Best Daycares in Cleveland Metro

Browse all 1,181 licensed daycares in Cleveland Metro, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Cuyahoga County•Lake County•Geauga County•Portage County•Summit County

386
Gold SUTQ
33% of programs
87
Silver SUTQ
7% of programs
231
Bronze SUTQ
20% of programs
477
Not Rated
40% of programs
About childcare in Cleveland Metro
  • Cleveland Metro has 1,181 licensed child care providers, including 645 Child Care Centers and 284 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 191 School-based Preschools.
  • 704 providers (60%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 386 Gold, 87 Silver, 231 Bronze.
  • 945 providers (80%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Cleveland Metro have been licensed for an average of 12 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.
  • Cleveland Metro is part of the Cleveland Metro area.

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Bronze Rated

3MB Afterschool

Cleveland•18316 St. Clair Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Better Day Academy

Cleveland Heights•3128 Mayfield Rd

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 Kid'S Place Childcare

North Olmsted•30121 Lorain Rd

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
Bronze Rated

A To Z'S Nursery

Maple Heights•18600 Maple Hts Blvd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
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

Abc Kingdom Childcare Center

Garfield Heights•4501 E 131ST

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Abc Me Grow 2

Mentor•7260 Lakeshore Boulevard

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Abc Me Grow Academy

Eastlake•33212 Vine St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Cleveland Metro Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Cleveland Metro, 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 Metro?

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 Metro:

  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 1181 Licensed Daycares in Cleveland Metro