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Child care center 

Fireflies Academy

5453 Hebbardsville Rd, Athens, OH 45701
open each week
5 days
a week, county median
$295
year first licensed
2024

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Fireflies Academy

Fireflies Academy is a licensed child care center in Athens, Ohio. The state has licensed it since May 31, 2024.

It is open Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM.

Ohio Department of Children and Youth made 4 visits in the last 3 years and cited 20 rules across 4 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio, teacher qualifications and whether it accepts child care subsidies.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Ask the daycare
Hours today
Closed today
Capacity
Not listed

Hours

Hours

Monday7:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Tuesday7:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Wednesday7:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Thursday7:45 AM to 5:15 PM
Friday7:45 AM to 5:15 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
From the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

Fireflies Academy has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Athens County has a median price of $295 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Athens County medians, full time, per week

Infant

Center$295
Home daycare$200

Toddler

Center$265
Home daycare$190

Preschool

Center$232
Home daycare$175

School age

Center$150
Home daycare$155

County median full-time prices at centers and home daycares, U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 (the latest year). Not this daycare's rates; prices have risen since.

State record

Inspection reports for Fireflies Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Licensed Child Care Center
First licensed
2024
License number
#2240029829
See the state's record

Summary

4 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jan 23, 2026: 9 rules cited

Rules cited on 4 of 4 visits · 20 rules in all

  • Staff training and qualifications 7
  • Health, medication and illness 4
  • Building, equipment and play areas 3
  • Safe sleep 2
  • Supervision and ratios 1
  • Records and paperwork 1
  • Safety and hazards 1
  • Background checks 1

For comparison: 93% of Ohio daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 13.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 4 visits
  1. Jan 23, 2026Inspection9 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      5180:2-12-20 Cots and Napping

      “During the inspection, it was determined that the area used when children rest, nap or sleep (The Wing) was not lighted sufficiently to allow child care staff visual supervision of the children at all times. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.”

      Corrected during the visit

    • Supervision and ratios

      5180:2-12-19 Supervision

      “During the inspection, it was determined that children were not being properly supervised as noted in number(s) 5 below: 1.Child(ren) were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member during indoor play.2.Child(ren) were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member during outdoor play.3.Child(ren) were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member more than once. 4. Staff were not physically present in the space and near enough to respond and reach the child(ren) immediately. 5.Other: Staff were not positioned in a way that they could see children napping in the crib area. Children must be supervised according to rule and within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member at all times. Provide staff training. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      5180:2-12-15 Medical / Physical Care Plans

      “In review of the children's records, it was determined that the JFS 01236 Child Medical/Physical Care Plan for Child Care did not meet the requirements of the rule as noted in number(s) 1 below:1. The JFS 01236 had not been updated as needed and at least annually.2. A separate JFS 01236 had not been used for each condition.3. The program used an old version of the JFS 01236.Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      5180:2-12-13 Sanitary Equipment and Environment

