Best Daycares in Crawford County, Ohio

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

7
Gold SUTQ
35% of programs
4
Silver SUTQ
20% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
10% of programs
7
Not Rated
35% of programs

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Gold Rated

Buckeye Central Elementary School

New Washington•938 S Kibler St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Bucyrus Elementary School

Bucyrus•245 Woodlawn Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Bucyrus Elementary School

Bucyrus•245 Woodlawn Ave

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Silver Rated

Crestline Child Care INC

Crestline•511 Heiser Ct.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Crestline Preschool

Crestline•435 Oldfield Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Fairway School

Bucyrus•1650 E Southern Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Galion Community Center YMCA Child Care

Galion•500 Gill Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Galion Primary Elementary School

Galion•478 Portland Way N

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Good Hope Christian Preschool

Bucyrus•129 W. Charles Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Hannah Crawford Elementary School Prek-Grade 2

Crestline•5444 Crestline Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Ohcac Bucyrus Head Start

Bucyrus•740 Tiffin Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Ohcac Galion 1 And 2 Head Start

Galion•525 Dawsett Avenue

Licensed Child Care Center
Silver Rated

Sara Beegle Child Day Care Center

Galion•727 Harding Way East

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Simms, Amy

Bucyrus•601 South Poplar Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Sonshine Day Care

Bucyrus•2165 State Route 4 South

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Crawford County Child Care

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

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

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