Best Daycares in Athens County, Ohio

Browse all 34 licensed daycares in Athens County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

13
Gold SUTQ
38% of programs
2
Silver SUTQ
6% of programs
5
Bronze SUTQ
15% of programs
14
Not Rated
41% of programs

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Bronze Rated

Athens Community Center

Athens•701 E State Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Athens Head Start

Athens•507 Richland Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Be The Light Early Learning Center

Athens•9111 West Bentbrook Lane

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Beacon School

Athens•801 W Union St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Blooming View Montessori Academy

Athens•215 Columbus Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Coolville Elementary School

Coolville•26461 Main St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Courtney, Jacquelyn S

The Plains•22 Carol Lane

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Crites, Mary

Stewart•18189 Inman Lane

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Douglas, Karen

Athens•15700 McAfee Rd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

East Elementary School

Athens•3 Wallace Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Federal Hocking Local School District Kids On Campus

Stewart•8461 OH-144

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Athens County Child Care

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

Does "Not Rated" SUTQ mean a daycare in Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens County?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply across Ohio, including Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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.