Best Daycares in Ross County, Ohio

Browse all 34 licensed daycares in Ross County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

21
Gold SUTQ
62% of programs
3
Silver SUTQ
9% of programs
4
Bronze SUTQ
12% of programs
6
Not Rated
18% of programs

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Gold Rated

A Shanton Daycare

Chillicothe•47 Main Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Adena Elementary School

Frankfort•3367 County Road 550

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Bishop Flaget School

Chillicothe•570 Parsons Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Carver Community Center

Chillicothe•165 W. Fourth St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Chillicothe City Primary YMCA Latchkey

Chillicothe•235 Cherry Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Creative Kids Childcare

Chillicothe•9031 Egypt Pike

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Goodwill Childcare LLC

Chillicothe•2541 Western Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Huntington Head Start

Chillicothe•188 Huntsman Road

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Huntington School

Chillicothe•188 Huntsman Rd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Mount Logan Head Start Center

Chillicothe•841 East Main Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Mt. Logan Early Childhood Center

Chillicothe•841 E Main St

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

New River Early Learning Center

Chillicothe•151 University Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Paint Valley Elementary

Bainbridge•7454 US Highway 50 W

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Pickaway-Ross Ctc

Chillicothe•895 Crouse Chapel Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Pioneer Preschool

Chillicothe•11268 County Road 550

Licensed School-Based Preschool

Common Questions About Ross County Child Care

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

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

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