The Best Daycare Centers in Summit Station, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Summit Station. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Summit Station
Kiddie Academy of Hebron
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Hebron provides comprehensive educational childcare with their proprietary 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 live streaming capabilities for parent monitoring. Their facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, indoor gross motor play area, and structured learning centers. They emphasize developmentally appropriate practices with low student-teacher ratios and maintain excellent communication with parents through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Heath
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Heath offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that balances academic preparation with social development. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in education, comprehensive safety protocols including secured access, and modern facilities with SMART Board technology. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The school maintains small class sizes and provides regular developmental assessments with detailed progress reports for parents.
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Primrose School of Newark
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Newark operates with the Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on building independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences. The facility features secure environments with coded entry systems, dedicated age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. Their staff includes early childhood professionals with ongoing training requirements, and they maintain strong parent partnerships through regular communication, family events, and detailed daily reports on child development and activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Summit Station, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Summit Station, Ohio?
In Summit Station and the surrounding Licking County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay between $180 to $250 per week for an infant or toddler. Home-based daycare providers (licensed Type B homes in Ohio) are often slightly more affordable, typically ranging from $140 to $200 per week. These costs are generally lower than in major Ohio metro areas like Columbus but are consistent with rural/small-town Ohio. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly rate, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, Ohio offers assistance through the Publicly Funded Child Care program for eligible families, which can be applied for through the Licking County Department of Job and Family Services.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Summit Station is properly licensed and has a good compliance record?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Summit Station, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review their inspection history, including any citations, through the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. Simply enter the provider's name or zip code (43073 for Summit Station) to access their licensing type, capacity, and compliance reports. It's also highly recommended to visit the facility in person, ask the director for their most recent inspection report, and check for their license certificate posted visibly on-site. You can contact the ODJFS Office for Licking County with specific questions about a provider's standing.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Summit Station, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to limited options in a smaller community like Summit Station, waitlists are common, especially for infant care slots which have stricter staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, and if you are expecting, to get on lists during your second trimester. Popular local centers and highly-regarded home providers often have the longest waitlists. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be placed on it, and how often they update families on their position. Being flexible with your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot sooner.
What are the main options for childcare in Summit Station, given it's a smaller community?
Parents in Summit Station typically have three main options: 1) **Licensed Childcare Centers**: There are a few centers within a short driving distance in neighboring towns like Hebron or Newark. 2) **Licensed Family Childcare Homes (Type B)**: These are home-based providers licensed for up to 6 children (or up to 12 with an assistant) within the community itself, offering a more home-like setting. 3) **In-Home Care (Nanny/Au Pair)**: This is a less common but viable option, where you hire someone to care for your child in your own home. Due to Summit Station's rural location, many families also form small, trusted networks for shared nanny arrangements or cooperative preschools. Checking local community boards, Facebook groups (e.g., "Summit Station Community"), and referrals from other parents are key to finding all available options.
What unique factors related to Summit Station's location should I consider when choosing a daycare?
Summit Station's semi-rural location presents specific considerations. First, **transportation and commute**: Many providers may not be within walking distance, so assess the drive time to potential daycares, especially if they are in Hebron or along Route 79. Consider their policies during inclement weather, which can impact rural roads. Second, **program focus**: Some local providers may incorporate nature-based or agricultural learning opportunities, which can be a great benefit. Third, **availability of backup care**: With fewer centers nearby, having a backup plan for when your provider is closed or your child is sick is crucial. Finally, check if the facility has secure outdoor play areas that are appropriate for a community with more open space and potential wildlife.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Summit Station: