Best Daycares in Athens

Browse all 13 licensed daycares in Athens, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Athens County

5
Gold SUTQ
38% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
8% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
15% of programs
5
Not Rated
38% of programs
About childcare in Athens
  • Athens has 13 licensed child care providers, including 9 Child Care Centers and 3 School-based Preschools and 1 Type B Family Child Care Home.
  • 8 providers (62%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 5 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze.
  • 6 providers (46%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Athens have been licensed for an average of 13 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1997.

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Bronze Rated

Athens Community Center

Athens•701 E State Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Athens Head Start

Athens•507 Richland Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Be The Light Early Learning Center

Athens•9111 West Bentbrook Lane

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Beacon School

Athens•801 W Union St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Blooming View Montessori Academy

Athens•215 Columbus Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Douglas, Karen

Athens•15700 McAfee Rd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

East Elementary School

Athens•3 Wallace Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Fireflies Academy

Athens•5453 Hebbardsville Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Morrison Gordon Elementary School

Athens•793 W Union St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Stages Early Learning Center, Ltd

Athens•817C West Union St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

The Growing Tree Preschool

Athens•2 S College St

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Athens Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Athens, 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 Athens?

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 Athens:

  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.