Best Daycares in Lake County, Ohio

Browse all 103 licensed daycares in Lake County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

33
Gold SUTQ
32% of programs
2
Silver SUTQ
2% of programs
11
Bronze SUTQ
11% of programs
57
Not Rated
55% of programs

Updating results...

Only locations with address coordinates appear on the map.

Loading map…
Not Rated

Abc Me Grow 2

Mentor•7260 Lakeshore Boulevard

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Abc Me Grow Academy

Eastlake•33212 Vine St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Agapeland - Church Of The Nazarene

Eastlake•34950 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

All Saints School

Wickliffe•28702 Euclid Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Amazing Minds Learning Center

Willowick•31809 Vine Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Angelswing,inc. Child Care Center

Mentor•8090 Broadmoor Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Beyond Our Dreams Academy, LLC

Kirtland•4200 State Rt. 306

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Broadmoor

Mentor•8090 Broadmoor Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Chestnut Y-Sacc

Painesville•341 Chestnut

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Childs, Nikcole

Willowick•30209 Royalview

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Childtime Children'S Centers

Painesville•2603 Riverside Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Clapp Children'S Center Of Breckenridge Village

Willoughby•36855 Ridge Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Lake County Child Care

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

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

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