      “During the inspection, it was determined that the program was not providing a clean and healthy environment, furniture, materials and equipment as required by Appendix A, as noted in number(s) 3 below:1. Item(s) soiled with blood or bodily fluids were not cleaned/sanitized immediately. 2. Blankets/sheets were not cleaned weekly, when soiled, or before use by another child. 3. Children's individual belongings were stored in an unsanitary manner. 4. Bottles, bottle caps, nipples and other equipment used for bottle feeding were not cleaned and sanitized in a dishwasher or by washing, rinsing, and boiling for one minute.5. Carpets were not vacuumed weekly or cleaned when soiled.6. Changing table/pad was not sanitized after each use or cleaned when visibly soiled.7. Reusable cloths were not being washed daily or when visibly soiled.8. Cots/Pads/Mats were not cleaned and sanitized before assigning to a different child, when used by a sick child, when soiled or at least every three months.9. Cribs were not cleaned and sanitized monthly, or when soiled, or before use by another child.10. Diaper Receptables were not cleaned and sanitized daily or more frequently as needed to eliminate odor.11. Dishes/Cups/Silverware were not cleaned and sanitized after each use.12. Water Containers were not labeled with the child's name, or were not cleaned and sanitized before use again on another day.13. Dividers were not cleaned when visibly soiled.14. Dress up clothes and hats (dramatic play) were not cleaned monthly or when soiled.15. Floors were not cleaned weekly or when soiled.16. The food prep area, including sinks, were not cleaned before and after preparing food (including bottle preparation) or between preparing raw or cooked food.17. Potty chairs were not cleaned after each use, rinsed with water, cleaned and sanitized or contents were not emptied into a toilet.18. Food tables, highchair trays were not cleaned before and after each use.19. Tables used for play were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized daily.20. Toilet bowls were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized weekly.21. Toilet seat(s), handle(s) and hand washing sink(s) were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized daily.22. Mouthed toys were not cleaned and sanitized after each childs use.23. Toys, other than those mouthed by children, were not cleaned monthly or when visibly soiled.24. Washable furniture, including fabrics on infant equipment, were not cleaned weekly or when soiled.25. Upholstered furniture was not steam cleaned when soiled.26. Slip covers were not washed at least every six months or when soiled.27. Wastebaskets/rinse buckets, including lids, were not being emptied daily or cleaned and sanitized when visibly soiled.28. The manufacturers directions for the cleaning product were not followed.29. The solution used for sanitizing was not a commercial product registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a sanitizer.30. Other [ ]. Furniture, materials and equipment must be maintained according to the cleaning and sanitizing schedule in Appendix A to this rule. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.”

      Corrected during the visit

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5180:2-12-11 Outdoor Space Requirements

      “During the inspection, it was determined that quarterly inspections of one or more outdoor play area(s) and equipment had not been completed and documented as required, using the JFS 01281 Child Care Playground Inspection Report form. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5180:2-12-11 Outdoor Play Fall Zones

      “During the inspection, it was determined that the playground did not have adequate fall surface under and around equipment as noted in number(s) 1 below: 1. No fall surface (Hill side)2. Adequate fall surface to soften the impact of a fall3. Adequate fall surface to soften the impact of a fall that extended the length of the required fall zone 4. Other [ ] With any equipment designed for climbing, swinging, bouncing, or sliding, resilient material, as specified in Appendix A, needs to be added in order to protect children in the event of a fall. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes written verification of the discontinued use of this equipment until corrections are made along with a description of the resilient material added, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5180:2-12-10 Professional Development Requirements

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member did not meet the annual professional development requirement as noted in number(s) 1 below: 1. The child care staff member(s) had not completed at least six hours of professional development.2. Documentation did not demonstrate the person who provided the training met the trainer qualifications as stated in the rule. 3. Training topic did not meet the requirements listed in appendix A of this rule. 4. Documentation of training did not meet the requirements of this rule.5. The substitute(s) had been used more than ninety days annually between July first and June thirtieth and had not completed at least six hours of professional development 6. Other [ ].Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5180:2-12-10 Health Training Requirements

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member had not completed required health and safety training as noted in number(s) 2, 3 below:1. Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was not completed within sixty days of hire.2. First aid training was not completed within ninety days of hire.3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was not completed within ninety days of hire.4. The child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was expired.5. The first aid training was expired.6. The CPR training was expired.Refer to the Employee Record Chart for the name(s) of the child care staff member(s) who must complete the required health and safety training(s). Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      5180:2-12-08 Medical Statement

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in number(s) 1, 5 bc below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee;2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employees first day of employment;3. Date of examination was missing;4. Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing;5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR);6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b. Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d. Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
  2. Jan 27, 2025Inspection6 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      5180:2-12-20 Cots and Napping

      “During the inspection, it was determined that the areas used when children rest, nap or sleep (Front Room & Infants) was not lighted sufficiently to allow child care staff visual supervision of the children at all times. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Records and paperwork

