Best Daycares in Allen County, Ohio

Browse all 63 licensed daycares in Allen County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

22
Gold SUTQ
35% of programs
6
Silver SUTQ
10% of programs
12
Bronze SUTQ
19% of programs
23
Not Rated
37% of programs

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Not Rated

2Asone Childcare Developmental Center LLC

Lima•422 East Eighth Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

All My Angels

Lima•657 Prospect Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care Home
Gold Rated

Allen County Esc Preschool

Spencerville•600 School St

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Allen East Elementary School

Harrod•9105 Harding Hwy

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Bronze Rated

Beautiful Begininng Childcare

Lima•619 E Elm St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Broadway Kids Place

Spencerville•213 North Broadway

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Canal Center Daycare LLC

Spencerville•102 S. Mulberry Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Central Head Start

Lima•540 S. Central

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Children'S Developmental Center

Lima•1001 Bellefontaine Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Silver Rated

Cornerstone Early Learning Center

Lima•2000 N Cole

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Elida School

Lima•300 Pioneer Rd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

First Baptist Day Care

Lima•451 N Cable Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Flora'S Lil Flowers

Lima•2245 N. Glenwood Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Freedom Elementary School

Lima•575 Calumet Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC

Common Questions About Allen County Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Allen County, Ohio.

Does "Not Rated" SUTQ mean a daycare in Allen County 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 in Allen County on this page 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. SUTQ is an optional, additional layer of quality recognition.

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 Allen County?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply across Ohio, including Allen County. 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? (Backs on a firm surface — crib or pack-and-play — 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?

Before you commit, here are the most important questions to cover — 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 infant/child CPR and First Aid?

Quality and daily life

  • What would a typical day look like for my child?
  • How do providers interact with children throughout the day?
  • How do you handle guidance and discipline at my child's age?

For the full checklist including age-specific questions for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-agers, see our FAQ page.

Source: Child Care Aware of America — Short Notice Checklist

What if I can't find openings in Allen County?

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 Allen County:

  1. Browse nearby cities — Use our cities directory to find providers in adjacent 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
  4. Check adjacent counties — Browse our county directory for providers just across county lines

For the most current availability, also check Ohio's Child Care Search which sometimes includes real-time enrollment status.

More questions? Visit our full FAQ page.