Corning, Junction City & New Lexington & Thornville, OH · Perry · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Corning, Junction City & New Lexington & Thornville, Ohio

Corning has a turbulent and historically significant past rooted in coal mining. Junction City earned its name from its location at the junction of two railroad lines, making it a historic transportation hub in Perry County. New Lexington sits at the heart of Ohio's Clay Belt, a region long defined by ceramic manufacturing—Ludowici Roof Tile has operated here since 1902, producing distinctive tiles for landmarks including Walt Disney World, Ellis Island, and the White House. We analyzed all 5 Ohio-licensed childcare centers across Corning, Junction City & New Lexington & Thornville, scoring each on 11 real dimensions from parent reviews. We scored each Ohio-licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

5Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.4/ 10

Strengths

  • HAPCAP (Hocking Athens Perry Community Action): all centers Ohio Step Up To Quality 5-star rated
  • Degreed teachers in all classrooms; highly qualified professional staff
  • Serves children ages 3-5 with full center-based and home-based service options
  • Classes five days per week 9:00am-2:55pm; comprehensive Head Start services including meals and health screenings
  • Federally funded tuition-free program for income-eligible families

Considerations

  • Preschool-age only (ages 3-5); no infant or toddler care
  • Small capacity center (29 children)
2
New Lexington Head Start
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
6.3/ 10

Strengths

  • Ohio 3-Star SUTQ-rated Head Start at 228 W Jefferson St; capacity 70; Perry County
  • Free preschool for income-eligible families ages 3-5; licensed since 2003
  • Medical and dental care, healthy meals, safe indoor and outdoor play environments

Considerations

    3
    Southern Local School District Kids On Campus
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    5.8/ 10

    Strengths

    • School-district operated before/after school care program at Southern Local School in Perry County
    • Ohio University Kids On Campus partnership providing educational support for rural students
    • School-site convenience for families in the Southern Local School District

    Considerations

    • Prior funding challenges noted; program continuity uncertain per public reports
    • School-age only program; SUTQ rating not confirmed
    4
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    5.7/ 10

    Strengths

    • Licensed by State of Ohio since 2013; infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, and before/after school
    • 94% recommendation rating from 15 Facebook reviews; family-focused flexible care
    • Full-time and part-time options; early 6am open to meet working parent needs

    Considerations

    • Employee reviews note higher turnover among younger staff
    5
    Little Lambs Learning Center
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    5.1/ 10

    Strengths

    • Licensed childcare center serving Junction City (Perry County) since 2010
    • Large facility -- capacity of 95 children with multiple age-group rooms
    • Serves infants through school-age; hours 6:00 am-6:00 pm Monday-Friday
    • PFCC vouchers accepted -- accessible to subsidy-eligible families
    • Located at 3860 State Route 37 W, Junction City

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: Not Rated -- no Ohio Step Up To Quality quality-tier designation
    • mgmt and culture scores reflect absence of public feedback
    No centers match this filter.

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    Recognition of Excellence · Corning, OH · 2026
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    This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews from major public review platforms and parenting communities. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically. Methodology & approach →  ·  Who We Are & Editorial Policy
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