Best Daycares in Columbus Metro

Browse all 1,284 licensed daycares in Columbus Metro, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Franklin County•Licking County•Fairfield County•Union County•Delaware County

308
Gold SUTQ
24% of programs
67
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
348
Bronze SUTQ
27% of programs
561
Not Rated
44% of programs
About childcare in Columbus Metro
  • Columbus Metro has 1,284 licensed child care providers, including 830 Child Care Centers and 207 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 161 School-based Preschools.
  • 723 providers (56%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 308 Gold, 67 Silver, 348 Bronze.
  • 876 providers (68%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Columbus Metro have been licensed for an average of 12 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.
  • Columbus Metro is part of the Columbus Metro area.

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Bronze Rated

1ST Choice Child Care

Columbus•4303 Cleveland Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

325 Childcare Center

Pataskala•325 West Broad Street.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Better Choice Childcare

Columbus•2572 Cleveland

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

A Better Choice Daycare & Learning Center

Columbus•2960 E. Dublin Granville Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Blessed Child Learning Academy

Columbus•3870 E. Livingston Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Child'S Journey Learning Center

Whitehall•846 S. Yearling Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

A Child'S Place Learning Center

Reynoldsburg•2010 Officeview Place

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Childs World

Canal Winchester•6140 Barclay Ct

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

A Free Mind Learning LLC

Reynoldsburg•7287 Candlestone Dr

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

A Grandmothers Love Child Care

Columbus•3333 Westerville Woods Dr

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

A Joyful Journey Academy

Columbus•1536 Barnett Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Little Piece Of Heaven Learning Center LLC

Columbus•771 Harrisburg Pike

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Love For Children, LLC

Columbus•4656 Heaton Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Place To Grow Academy

Dublin•6760 Discovery Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Step In The Right Direction Literacy Learning Center

Columbus•5817 Beechcroft Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Columbus Metro Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 1284 Licensed Daycares in Columbus Metro