Best Daycares in Cincinnati

Browse all 1,060 licensed daycares in Cincinnati, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Hamilton County•Clermont County•Butler County•Warren County

229
Gold SUTQ
22% of programs
94
Silver SUTQ
9% of programs
252
Bronze SUTQ
24% of programs
485
Not Rated
46% of programs
About childcare in Cincinnati
  • Cincinnati has 1,060 licensed child care providers, including 438 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 396 Child Care Centers and 111 School-based Preschools.
  • 575 providers (54%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 229 Gold, 94 Silver, 252 Bronze.
  • 872 providers (82%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Cincinnati have been licensed for an average of 10 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.

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Bronze Rated

"Becoming Me" Social And Emotional Learning Enrichment After-School Program

Cincinnati•2627 Park Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

24 Hour Child Care From The Heart

Cincinnati•6012 Roe St

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

3T Learning Academy

Cincinnati•1437 Regent Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

4 Legendary Kids LLC

Cincinnati•7390 Reading Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

4Mykidz Learning Academy 2.0

Cincinnati•10461 Pippin Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

5 Star Early Childhood Education Academy 1 LLC

Cincinnati•5920 Cheviot Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

5 Star Early Childhood Education Academy 2 LLC

Cincinnati•8264 Clara Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Better Child Care Corp

Cincinnati•6945 Harrison Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Break For Mom Daycare

Cincinnati•3870 Reading Rd Apt1

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

A Brighter Start Childcare

Cincinnati•2765 Blue Rock Rd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Child'S Garden

Cincinnati•5427 Julmar Drive

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

A Mother'S Luv Early Education Center

Cincinnati•3142 Reading Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

A Place 2 Grow Childcare

Cincinnati•897 W. North Bend Rd.

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Abbey'S Angel

Cincinnati•2243 Baltimore Ave.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Abc Daycare

Cincinnati•1861 Denham Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC

Common Questions About Cincinnati Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati?

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 Cincinnati:

  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 1060 Licensed Daycares in Cincinnati