Kindernest Cincinnati
3954 Spencer Ave, Cincinnati, OH
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The Goddard School Cincinnati Oh is a licensed child care center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The state has licensed it since July 9, 2008.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Ohio Department of Children and Youth made 6 visits in the last 3 years and cited 24 rules across 6 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Cost
The Goddard School Cincinnati Oh has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Hamilton County has a median price of $295 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
State record
6 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Feb 18, 2026: 6 rules cited
Rules cited on 6 of 6 visits · 24 rules in all
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
5180:2-12-22 Meal and Snack Requirements
“During the inspection, it was determined that a meal or snack at the program did not meet the requirements as noted in number(s) 5, 6, and 7 below:1. The breakfast served did not include foods from three of the four food groups.2. Snack served did not include foods from two of the four food groups.3. The meal did not provide 1/3 of the recommended daily dietary allowances as specified by the USDA.4. Juice used to meet the fruit or snack component was not 100% undiluted fruit or vegetable juice.5. The meal served did not include an item from the meat or meat alternative group.6. The meal served did not include an item from the bread or grain group.7. The meal served did not include two items from the fruit/vegetable group.8. The meal served did not include a vegetable (two fruits were served).9. The meal served did not include a serving of fluid milk.Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
5180:2-12-18 Ratio
“During the inspection, a ratio of 1 child care staff member(s) for 9 children was determined to have occurred for the infant group when the situation in number 1 below occurred:1. A child care staff member stepped out of the room and into the kitchenette.2.A child care staff member had not arrived at work on time.3.Children were present who were not scheduled to be there.4.A child care staff member was unable to work.5.A child was injured in that group.6.A child arrived in the group before a second staff member was scheduled to arrive with the group.7.Two groups were combined, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.8.A child was transitioning to the next older age group, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.9. Ratio was doubled for more than two hours while children were napping.10. Ratio was doubled while children were napping for a group that included at least one infant.11. Ratio was doubled while children were napping and there were not enough staff members in the building to meet staff/child ratio.12. Ratio was doubled in the school age group to allow access to the program, however, the program does not serve only school age children.13. Both child care staff members did not have a working communication device when one staff member left the group to allow access to the school age only program.14. The child care staff member did not return to the group after allowing access to the school age only program.15.Other [ ].Additional child care staff members must be hired or current child care staff members must be rescheduled to maintain compliance. 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.”
5180:2-12-13 Handwashing Requirements
“During the inspection, it was determined that handwashing requirements were not followed as listed in number 12 below, as required in rule.1. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands upon arrival for the day.2. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands prior to departure.3. At least one staff did not wash their hands upon entry into a classroom.4. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after toileting or assisting a child with toileting.5. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after each diaper change or pull-up change.6. At least one staff did not wash their hands after contact with bodily fluids or cleaning up spills or objects contaminated with bodily fluids.7. At least one child did not wash their hands after contact with bodily fluids.8. At least one child did not wash their hands after returning inside after outdoor play.9. At least one staff did not wash their hands after cleaning or sanitizing or using any chemical products.10. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after handling pets, pet cages or other pet objects that have come in contact with the pet.11. At least one staff did not wash their hands before eating, serving or preparing food or bottles or feeding a child.12. At least one child did not wash their hands before eating or assisting with food preparation.13. At least one staff did not wash their hands before and after completing a medical procedure or administering medication.14. At least one child did not wash their hands after water activities.15. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands when visibly soiled (must use soap and water).16. Other [ ]. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
5180:2-12-11 Outdoor Space Requirements
“During the inspection, it was determined that the outdoor play space was not free of trash or foreign objects as noted in number 15 below:1. The outdoor area was littered with trash.2. The trash can was missing a lid. 3. The trash can was not emptied from the day(s) before. 4. The trash can was overflowing with trash.5. The trash can was infested with insects.6. The trash can was visibly dirty.7. There was broken glass. 8. There were tall weeds. 9. There was poison ivy. 10. There were tree branches. 11. There was mold visible. 12. There were thistles with prickers. 13. There were bird droppings. 14. The sandbox was contaminated.15. Other: There were oversized holes that were a trip hazard.Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
5180:2-12-08 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 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.”
5180:2-12-07 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) 2 and 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.”
