Best Daycares in Ashland

Browse all 16 licensed daycares in Ashland, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Ashland County

5
Gold SUTQ
31% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
6% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
13% of programs
8
Not Rated
50% of programs
About childcare in Ashland
  • Ashland has 16 licensed child care providers, including 9 Child Care Centers and 7 School-based Preschools.
  • 8 providers (50%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 5 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze.
  • 4 providers (25%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Ashland have been licensed for an average of 15 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1985.

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Not Rated

Ashland Christian

Ashland•1144 W Main St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Ashland Head Start Center

Ashland•527 E. Liberty St

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Ashland Montessori School

Ashland•1515 Mifflin Avenue

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Ashland West Head Start

Ashland•1797 Seddon Court

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Crestview Elementary School

Ashland•1575 State Route 96

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Heartland Technical Education Center

Ashland•1783 State Route 60

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Milestones Learning Center Of Ashland

Ashland•1489 Mifflin Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Park Street Brethren Church Preschool

Ashland•619 Park St

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Reagan Elementary School

Ashland•850 Jackson Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

St Edward

Ashland•433 Cottage St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Learning Zone

Ashland•527 E Liberty St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Trinity Lutheran Good Shepherd Preschool

Ashland•508 Center St

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Ashland Child Care

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

Does a "Not Rated" SUTQ status mean a daycare in Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland, Ohio?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply. In Ashland, 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 Ashland?

Before committing to a provider in Ashland, 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 Ashland?

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 Ashland:

  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.

All 16 Licensed Daycares in Ashland