Best Daycares in Jefferson County, Ohio

Browse all 41 licensed daycares in Jefferson County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

17
Gold SUTQ
41% of programs
7
Bronze SUTQ
17% of programs
17
Not Rated
41% of programs

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Not Rated

Ability Center Day Camp

Steubenville•256 John Scott Hwy,

Registered Day Camp or Approved Day Camp
Gold Rated

Auntie Jacque Childcare

Steubenville•1609 Moreland Drive

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Bailey, Lolita

Steubenville•159 McDowell Ave.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Bishop John King Mussio Central Elementary - Rosemont Campus

Steubenville•100 Etta Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Buckeye South Elementary School

Tiltonsville•100 Walden Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Buckeye South Elementary School

Tiltonsville•100 Walden Ave

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Not Rated

Buckeye West Elementary School

Adena•243 N Mill St

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Gold Rated

Buckeye West Elementary School

Adena•243 N Mill St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Collins, Rebecca

Toronto•825 Euclid Ave.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Cross Creek Elementary

Wintersville•587 Bantam Ridge Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

East Garfield Elementary School

Steubenville•936 N 5TH St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Haines, Patricia-Lynn

Wintersville•503 Woodvue Lane

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Hills Elementary School

Mingo Junction•2281 Wilson Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool

Common Questions About Jefferson County Child Care

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

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

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