Best Daycares in Amherst

Browse all 8 licensed daycares in Amherst, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Lorain County

3
Gold SUTQ
38% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
13% of programs
1
Bronze SUTQ
13% of programs
3
Not Rated
38% of programs
About childcare in Amherst
  • Amherst has 8 licensed child care providers, including 5 Child Care Centers and 2 School-based Preschools and 1 Type B Family Child Care Home.
  • 5 providers (63%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze.
  • 4 providers (50%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Amherst have been licensed for an average of 19 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1979.

Updating results...

Only locations with address coordinates appear on the map.

Loading map…
Gold Rated

Brilliant Start Academy

Amherst•901 Liberty Bell Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Cazeau, Lindsey

Amherst•50187 Telegraph Rd.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Silver Rated

Childtime Learning Center

Amherst•7684 Leavitt Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Country Day School, Inc.

Amherst•45960 North Ridge Rd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Powers Elementary School

Amherst•393 S Lake St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Saint Paul Lutheran Preschool

Amherst•115 Central Drive

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

St Joseph

Amherst•175 Saint Joseph Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

St Peter'S United Church Of Christ Preschool

Amherst•582 Church St

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Amherst Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Amherst, Ohio.

Does a "Not Rated" SUTQ status mean a daycare in Amherst is low quality?

No. “Not Rated” means the provider has not enrolled in Ohio's voluntary Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) program — it does not indicate a safety concern, a licensing problem, or substandard care.

Every provider listed in Amherst already complies with Ohio's mandatory baseline licensing requirements: background checks for all staff, health and safety inspections, required staff-to-child ratios, and annual continuing education.

When evaluating a “Not Rated” provider, review their inspection history on Ohio's Child Care Search, visit in person, and ask about staff qualifications and curriculum.

Source: Ohio Administrative Code 5101:2-17-01 (PDF)

How do I find infant care in Amherst, Ohio?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply. In Amherst, starting your search several months early is strongly recommended.

When you contact a provider, ask specifically:

  • Do you have openings in the infant room for a child under 12 months?
  • What is your infant-to-caregiver ratio? (Ohio licensing requires a maximum of 1:5 for licensed centers)
  • How do you ensure safe sleep? (Babies on their backs, firm surface, no loose bedding)
  • Are feeding and nap schedules based on each baby's individual needs? (On-demand is best practice)
  • Is there a waitlist? How far in advance should I apply?

Source: Ohio Revised Code 5104.033 | Child Care Aware of America — Short Notice Checklist

What should I ask when I visit or call a daycare in Amherst?

Before committing to a provider in Amherst, cover these questions by phone or in person:

Logistics first

  • Do you have space for my child starting on [date]?
  • What are your rates and fees? Do you accept Ohio's PFCC subsidy?
  • What are your hours, holiday closures, and inclement weather policies?

Licensing and safety

  • Is your license current? When was your most recent inspection — were any concerns found?
  • Do all adults complete background checks before spending time with children?
  • Are providers certified in CPR and First Aid?

Quality and daily life

  • What would a typical day look like for my child?
  • How do you handle guidance and discipline at my child's age?
  • What is your screen time policy?

See the full checklist on our FAQ page →

What if I can't find openings in Amherst?

Ohio Parent Hub does not collect real-time seat availability — openings must be confirmed directly with each provider. If you're not finding what you need in Amherst:

  1. Browse the county — View all providers in the surrounding county to find programs in nearby communities
  2. Call, don't email — A direct call is faster and signals genuine interest to providers with informal waitlists
  3. Ask about waitlists — Many high-quality centers maintain them; getting on one early is often the best long-term strategy, especially for infants
  4. Ask about PFCC — Providers accepting Ohio's subsidy are marked on listings and can broaden your affordable options significantly

More questions? Visit our full FAQ page.