Earned the highest safety score in Akron. Our safety dimension weighs inspection history, deficiency records, and parent-reported safety culture across reviews.
Full Ranking Detail
childcare
Firestone Park YMCA / Hatton CLC is a SUTQ Gold-rated (5-star Ohio Step Up to Quality) program operated by Akron Area YMCA, one of the region's largest childcare providers. The center offers before and after school care for Akron Public Schools students, with before care beginning at 6:30 AM and after care ending at 6 PM at the Hatton school site or the Firestone Park branch. Enrolled families receive a free YMCA membership (for 3+ day/week enrollment), sliding-scale tuition assistance, and access to a secure facility with cameras, peanut-free policies, catered meals, and Praesidium child-safety partnerships; staff maintain current CPR/First Aid certification and complete 20 hours of professional development biannually. The program operates on a school-year calendar and may not accommodate families requiring extended evening or summer care.
Safety8.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music7.0
Kindergarten readiness7.0
Teacher quality8.0
Compassion7.0
Management8.0
Culture7.0
Extracurriculars7.0
Programs & curriculum
Programs & activities: Before and after school care for Akron Public Schools students. Offers Fun Days with a multitude of activities when school is not in session.
What sets it apart: Operated by Akron Area YMCA. Before care starts 6:30 AM; after care until 6:00 PM at the branch or 2:30-6 PM at schools. Tuition: before care $75/week, after care $85/week, combined $110/week, plus $40 non-refundable registration fee per child. YMCA members get reduced rates. Accepts publicly funded child care.
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Best for Safety
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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
