Best Daycares in Erie County, Ohio

Browse all 39 licensed daycares in Erie County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

7
Gold SUTQ
18% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
3% of programs
3
Bronze SUTQ
8% of programs
28
Not Rated
72% of programs

Updating results...

Only locations with address coordinates appear on the map.

Loading map…
Not Rated

Cedar Grove Academy

Sandusky•1501 Milan Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Developmental Nursery School

Vermilion•990 State St

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Edison Elementary School (Formerly Milan Elem)

Milan•140 Main St S

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Firelands Montessori Academy

Huron•329 Ohio St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Furry Elementary School

Sandusky•310 Douglas Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Hallingshead, Lisa

Sandusky•1201 Farwell Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Kelleys Island Elementary School

Kelleys Island•528 Division St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Kiddie Korral

Sandusky•315 West Follett Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Kowpak, Traci

Sandusky•408 Dewey St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Little Me Learning Center (Preschool And School Age)

Milan•11001 U.s. 250 - Unit A9

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Little Me Learning Center LLC

Milan•11001 Sr 250 Unit A7

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Little Village Daycare

Sandusky•1513 Hayes Avenue

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC

Common Questions About Erie County Child Care

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

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

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