5180:2-12-18 Group Size
“During the inspection, group size limitations were not maintained for the group of toddlers as it was determined there were 17 children grouped together. The group size shall not exceed twice the maximum number of children allowed per Child Care Staff Member. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
5180:2-12-18 Ratio
“During the inspection, it was determined that multiple groups were not able to maintain ratio when the situation in number 4 below occurred:1. A child care staff member stepped out of the room.2.A child care staff member had not arrived at work on time.3.Children were present who were not scheduled to be there.4.A child care staff member was unable to work.5.A child was injured in that group.6.A child arrived in the group before a second staff member was scheduled to arrive with the group.7.Two groups were combined, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.8.A child was transitioning to the next older age group, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.9. Ratio was doubled for more than two hours while children were napping.10. Ratio was doubled while children were napping for a group that included at least one infant.11. Ratio was doubled while children were napping and there were not enough staff members in the building to meet staff/child ratio.12. Ratio was doubled in the school age group to allow access to the program, however, the program does not serve only school age children.13. Both child care staff members did not have a working communication device when one staff member left the group to allow access to the school age only program.14. The child care staff member did not return to the group after allowing access to the school age only program.15.Other [ ].Additional child care staff members must be hired or current child care staff members must be rescheduled to maintain compliance. 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.”
5180:2-12-18 Ratio
“During the inspection, a ratio of 2 child care staff member(s) for 17 children was determined to have occurred for the toddler group when the situation in number 4 below occurred:1. A child care staff member stepped out of the room.2.A child care staff member had not arrived at work on time.3.Children were present who were not scheduled to be there.4.A child care staff member was unable to work.5.A child was injured in that group.6.A child arrived in the group before a second staff member was scheduled to arrive with the group.7.Two groups were combined, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.8.A child was transitioning to the next older age group, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.9. Ratio was doubled for more than two hours while children were napping.10. Ratio was doubled while children were napping for a group that included at least one infant.11. Ratio was doubled while children were napping and there were not enough staff members in the building to meet staff/child ratio.12. Ratio was doubled in the school age group to allow access to the program, however, the program does not serve only school age children.13. Both child care staff members did not have a working communication device when one staff member left the group to allow access to the school age only program.14. The child care staff member did not return to the group after allowing access to the school age only program.15.Other [ ].Additional child care staff members must be hired or current child care staff members must be rescheduled to maintain compliance. 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.”
5180:2-12-18 Group Size
“During the inspection, group size limitations were not maintained for the group of toddler aged children as it was determined there were 17 children grouped together. The group size shall not exceed twice the maximum number of children allowed per Child Care Staff Member. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
5180:2-12-19 Child Guidance and Behavior Management
“During the inspection, it was determined that a Child Care Staff Member had used the inappropriate techniques in number 1 below when managing unacceptable behavior in children:1. Utilize cruel, harsh, unusual, or extreme techniques; 2. Utilize any form of corporal punishment;3. Delegate children to manage or discipline other children;4. Use physical restraints on a child;5. Restrain a child by prone restraint or any means other than holding children for a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so that the children may regain control;6. Place children in a locked room or confine children in any enclosed area;7. Confine children to equipment such as cribs or highchairs;8. Humiliate, threaten or frighten children; 9. Subject children to profane language or verbal abuse; 10. Make derogatory or sarcastic remarks about children or their families;11. Punish children for failure to eat or sleep or for toileting accidents;12. Withhold any food (including snacks and treats), rest or toilet use;13. Punish an entire group of children due to the unacceptable behavior of one or a few;14. Isolate and restrict children from all activities for an extended period of time. Child Care Staff Members and other employees must always use appropriate guidance and management methods with children. 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.”
5180:2-12-22 Meal and Snack Requirements
“During the inspection, it was determined that a meal or snack at the program did not meet the requirements as noted in number(s) 5, 6, and 7 below:1. The breakfast served did not include foods from three of the four food groups.2. Snack served did not include foods from two of the four food groups.3. The meal did not provide 1/3 of the recommended daily dietary allowances as specified by the USDA.4. Juice used to meet the fruit or snack component was not 100% undiluted fruit or vegetable juice.5. The meal served did not include an item from the meat or meat alternative group.6. The meal served did not include an item from the bread or grain group.7. The meal served did not include two items from the fruit/vegetable group.8. The meal served did not include a vegetable (two fruits were served).9. The meal served did not include a serving of fluid milk.Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
5180:2-12-20 Cribs
“During the inspection, it was determined that cribs were not two feet apart when in use, as required by 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
5180:2-12-19 Supervision
“During the inspection, it was determined that children were not being properly supervised as noted in number 4 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: [ ]. 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.”
5180:2-12-18 Ratio
“During the inspection, a ratio of 1 child care staff member(s) for 9 children was determined to have occurred for the young toddler group when the situation in number 2 below occurred:1. A child care staff member stepped out of the room.2.A child care staff member had not arrived at work.3.Children were present who were not scheduled to be there.4.A child care staff member was unable to work.5.A child was injured in that group.6.A child arrived in the group before a second staff member was scheduled to arrive with the group.7.Two groups were combined, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.8.A child was transitioning to the next older age group, and the program did not follow the ratio for the youngest child in the group.9. Ratio was doubled for more than two hours while children were napping.10. Ratio was doubled while children were napping for a group that included at least one infant.11. Ratio was doubled while children were napping and there were not enough staff members in the building to meet staff/child ratio.12. Ratio was doubled in the school age group to allow access to the program, however, the program does not serve only school age children.13. Both child care staff members did not have a working communication device when one staff member left the group to allow access to the school age only program.14. The child care staff member did not return to the group after allowing access to the school age only program.15.Other [ ].Additional child care staff members must be hired or current child care staff members must be rescheduled to maintain compliance. 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.”
