The Best Daycare Centers in Toledo, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Toledo. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Toledo
The Goddard School of Toledo
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Toledo offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. 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 individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention.
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Primrose School of Sylvania
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Sylvania delivers the Balanced Learning® approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated with music, art, and physical development. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated infant rooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education credentials and participate in continuous training. The school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols with regular communication to parents through the Primrose Schools app.
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Kiddie Academy of Perrysburg
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Perrysburg implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that promotes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development through hands-on learning experiences. Their program includes character education, technology integration, and literacy development. The academy features secure facilities with electronic entry systems, age-specific learning centers, and outdoor play spaces. Teachers receive comprehensive training in child development and curriculum implementation. The center emphasizes communication with parents through daily activity reports and regular parent-teacher conferences, while maintaining excellent staff-to-child ratios for optimal supervision and engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Toledo, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Toledo, Ohio, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Toledo, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $175 to $250 per week at a licensed center, while toddler care often ranges from $150 to $220 per week. Home-based daycare is generally more affordable, averaging $120 to $180 per week. Several local and state programs can help offset these costs. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) administers the publicly funded childcare program, which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income and need. Additionally, Toledo organizations like the YMCA of Greater Toledo and the United Way of Greater Toledo may offer resources or sliding-scale fee programs. It's highly recommended to contact the Lucas County Department of Job and Family Services directly to determine your eligibility for assistance.
How do I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Toledo is properly licensed and what should I look for during an in-person visit?
All childcare providers in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. When visiting a potential daycare in Toledo, go beyond the license and observe key factors: check for cleanliness and safety measures (secured outlets, safe sleep practices for infants, fenced outdoor areas), ask about staff-to-child ratios (Ohio mandates, for example, 1:4 for infants), and inquire about staff qualifications and turnover. Observe how caregivers interact with children—look for warmth and engagement. Ask about their curriculum for learning and play, their policies on illness and emergencies, and their parent communication methods. A reputable center will be transparent and welcome your questions.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Toledo, and how far in advance should I start my search?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant care slots at highly-rated centers in popular Toledo neighborhoods like Perrysburg, Sylvania, or downtown. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search **6 to 12 months** before you need the care to start. For toddler or preschool-age children, a lead time of 3 to 6 months is more typical but still recommended. The demand often exceeds supply for younger age groups. When contacting centers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if there's a fee to be placed on it. To improve your chances, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in your area, which may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are some of the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Toledo, and how do I decide which is right for my child?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. **Daycare Centers** (like those operated by KinderCare, The Goddard School, or local church-affiliated centers) are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, more children, and a structured curriculum. They often have more staff with specialized roles and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and large playgrounds. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes** are operated out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 6 children under age 13, with no more than 3 under age 2, unless an assistant is present). They offer a more home-like, flexible environment and can be more affordable. Your choice depends on your child's temperament and your family's needs. A child who thrives on routine and social interaction with many peers may do well in a center. A child who benefits from a quieter, family-style setting with consistent, primary caregivers might be better suited for a home daycare. Always ensure any option you consider is ODJFS-licensed.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment or specialized programs do Toledo daycares often offer for preschool-aged children?
Many Toledo daycare centers and preschools offer robust enrichment programs to prepare children for kindergarten. It's common to find curricula based on Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards. Specific enrichments often include: **STEM activities** (simple science experiments, building with blocks), **literacy programs** (daily reading, phonics awareness), and **physical education**. Given Toledo's strong arts community, some centers partner with local institutions like the Toledo Museum of Art or the Toledo Symphony for music and art exposure. You may also find programs offering introductory Spanish, yoga for kids, or gardening projects. Furthermore, centers affiliated with organizations like the YMCA often incorporate swim lessons (at their facilities) and character development into their programs. When touring, ask specifically about their "pre-K" curriculum and how they track and communicate developmental milestones.