      5180:2-12-15 Child Medical and Enrollment Records

      “In review of 25% of the children's records, it was determined that completed medical statements were not on file, as required, for children listed on the JFS Children's Record Review For Child Care as indicated in number(s) 7 & 9 below: 1. No medical was on file for at least one child 2. Medical(s) on file was not updated every 13 months 3. Medical(s) were missing child's name and date of birth 4. Medical(s) were missing the date of the medical examination 5. The date of the exam was more than 13 months prior to the date the form was signed. 6. Medical(s) were missing a statement that the child has been examined and is in suitable condition for participation in group care 7. Medical(s) were missing the signature, business address and telephone number of the physician, physician's assistant(PA), advance practice nurse (APN) or certified nurse practitioner (CNP) who examined the child 8. Medical(s) were missing a record of immunizations the child has had specifying month, day and year 9. Medical(s) were missing a statement from the physician, PA, APN, or CNP that the child has been immunized or is in the process of being immunized against the diseases required by division 5104.014 of the Revised Code and found in appendix A to this rule 10. Medical(s) were missing a statement from the childs parent or guardian that he or she has declined to have the child immunized against the disease for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions 11. Other [ ] Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5180:2-12-12 Safe Equipment

      “During the inspection, equipment was determined to be unsafe, hazardous to children, or in need of repair as noted in number(s) 10 below: 1. Manufacturer's guidelines for the [ ] were not followed in that [ ]. 2. The straps were missing on the [ ].3. The straps were attached, but were not used on the [ ]. 4. The straps were attached and were used, but were not used in a safe manner.5. The equipment had sharp points or corners.6. The equipment had splinters.7. The equipment had protruding nails.8. The equipment had loose or rusty parts.9. The equipment had paint which contains lead or other poisonous materials.10. The equipment had hazardous features in that a stool in the bathroom was cracked with s sharp edge exposed.11. A fan was unstable and could easily tip over. 12. A fan had openings a finger could enter.13. The pipes from the heat pump felt hot to the touch14. A space heater felt hot to the touch15. The position of a space heater was a tripping hazard16. The air conditioning unit was not enclosed and was accessible to children on the playground. 17. A ball pit, trampoline, inflatable bounce house, inflatable slide, or inflatable equipment used for climbing and bouncing was used. 18. Other [ ].Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Safety and hazards

      5180:2-12-12 Safe Environment

      “During the inspection, a potentially hazardous substance, which was determined to not present a serious risk to a child, was not used or stored properly as noted in number(s) 11 below: 1. Cosmetics were accessible to children in the [ ] area.2. Disinfecting wipes were accessible to children in the [ ] area.3. Fish food was accessible to children in the [ ] area.4. Hand lotion was accessible to children in the [ ] area.5. Hand sanitizer (for children under 24 months) was accessible to children in the [ ] area.6. Laundry detergent was accessible to children in the [ ] area.7. Powder dish washing soap was accessible to children in the [ ] area.8. Paint cans were accessible to children in the [ ] area.9. White out was accessible to children in the [ ] area.10. Potting Soil was accessible to children in the [ ] area.11. Other potentially hazardous substance Plug-in Air Freshener was accessible to children in the Hallway area.12. Cleaning/sanitizing supplies had not been clearly labeled.13. School-age children were using cleaning supplies, agents and/or equipment without adult supervision.14. A spray aerosol was used in the [ ] group while children were in attendance. 15. Other: [ ].Provide staff training. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5180:2-12-10 Health Training Requirements

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member had not completed required health and safety training as noted in number(s) 2, 4 below:1. Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was not completed within sixty days of hire.2. First aid training was not completed within ninety days of hire.3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was not completed within ninety days of hire.4. The child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was expired.5. The first aid training was expired.6. The CPR training was expired.Refer to the Employee Record Chart for the name(s) of the child care staff member(s) who must complete the required health and safety training(s). Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5180:2-12-08 Orientation Training & Whistle Blower Protection

