Best Daycares in Fairfield County, Ohio

Browse all 91 licensed daycares in Fairfield County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

12
Gold SUTQ
13% of programs
5
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
22
Bronze SUTQ
24% of programs
52
Not Rated
57% of programs

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Not Rated

A Free Mind Learning LLC

Reynoldsburg•7287 Candlestone Dr

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Agape Life Christian Academy

Pickerington•6389 Blacklick-Eastern Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Amanda-Clearcreek Primary School

Amanda•414 N School St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Baker, Kacy

Lancaster•861 Lanreco Blvd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Bloom-Carroll YMCA

Carroll•4955 Carroll-Eastern

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Bremen Elementary YMCA

Bremen•210 Strayer Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Bremen School

Bremen•210 Strayer Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Carpenter, Angela

Lancaster•2539 Heidelberg Drive

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Child'S Play Learning Academy Center LLC

Pickerington•11795 Pickerington Rd NW

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Christ United Methodist Church Preschool

Baltimore•700 S Main St

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Cornell, Linda

Lancaster•1015 James Rd.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Early Childhood Center 1

Lancaster•425 Whittier Dr N

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Epiphany Lutheran Preschool

Pickerington•268 Hill Rd. N.

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Fairfield County Child Care

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

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

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