Best Daycares in Delaware County, Ohio

Browse all 129 licensed daycares in Delaware County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

12
Gold SUTQ
9% of programs
14
Silver SUTQ
11% of programs
24
Bronze SUTQ
19% of programs
79
Not Rated
61% of programs

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Not Rated

All About Kids Childcare And Learning Center

Lewis Center•255 Green Meadows Dr. S

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

All The Children Of The World Academy

Westerville•6841 Freeman Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Alum Creek Elementary School

Lewis Center•2515 Parklawn Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Alum Creek Preschool

Lewis Center•6256 South Old State Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Arrowhead Elementary School

Lewis Center•2385 Hollenback Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Barrington School

Powell•10655 Sawmill Pkwy

Licensed Child Care Center
Bronze Rated

Big Hearts Little Hands Learning Center

Powell•14 Grace Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Big Walnut Early Learning Center At Harrison Street

Sunbury•70 Harrison St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Bright Beginnings At Berlin Church

Lewis Center•5175 S Old State Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Bronze Rated

Brightpath Active Learning

Westerville•5940 Chandler Ct

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Buckeye Valley East Elementary School

Ashley•522 E High St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Buckeye Valley West Elementary School

Ostrander•4340 State Route 257 S

Licensed School-Based Preschool

Common Questions About Delaware County Child Care

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

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

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