The Best Daycare Centers in Tuscarawas, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tuscarawas. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tuscarawas
KinderCare Learning Center at New Philadelphia
KinderCare Education
This highly-rated KinderCare center serves the broader Tuscarawas County area with a comprehensive early childhood education program. They employ state-licensed teachers who implement a research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Their program includes phonics-based reading readiness, STEM activities, and regular parent communication through daily reports. The center is known for its structured learning environment combined with nurturing care, serving children from 6 weeks to 12 years old with flexible scheduling options.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Dover
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Tuscarawas, The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The school features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, low student-teacher ratios, and modern security systems including keypad entry. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and technology. The facility includes multiple playgrounds, indoor gym space, and dedicated learning centers. Parents praise the school's communication, cleanliness, and the developmental progress they see in their children.
Daycare Services:
Rainbow Connection Child Care Center
Independent
As a locally-owned and operated childcare center serving Tuscarawas County for nearly two decades, Rainbow Connection provides personalized care with a family-oriented approach. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through play-based activities, creative arts, and early literacy development. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with experienced, CPR-certified teachers who receive ongoing professional development. Safety features include secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. The facility offers nutritious meals and snacks, age-appropriate learning materials, and both indoor and outdoor play spaces. Parents consistently note the warm, nurturing environment and the center's strong community reputation.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tuscarawas, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Tuscarawas, Ohio?
In Tuscarawas County, the cost of full-time daycare can vary based on the type of provider and the child's age. For a licensed childcare center, you can expect to pay approximately $150 to $225 per week for an infant or toddler. In-home licensed family childcare homes are often slightly more affordable, ranging from $120 to $180 per week. These rates are generally lower than the state average for Ohio, reflecting the area's cost of living. It's important to ask what is included in the weekly fee, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Additionally, many providers in the area participate in the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Publicly Funded Child Care program, which can offer financial assistance to eligible families to help offset these costs.
How can I verify the licensing and inspection history of a daycare provider in Tuscarawas?
All childcare programs in Ohio must be licensed or certified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). To verify a provider's status and review their compliance history, you can use the online **Ohio Child Care Search** tool. This public database allows you to search for providers in Tuscarawas County by name, location, or type. For each listed program, you can view their current license status, capacity, age ranges served, and any cited violations from their most recent inspections. You can also contact the Tuscarawas County Department of Job and Family Services directly for assistance. We strongly recommend reviewing this information and even asking the provider for a copy of their latest inspection report during your visit.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Tuscarawas, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant care at highly-rated centers in Tuscarawas and nearby areas like New Philadelphia or Dover can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months. For toddler and preschool slots, wait times may be shorter, typically 1 to 4 months. It is highly advisable to begin your search and make inquiries as soon as you know you will need care, ideally 6 to 12 months before your desired start date for an infant. For other age groups, starting 3-6 months ahead is prudent. When contacting providers, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update parents on position, and if they offer priority for siblings of current enrollees.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Tuscarawas County?
Parents in Tuscarawas County have several options, each with different environments. The most common types are: 1. **Licensed Childcare Centers:** These are facility-based programs, often with multiple classrooms and staff. Examples include centers affiliated with churches, schools, or independent operators. 2. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** These are in-home programs run by a certified provider, typically offering a smaller, home-like setting for a mixed-age group of up to 6-12 children. 3. **Ohio Department of Education Licensed Preschools:** Often part of public school districts (like Indian Valley or New Philadelphia) or private preschools, these focus on educational preparation for children ages 3-5 and may offer part-day or full-day options. 4. **Legally Non-Licensed (In-Home) Providers:** These caregivers can watch 1-2 children unrelated to them. They are not inspected by the state but must pass a background check if receiving public funds. The mix provides choices between structured educational settings and more intimate, flexible home environments.
What local resources or organizations in Tuscarawas County can help me find and choose quality childcare?
Your primary local resource is the **Tuscarawas County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS)**. They can provide referrals to licensed providers and information on financial assistance programs. Additionally, **Bright Beginnings, a program of the Tuscarawas County Health Department**, offers support and resources for families with young children, including developmental screenings and parenting education. For a broader search, you can utilize the **Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA)** website or helpline, which serves the entire state, including Tuscarawas County. These organizations do not endorse specific providers but can give you the tools and checklist of quality indicators (like staff qualifications, safety practices, and learning activities) to make an informed decision.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Tuscarawas: