Best Daycares in Champaign County, Ohio

Browse all 20 licensed daycares in Champaign County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

7
Gold SUTQ
35% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
3
Bronze SUTQ
15% of programs
9
Not Rated
45% of programs

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Not Rated

Center For Creative Child Care

Urbana•N Main & Church St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Champaign Family YMCA

Urbana•191 Community Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Champaign Family YMCA Summer Day Camp

Urbana•191 Community Drive

Registered Day Camp or Approved Day CampPFCC
Not Rated

Champaign Family YMCA-Graham B/A Care

Saint Paris•9464 W. US Rt 36

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Champaign Family YMCA-Mechanicsburg B/A Care

Mechanicsburg•60 High Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Champaign Family YMCA-Urbana B/A Care

Urbana•1673 South US 68

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Clever Cove Learning Center

Mechanicsburg•62 Oakland St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Cors Head Start - Urbana

Urbana•1150 Scioto St

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Cors Head Start - Urbana North

Urbana•1471 E. US Highway 36

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Debbie'S Place

Urbana•2255 Short Cut Rd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Dohron Wilson School

Mechanicsburg•60 High St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Graham Elementary School

Saint Paris•9464 US Highway 36

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Bronze Rated

Theresa'S Gingerbread House

Urbana•1202 North Main Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Champaign County Child Care

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

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

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