Best Daycares in Marion County, Ohio

Browse all 46 licensed daycares in Marion County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

19
Gold SUTQ
41% of programs
5
Silver SUTQ
11% of programs
4
Bronze SUTQ
9% of programs
18
Not Rated
39% of programs

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Silver Rated

Advantage Early Learning Academy

Marion•233 W Church Street B

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Advantage Early Learning Academy - Pl

Marion•1105 Owens Road W

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Benjamin Harrison Elementary School

Marion•625 Brightwood Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Bracy, Martis

Marion•281 Duluth Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Silver Rated

Brown, Marianne

Marion•306 Waterloo St.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Crosswood United Methodist Christian Preschool

Marion•1551 Richland Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Dayspring Christian Preschool

Marion•2431 Marion Mt. Gilead Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Debbie'S Day Care

Marion•395 East Mark Street

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Elgin Elementary School

Marion•1250 Keener Rd S

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Gold Rated

Elgin Preschool

Marion•1239 Keener Rd S

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Emanuel Early Learning Center

Marion•241 S Prospect St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Ericson, Maretha

Marion•780 Leetonia Circle

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Genatry Pittman

Marion•1190 Martinique Dr.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

George Washington Elementary School

Marion•400 Pennsylvania Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

George Washington Elementary School

Marion•400 Pennsylvania Ave

Licensed School-Age Child Care

Common Questions About Marion County Child Care

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

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

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