Best Daycares in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Browse all 1,063 licensed daycares in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

351
Gold SUTQ
33% of programs
85
Silver SUTQ
8% of programs
223
Bronze SUTQ
21% of programs
404
Not Rated
38% of programs

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Bronze Rated

3MB Afterschool

Cleveland18316 St. Clair Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Better Day Academy

Cleveland Heights3128 Mayfield Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Bright Start 4 Kidz Learning Ctr

Cleveland8211 Platt

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

A Jubilee Academy

Cleveland15751 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Kid'S Place Childcare

North Olmsted30121 Lorain Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Loving Touch

Cleveland3551 E 138TH Street

Registered Day Camp or Approved Day Camp
Silver Rated

A Mother'S Love Family Child Care

Cleveland4573 West145th Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

A Step Above 2 INC

Cleveland3728 Pearl Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Step Above Daycare Academy

Cleveland10320 Lorain Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A To Z'S Nursery

Maple Heights18600 Maple Hts Blvd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Silver Rated

A Wonderland Learning Adventure L.l.c

Cleveland648 East 185TH Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

A Young Mind Childcare Center

Cleveland3810 Lee Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Abc Kingdom Childcare Center

Garfield Heights4501 E 131ST

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Abcs Of Development

Euclid25701 Richards Ave.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC

Common Questions About Cuyahoga County Child Care

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

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

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