BEST DAYCARE/ PRESCHOOL

WINNER: MANDEL JCC’S EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Mandel JCC’s Early Childhood Center offers programs for children ages 8 weeks old through pre-kindergarten in Beachwood. For more than 50 years, it has been committed to offering an exceptional child care and preschool curriculum and experience, as evident by its 5-Star Step Up To Quality designation from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ tiered quality ratings and improvements system. What makes up those stars are the teachers and staff who are passionate about early childhood education. They are lifelong learners who regularly participate in professional development and create an environment in each classroom that feels like home.

mandeljcc.org/earlychildhood/

RUNNERS-UP:

GODDARD SCHOOL

Caring and attentive teachers provide your child with countless opportunities to grow academically, socially, emotionally and physically in a safe and loving environment. These spaces have been designed to encourage discovery and spark imagination in everyday learning, exploring new subjects, developing lasting skills, and having fun while learning with their enrichment activities. This diverse range of supplemental programs provides your child with more ways to learn and grow. Multiple locations, goddardschool.com

THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

The Music Settlement provides accessible, life-enhancing music and arts experiences to people of all ages and abilities. Its Center for Music delivers first-class music instruction in a variety of musical styles in private lessons, ensembles, immersion programs, and performance opportunities. Its Center for Early Childhood is a top-rated, 5-Star “Step Up To Quality” program that uses music and the arts in preschool, kindergarten, and summer camps. Its Center for Music Therapy utilizes specially designed music-based interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. themusicsettlement.org

YMCA

The YMCA has always focused on meeting the social, emotional and academic needs of young learners so they can grow into the changemakers of tomorrow. The Y’s early learning, child care and out-of-school offerings are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the support parents and families need and the importance of maintaining a safe, clean environment for children to learn and thrive. At the Y, infants develop trust and security, preschoolers experience early literacy and learn about their world and school-age kids make friends, learn new skills and get help with their schoolwork. Multiple locations, ymca.org

BEST PLACE FOR KIDS’ SWIM LESSONS Winner: Goldfish Swim School

Learning how to swim is one of the most important lessons for your child. Starting early and getting comfortable with the water is easy in these water-focused facilities. The learn-to-swim classes are for ages 4 months to age 12. And, you don’t have to worry about waiting for summer. The pool is heated to 90 degrees for its small class sizes and flexible program options. Parents bond with their babies during the infant programs or attend programs for ages 3 and older, whether they are just getting comfortable in the water or a more experienced swimmer, whatever fits their needs. The school prides itself on safety and supervision to make it a fun and inviting learning experience. Also, attend family swim times or learn about having an indoor birthday party for your child. Multiple locations, goldfishswimschool.com

RUNNERS-UP:

MANDEL JCC

The Mandel JCC Aquatics in Beachwood provides options for learn-to-swim to master swimming programs. They provide learn-to-swim classes from infants (parent and child) to age 12. They have age-appropriate experiences that emphasize water safety, survival and foundational concepts. Kids can learn with their peers as they progress, whether they want to swim recreationally or eventually move to an advanced level to prepare them for a swim team. mandeljcc.org

YMCA

From basic floating to swim strokes, their classes have what you and your child needs. Infants and toddlers develop swim readiness and confidence building, while parents learn about water safety. As kids achieve basic swimming skills and benchmarks, they continue to learn the recommended skills for all to have around water including safe water habits, underwater exploration, and how to swim to safety and exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Multiple locations, ymca.org

✂BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S HAIR CUT WINNER: CUTS N CURLS

Haircuts can be fun for kids of all ages at Cuts N Curls for Boys & Girls. This totally unique hair salon, toy boutique, and party place is all wrapped up into one very neat package. Their well-trained stylists, special seats, toys, and kid-centric décor make the experience stress-free and enjoyable. cutsncurls.net

RUNNERS-UP:

GREAT CLIPS

Great Clips is a 100% franchised company with more than 4,400 hair salons across North America. They pride themselves on making it easy for customers to get a great haircut at a great price, at a time and place that’s convenient for them. Great Clips hair salons serve about two million customers weekly.

Great Clips services include: haircuts for men, women and children, and perms at select locations, along with other salon hair services. Great Clips hair salons are open seven days a week, including nights and weekends, so customers can get a haircut near them when they need it. Multiple locations, greatclips.com