Best Daycares in Licking County, Ohio

Browse all 109 licensed daycares in Licking County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

15
Gold SUTQ
14% of programs
5
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
23
Bronze SUTQ
21% of programs
66
Not Rated
61% of programs

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Not Rated

3 Little Mockingbirds Group LLC

Newark•785 Buckeye Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Bronze Rated

325 Childcare Center

Pataskala•325 West Broad Street.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Place Like Home

Newark•289 Newton Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

A Simple Dimple, LLC

Newark•74 South 30TH Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Almost Home Daycare, LLC

Newark•15 North 21ST Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Amanda'S Daycare

Newark•2170 Riggs Rd

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Anderson, Elizabeth

Newark•794 Logan Ave.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Ben Franklin Elementary School

Newark•533 Beacon Rd

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Not Rated

Blessed Sacrament

Newark•394 E Main St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Bright Beginnings Childcare, LLC

Newark•385 Mt Vernon Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Bright Eyes Nursery & Toddler Care

Newark•638 W Main St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Bright Minds Academy, LLC

Newark•1787 N 21ST St

Licensed Child Care Center
Bronze Rated

Bright Start Learning Center INC

Johnstown•316 North Main Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Brighteyes Christian Preschool

Newark•12 Neal Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Buckeye Valley Family YMCA-Johnstown

Johnstown•281 W. Jersey St.

Registered Day Camp or Approved Day CampPFCC

Common Questions About Licking County Child Care

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

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

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