The Best Daycare Centers in Westerville, OH
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Westerville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Westerville
Primrose School of Westerville
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Westerville operates as part of the nationally recognized Primrose Schools network with a proven Balanced Learning® curriculum that blends purposeful play with nurturing guidance. The school features state-licensed early childhood educators with specialized training in child development, secure entry systems with coded access, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on activities. The facility includes dedicated infant rooms with low child-to-teacher ratios, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, structured learning environment, and caring staff who provide detailed daily reports on child development.
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The Goddard School of Westerville
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Westerville offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum that promotes academic, social, and emotional development through play-based learning. The school employs degreed teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. Features include secure keypad entry, daily sanitization protocols, age-specific learning centers, and indoor gym facilities for active play. The program incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities, foreign language exposure, and yoga/mindfulness exercises. Parents highlight the school's excellent communication through daily reports and photos, the well-maintained facility, and the engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten.
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Kiddie Academy of Westerville
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Westerville provides educational child care through their proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, and school readiness skills. The academy features dedicated learning centers for different developmental stages, secure electronic entry systems, and comprehensive safety protocols including regular emergency drills. Their teaching staff includes early childhood professionals with ongoing training in developmentally appropriate practices. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, technology integration through age-appropriate tools, and community awareness projects. Facilities include multiple playgrounds with safety surfaces, dedicated nap rooms, and spacious classrooms with natural lighting. Parent reviews consistently mention the caring teaching staff, clean and organized environment, and the visible academic and social progress children make throughout their enrollment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Westerville, OH
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Westerville, Ohio?
In Westerville, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of center and the child's age. For infants (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers (18 months to 3 years), costs typically range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home daycare providers may offer slightly lower rates, generally between $800 and $1,200 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and location within the city. It's important to note that these are average estimates, and prices at highly sought-after centers near areas like Polaris or Old Westerville can be at the higher end. Many facilities also charge registration or supply fees annually.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and what are Ohio's key regulations for childcare centers?
All childcare providers in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). You can verify a Westerville provider's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history for free using the **Ohio Child Care Search** tool online. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), required background checks for all employees, and annual training in topics like first aid/CPR and child abuse prevention. Licensed centers in Westerville are also subject to unannounced health, safety, and program inspections. We recommend reviewing a center's latest inspection report, which notes any violations, as part of your evaluation process.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Westerville, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common, especially for infant rooms at highly-rated centers in Westerville. Due to high demand and limited infant slots (driven by strict state ratios), it is strongly advised to begin your search **6 to 12 months** before your needed start date. Some popular centers near major employers like OhioHealth or along the Cleveland Avenue corridor may have waitlists exceeding a year. When touring facilities, always ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is often non-refundable), and how frequently they update families on availability. Starting early provides the most options.
What resources are available in Westerville to help me find and compare local childcare options?
The primary local resource is **Action for Children**, the designated Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agency for Franklin County, which includes Westerville. Their free referral service can provide a customized list of licensed providers based on your zip code, schedule, and child's age. You can access this via their website or by phone. Additionally, the **Westerville Public Library** often has community information, and local parent groups on social media (like "Westerville Moms" on Facebook) are invaluable for personal recommendations and experiences. For financial assistance, you can inquire with Action for Children about Ohio's publicly funded childcare program eligibility.
What are some distinguishing features or programs offered by daycare centers in Westerville that I should look for?
Many Westerville daycare centers emphasize programs that align with the community's focus on education and outdoor activity. Look for centers that incorporate nature-based learning, taking advantage of local parks like Sharon Woods or the Hoover Reservoir. Several centers also offer specialized curricula like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or STEM-focused early learning. Given Westerville's excellent school district, many providers highlight kindergarten readiness programs with a focus on early literacy and social skills. Other features to seek include secure, technology-enabled check-in/out systems, live streaming video for parents (with privacy controls), and partnerships with local organizations for enrichment activities like music or yoga.