Best Daycares in Darke County, Ohio

Browse all 23 licensed daycares in Darke County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

10
Gold SUTQ
43% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
9% of programs
11
Not Rated
48% of programs

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Gold Rated

Amber Smith

Greenville•463 West Russ Rd

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Ansonia Elementary School

Ansonia•600 E Canal St

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Anthony Wayne Ec Center

Greenville•4932 Childrens Home Bradford Rd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Arcanum Early Learning Center

Arcanum•310 N Main St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Big Fish Preschool LLC

Arcanum•9069 St. Rt. 571

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Bright, Erin

Greenville•1101 Washington Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center

Versailles•380 Marker Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Bronze Rated

Byers, Tiffany

Greenville•1000 Jackson Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Cors Head Start - Bradford

Bradford•740 Railroad Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Decolores Montessori School

Greenville•312 Central Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Franklin Monroe Elementary School

Arcanum•8591 Oakes Rd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Kinder Korner INC

Versailles•204 E Wood St

Licensed Child Care Center
Bronze Rated

Little University, LLC

Arcanum•110 East South Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

McEsc Versailles

Versailles•459 S Center St

Licensed School-Based Preschool

Common Questions About Darke County Child Care

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

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

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