Best Daycares in Putnam County, Ohio

Browse all 21 licensed daycares in Putnam County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

6
Gold SUTQ
29% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
14
Not Rated
67% of programs

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Silver Rated

Bright Blessings Preschool & Childcare Center, LLC

Miller City•200 N. Main St.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Columbus Grove School

Columbus Grove•201 W Cross St

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Continental Local School

Continental•5211 State Route 634

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Fort Jennings School

Fort Jennings•#1 Musketeer Drive

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Hilty Faithful Foundation Preschool And Childcare Lcc

Pandora•304 Hilty Drive

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Kids Count Kalida LLC

Kalida•310 Ralph Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Leipsic School

Leipsic•232 Oak St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Little Bulldogs Learning Center

Columbus Grove•211 Veterans Highway

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Little Lambs Christian Preschool

Kalida•404 Northland Dr.

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Loving Care Learning Center

Ottawa•360 N. Locust Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Ottawa Head Start

Ottawa•1205 E. Third

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Ottawa-Glandorf School

Ottawa•630 Glendale Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Putnam County YMCA Child Care

Ottawa•101 Putnam Parkway

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Putnam County Child Care

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

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

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