The Best Daycare Centers in Sunbury, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sunbury. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sunbury
The Learning Experience - Westerville
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Westerville serves the Sunbury area with a comprehensive early education curriculum featuring proprietary programs like L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program). The center emphasizes cognitive, physical, and social development through structured play-based learning. Features include state-certified teachers, low student-to-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and modern facilities with age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum includes foreign language exposure, philanthropy lessons, and technology integration. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers nutritious meal programs with flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Kiddie Academy of Westerville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Westerville provides high-quality educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that balances academic preparation with character development. The center features degreed and certified early childhood educators, secure keypad entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols. Their program includes STEM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility offers spacious classrooms, outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate learning materials. Parents praise the consistent communication, experienced staff, and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten success while maintaining a nurturing environment.
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Bright Horizons at Polaris
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Polaris serves the greater Sunbury area with their World at Their Fingers® curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmental milestones. The center features highly qualified teachers with bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, maintained low child-to-teacher ratios, and comprehensive security systems including electronic check-in. Their approach balances structured learning with creative exploration through learning centers, outdoor classrooms, and technology integration. The center is known for its strong parent partnership model, regular developmental assessments, and focus on school readiness. Additional services include enrichment programs and flexible care options for diverse family needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sunbury, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Sunbury, Ohio?
In Sunbury and the surrounding Delaware County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed childcare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,100 to $1,400 per month for infant care. Toddler care typically ranges from $950 to $1,200 per month. Home-based daycare providers (Type A or Type B homes licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services) often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 to $1,100 monthly. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can be influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and included amenities (e.g., meals, diapers). We recommend contacting providers directly for the most current pricing and inquiring about any potential multi-child discounts.
How do I verify a daycare or preschool in Sunbury is properly licensed and check its compliance history?
All childcare programs in Ohio, including those in Sunbury, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license and review its inspection history online through the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. This public database allows you to search by provider name, location, or county (Delaware County). It will show the license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any cited non-compliance issues from state inspections over the past few years. You can also call the ODJFS Office for Family Assistance for assistance. Always ask a provider for their license number and cross-reference it online to ensure they are in good standing.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Sunbury, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Due to Sunbury's growth as a suburban community, high-quality daycare centers, especially for infants, often have waitlists. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months for infant rooms. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists **during pregnancy**, ideally by the second trimester. For toddler or preschool openings, a lead time of 3-6 months is more common but still recommended. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should you check in? Is the list prioritized for siblings? Exploring options in nearby communities like Galena, Westerville, or Delaware can also increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What types of childcare options are available specifically within the Sunbury city limits?
Sunbury offers a mix of childcare options to fit different family needs. Within the city, you will find: * **Licensed Childcare Centers:** These are formal facilities, often offering structured curricula for various age groups. * **Licensed Family Childcare Homes (Type A & B):** In-home providers offering a smaller, home-like setting, which can be ideal for infants and young toddlers. * **Preschool Programs:** Often attached to churches, community centers, or private schools, these typically serve children ages 3-5 and may offer part-day or full-day options. * **School-Age Care:** Provided by the **Big Walnut Local School District** for before- and after-school care, as well as summer camps for school-aged children. Due to Sunbury's smaller size, many families also consider providers in the immediately surrounding townships and neighboring communities for a wider selection.
Does the State of Ohio or local organizations in Delaware County offer any financial assistance for childcare costs?
Yes, there are programs that can help eligible families. The primary resource is Ohio's **Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC)** program, administered by ODJFS. This program provides subsidies to income-eligible families to help pay for care at licensed providers. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work/training requirements. You can apply online via the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or through the Delaware County Department of Job and Family Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees or scholarships—it's always worth asking. The **Action for Children** agency, which serves Central Ohio including Delaware County, is also a valuable resource for referrals and guidance on navigating assistance programs.