Best Daycares in Scioto County, Ohio

Browse all 50 licensed daycares in Scioto County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

29
Gold SUTQ
58% of programs
3
Silver SUTQ
6% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
4% of programs
16
Not Rated
32% of programs

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Gold Rated

Baby Roots Child Care Center

New Boston•3900 Gallia Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Beamon, Faith

Wheelersburg•1023 Wildemere Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Bold Future Childcare LLC

Portsmouth•614 Glover Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Bonnie'S Learning Center

Portsmouth•3632 Swauger Valley Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Cao Creative Cubs Academy

Portsmouth•1240 3RD Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Caring Heart'S Childcare

Wheelersburg•8991 Ohio River Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Carousel Center Head Start

Portsmouth•1112 Gallia Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Cassidy, Janine

West Portsmouth•199 Crain Rd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Clay Elementary School

Portsmouth•44 Clay High St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

East Portsmouth Elementary

Sciotoville•5929 Harding Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Family Child Care And Development Center

Minford•8571 St Rt 335

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Scioto County Child Care

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

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

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