Best Daycares in Portage County, Ohio

Browse all 65 licensed daycares in Portage County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

22
Gold SUTQ
34% of programs
3
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
9
Bronze SUTQ
14% of programs
31
Not Rated
48% of programs

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Bronze Rated

Amanda'S Garden

Ravenna•6709 Cleveland Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Angela'S Angels Childcare LLC

Ravenna•6622 Sumner Dr

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Apple Tree Preschool

Garrettsville•8223 Park Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Aurora Children'S Day Center II

Aurora•224 E Garfield Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Aurora Children'S Early Learning Center

Aurora•216 E Garfield Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Brimfield Esc Program

Mogadore•1379 Saxe Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Building Futures Child Care Center

Streetsboro•9310 Market Square

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Community Bible Church Early Learning Center

Rootstown•3671 Tallmadge Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Crestwood Primary School

Mantua•11256 Bowen Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Davey Elementary School

Kent•196 N Prospect St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Davis, Pat

Ravenna•6650 Henderson

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Diana'S Little Ducklings

Ravenna•6626 Henderson Rd

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Early Age Family Child Care

Kent•967 W Main St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Fl&l Childcare

Windham•9025 Spring Drive

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Silver Rated

Future Scholars

Streetsboro•9442 State Route 43

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Portage County Child Care

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

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

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