Best Daycares in Cleveland

Browse all 460 licensed daycares in Cleveland, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Cuyahoga County

174
Gold SUTQ
38% of programs
39
Silver SUTQ
8% of programs
114
Bronze SUTQ
25% of programs
133
Not Rated
29% of programs
About childcare in Cleveland
  • Cleveland has 460 licensed child care providers, including 207 Child Care Centers and 154 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 75 School-based Preschools.
  • 327 providers (71%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 174 Gold, 39 Silver, 114 Bronze.
  • 432 providers (94%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Cleveland have been licensed for an average of 10 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.

Updating results...

Only locations with address coordinates appear on the map.

Loading map…
Bronze Rated

3MB Afterschool

Cleveland•18316 St. Clair Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Bright Start 4 Kidz Learning Ctr

Cleveland•8211 Platt

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

A Jubilee Academy

Cleveland•15751 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Loving Touch

Cleveland•3551 E 138TH Street

Registered Day Camp or Approved Day Camp
Silver Rated

A Mother'S Love Family Child Care

Cleveland•4573 West145th Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

A Step Above 2 INC

Cleveland•3728 Pearl Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Step Above Daycare Academy

Cleveland•10320 Lorain Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

A Wonderland Learning Adventure L.l.c

Cleveland•648 East 185TH Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Young Mind Childcare Center

Cleveland•3810 Lee Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Abuela Ri'S Child Care

Cleveland•2617 East 40TH

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Academy Of St Bartholomew

Cleveland•14875 Bagley Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Adiba Awawada

Cleveland•7491 Pleasant Hill Dr

Certified In Home AidePFCC
Gold Rated

Adlai Stevenson School

Cleveland•18300 Woda

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Silver Rated

Adventure And Grow

Cleveland•866 Alhambra Rd.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Alba'S Daycare

Cleveland•3716 Woodbridge Avenue

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC

Common Questions About Cleveland Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland:

  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 460 Licensed Daycares in Cleveland