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that child care staff member(s) did not meet the requirements for completing the online orientation training as noted in number(s) 1 below:1. The training was not completed within 30 days of starting employment at the program as a child care staff member.2. Documentation of completing the training after December 31, 2016 was not on file.3. Completion of the training was not verified in the OPR.4. A child care staff member had sole responsibility of children and had not completed the online orientation.Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
  3. Sep 24, 2024Inspection3 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5101:2-12-10 Health Training Requirements

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that at least one child care staff member had not completed required health and safety training as noted in number(s) 1 below:1. Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was not completed within sixty days of hire.2. First aid training was not completed within ninety days of hire.3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was not completed within ninety days of hire.4. The child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention training was expired.5. The first aid training was expired.6. The CPR training was expired.Refer to the Employee Record Chart for the name(s) of the child care staff member(s) who must complete the required health and safety training(s). Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Background checks

      5101:2-12-09 Background Check Requirements

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that background checks did not meet the requirements of the rule for the person(s) listed on the Employee Record Chart as noted in number(s) 4 below:1. The request for a background check for child care was not submitted in the OPR.2. The fingerprints were not submitted electronically according to the process established by BCI.3. The individual(s) had engaged in assigned duties or were near children and preliminary approval from ODJFS was not on file.4. Background checks were not updated every five years. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the JFS 01176, or a copy of the preliminary approval or a statement that the individual(s) are no longer engaged in assigned duties and are not near children until the preliminary approval has been received, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5101:2-12-07 Administrator Responsibilities / Requirements

      “During the inspection, it was determined employment records in the Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) were not created or maintained as noted in number(s) 5, 7 below: 1. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member (including substitutes) had not created a profile.2. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member had not created an employment record for the program on or before their first day of employment. 3. At least one administrator, employee or child care staff member had not updated changes to positions or roles within five calendar days of the change.4. The administrator had not assigned at least one employee or child care staff member to the program's organization dashboard. 5. At least one individual's schedule was not current.6. At least one individual's position or role did not include an applicable group assignment.7. At least one individual's employment had not been end dated.8. Other: [ ]Submit the program's corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
  4. May 14, 2024Visit2 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      5101:2-12-08 Child Care Staff Member Educational Requirements

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that verification of a high school education for the child care staff member(s) listed on the Employee Record Chart, did not meet the requirements as listed in number(s) 1 below: 1. Verification of completion of a high school education was not on file.2. Documentation was incomplete or not on file for a high school junior or senior who is enrolled in a career-technical program.3. Documentation was not on file for a high school junior or senior who is also enrolled in a college credit program in child development or early childhood education.4. Documentation was not on file for a high school junior or senior who is enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) training program.Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the education verification, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      5101:2-12-08 Medical Statement

      “In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in number(s) 1 below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee;2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employees first day of employment;3. Date of examination was missing;4. Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing;5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR);6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b. Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d. Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”

Copied from Ohio Department of Children and Youth on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Sep 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Fireflies Academy

Is Fireflies Academy licensed?

Yes. Ohio Department of Children and Youth lists it as licensed and operating, first licensed May 31, 2024.

When was Fireflies Academy last inspected?

Ohio Department of Children and Youth lists the most recent visit on January 23, 2026, with 9 rules cited. It lists 4 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Fireflies Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 20 rules across 4 of 4 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 93% of Ohio daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 13. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

What are Fireflies Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 5:15 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Fireflies Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (740) 233-2755 to ask.

What is Fireflies Academy's phone number?

(740) 233-2755.

Where is Fireflies Academy?

5453 Hebbardsville Rd, Athens, OH 45701. The nearest other daycare we list is Be The Light Early Learning Center, 1.5 miles away.

Sources: Ohio Department of Children and Youth (license and visits) · U.S. Department of Labor, 2022 (county prices).