEM learning, literacy development, and social skills through structured play and project-based activities. They provide nutritious meals and maintain comprehensive safety protocols including regular drills and health screenings.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sullivan, OH
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Sullivan, Ohio, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Sullivan, Ohio, all childcare centers and family childcare homes must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Key requirements include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool on the ODJFS website. This allows you to view inspection reports, any licensing violations, and the program's star rating under Ohio's Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) system. It's a crucial first step for any parent in the Sullivan area.
What is the typical cost range for full-time daycare in Sullivan, OH, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Sullivan and the surrounding Ashland County area, full-time daycare costs can vary. For an infant, you might expect to pay between **$700 to $950 per month**, while toddler care often ranges from **$650 to $850 per month**. These rates are generally lower than in larger Ohio cities but can depend on the facility's SUTQ star rating. For financial assistance, Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care** program helps eligible families. You apply through the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts or sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Sullivan, and what can I do to secure a spot for my infant?
Due to limited options in a smaller community like Sullivan, waitlists for infant care, in particular, can be significant. It's not uncommon for popular centers or highly-rated in-home providers to have waitlists of **6 to 12 months**. To secure a spot, start your search during pregnancy. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, even if you're only considering them. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75). Also, expand your search to nearby towns like Ashland or Wellington. Being flexible on your start date can sometimes move you up the list more quickly.
Are there any unique childcare options in Sullivan, such as nature-based or faith-based programs, compared to standard daycare centers?
Sullivan's rural setting offers some unique options. While large centers are limited, you may find **family childcare homes** that incorporate outdoor and nature-based learning, taking advantage of the local environment. There are also **faith-based preschool programs** often attached to local churches, which may offer part-day options for ages 3-5. For school-age children, the **Black River Local School District** may provide before-and-after-school care at the elementary level. Networking through local community groups or the Sullivan Town Hall can help you discover smaller, home-based providers that aren't always widely advertised online.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare in Sullivan, and are there any local red flags specific to this area?
During a tour, observe staff-child interactions, cleanliness, safety measures (covered outlets, secure fencing), and ask about their emergency plans for severe weather common in Ohio. Specifically in Sullivan's rural context, ask about their **transportation and field trip policies** if applicable, given the proximity to country roads. A local red flag would be a provider who is not familiar with or cannot show you their ODJFS license and latest inspection report. Also, inquire about their plan for staff shortages, as smaller communities can have challenges with substitute coverage. Trust your instincts on the overall environment and how your questions are answered.
Childcare Insights for Sullivan
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to know your child is safe, happy, and thriving. For parents in Sullivan, Ohio, searching for "daycare around me" means navigating a landscape that is uniquely shaped by our community's character—a blend of rural charm and convenient access to larger neighboring towns. This search, while sometimes daunting, can lead to wonderful partnerships with caregivers who become an extension of your family.
The first step in your search here in Sullivan is to define what "around me" truly means for your daily life. Given our location, your radius might reasonably extend into nearby communities like Lodi, Medina, or even Ashland, depending on your commute to work. Many families find that a slightly longer drive is worthwhile for a program that perfectly fits their child’s needs. Start by tapping into the most valuable resource we have: local word-of-mouth. Conversations at the Sullivan Park, the post office, or community events can yield heartfelt recommendations and honest insights that you won’t find online. The Sullivan community is tightly-knit, and parents are often eager to share their experiences.
Once you have a few names, it’s time to dig deeper. Any reputable daycare or home-based provider in Ohio should be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. You can verify this license online, which ensures the facility meets state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols. Don’t hesitate to ask providers about their experience, their daily schedule, and their philosophy on learning and play. In a smaller community like ours, many caregivers emphasize outdoor time, which is a fantastic benefit of our setting. Ask how they utilize their space and if they have plans for inclement weather, ensuring your child will be engaged rain or shine.
Scheduling a visit is non-negotiable. When you tour a potential daycare in the Sullivan area, trust your instincts. Observe how the caregivers interact with the children—are they down on the floor engaging, or are they distant? Notice if the children seem content and busy. A clean, organized, and cheerfully chaotic space is often a good sign. Be sure to ask about flexibility, especially given the varied work schedules of families in our area. Some home-based providers in particular may offer more adaptable hours than larger centers. Finally, consider the practicalities. What is the pickup and drop-off routine like? How do they handle communication with parents throughout the day? Many providers now use simple apps to share photos and updates, a lovely way to feel connected while you’re at work.
Remember, choosing childcare is about finding a place where your child will grow and where you feel confident and heard. The perfect fit for your family is out there, right here in our corner of Ohio. By combining community insights with your own careful observations, you can find a nurturing "home away from home" for your little one, making the phrase "daycare around me" a search that ends with peace of mind and a happy child.