5180:2-12-13 Handwashing Requirements
“During the inspection, it was determined that handwashing requirements were not followed as listed in number 1 below, as required in rule.1. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands upon arrival for the day.2. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands prior to departure.3. At least one staff did not wash their hands upon entry into a classroom.4. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after toileting or assisting a child with toileting.5. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after each diaper change or pull-up change.6. At least one staff did not wash their hands after contact with bodily fluids or cleaning up spills or objects contaminated with bodily fluids.7. At least one child did not wash their hands after contact with bodily fluids.8. At least one child did not wash their hands after returning inside after outdoor play.9. At least one staff did not wash their hands after cleaning or sanitizing or using any chemical products.10. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands after handling pets, pet cages or other pet objects that have come in contact with the pet.11. At least one staff did not wash their hands before eating, serving or preparing food or bottles or feeding a child.12. At least one child did not wash their hands before eating or assisting with food preparation.13. At least one staff did not wash their hands before and after completing a medical procedure or administering medication.14. At least one child did not wash their hands after water activities.15. At least one staff/child did not wash their hands when visibly soiled (must use soap and water).16. Other [ ]. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
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 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.”
5101:2-12-23 Infant Daily Care
“During the inspection, it was determined that the programs infant daily care did not meet the requirements of this rule as noted in number 4 below:1. Infants could not safely and comfortably sit, crawl, toddle, or walk and play according to the infants stage of development.2.Infants were not removed from the crib, swing, infant seat, exercise seat or other equipment throughout the day for individual attention.3.Each non-crawling infant was not provided the opportunity for tummy time, outside of their crib, each day.4.Other: All infants were being put to sleep at the same time, the infant's sleep schedules per the parent and the infant were not being followed. For example, a baby that was not sleepy was put down for a morning nap.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.”
5101:2-12-22 Fluid Milk Requirements
“During the inspection, it was determined that required documentation for substitutions for fluid milk was not on file as noted in number(s) 2 and 3 below:1. Written instructions from a licensed physician, physicians assistant, or certified nurse practitioner when infants up to 12 months of age are served anything other than formula or breast milk.2. Written instructions from a licensed physician, physicians assistant, or certified nurse practitioner when infants and toddlers 12 months of age up to 24 months of age are served anything other than unflavored whole homogenized vitamin D fortified cow's milk, breast milk, or non-cow milk substitution that is nutritionally equivalent to milk.3. Written instructions from a licensed physician, physicians assistant, or certified nurse practitioner when toddlers and children 24 months of age and older are served anything other than unflavored one per cent milk that is vitamin A and D fortified, unflavored fat free or skim milk that is vitamin A and D fortified, or non-cow milk substitutions that are nutritionally equivalent to milk.4. Written parental consent for non-cow milk substitutions that are nutritionally equivalent to milk for children 12 months of age and older.5. The program did not have the type of milk on-site to ensure that all children were served age-appropriate fluid milk. 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
5101:2-12-22 Safe Food Handling / Storage
“During the inspection it was determined that utensils and/or dishes were not provided in the toddler group in that no spoons were provided. 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
5101:2-12-20 Cribs
“During the inspection, it was determined that cribs were not two feet apart when in use, as required by 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
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) 3 and 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.”
5101:2-12-10 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 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.”
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 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.”
5101:2-12-20 Cribs
“During the inspection, it was determined that the equipment in number 6 below had been used for sleeping infants and did not allow the infant to sleep on a firm mattress: 1. Mesh cribs;2. Play pens;3. Bassinets;4. Cots;5. Car seats;6. Infant swing;7. The floor;8. Infant seats;9. An infant placed in a car seat in a crib; 10. Other [ ]. Infants must be provided with a crib, which meets requirements specified in this rule, for resting and sleeping. Provide staff training. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a statement that staff training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.”
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3954 Spencer Ave, Cincinnati, OH
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Cincinnati, OH 45227 · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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FAQ
Yes. Ohio Department of Children and Youth lists it as licensed and operating, first licensed July 9, 2008.
Ohio Department of Children and Youth lists the most recent visit on February 18, 2026, with 6 rules cited. It lists 6 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 24 rules across 6 of 6 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.
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (513) 271-6311 to ask.
(513) 271-6311.
4430 Red Bank Expressway, Cincinnati, OH 45227. The nearest other daycare we list is Costars Early Education Center Madisonville, 0.1 miles away.