Best Daycares in Mahoning County, Ohio

Browse all 197 licensed daycares in Mahoning County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

55
Gold SUTQ
28% of programs
8
Silver SUTQ
4% of programs
48
Bronze SUTQ
24% of programs
86
Not Rated
44% of programs

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Not Rated

3 Kingz Daycare

Youngstown•3619 Risher Road

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Adams, Crystal

Youngstown•1355 Douglas

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Alta Head Start Camp Challenge

Youngstown•939 Wilkinson Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Alta Head Start Campus Of Care Atrium

Mineral Ridge•1960 E County Line Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Alta Head Start Easter Seals

Youngstown•299 Edwards

Licensed Child Care Center
Silver Rated

Alta Head Start McCartney

Youngstown•1988 McCartney Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Alta Head Start Renaissance

Youngstown•345 Oak Hill

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Alta Head Start YMCA

Youngstown•17 N. Champion St.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Alta Head Start Ysu

Youngstown•1 University Plaza

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Antoneisha Jones

Youngstown•2820 Benford Ln.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Armstrong, Marie

Youngstown•4165 Staatz Dr

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC

Common Questions About Mahoning County Child Care

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

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

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