Best Daycares in Shelby County, Ohio

Browse all 31 licensed daycares in Shelby County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

10
Gold SUTQ
32% of programs
2
Silver SUTQ
6% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
6% of programs
17
Not Rated
55% of programs

Updating results...

Only locations with address coordinates appear on the map.

Loading map…
Gold Rated

Abc Clubhouse Preschool & Care LLC

Sidney•801 Norwood Drive

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Armour Care LLC

Sidney•739 N Vandemark

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Care-A-Lot Learning Center

Botkins•108 E South St

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Christian Academy Schools

Sidney•2151 W Russell Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Cocoa'S Treehouse

Sidney•1476 Constitution Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Cors Head Start - Sidney

Sidney•1502 N. Main Street.

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Fairlawn Elementary School

Sidney•18800 Johnston Rd

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Gold Rated

Fairlawn Elementary School

Sidney•18800 Johnston Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Fort Loramie School

Fort Loramie•35 Elm St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Hardin Houston School

Houston•5300 Houston Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Holy Angels

Sidney•120 E Water St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Kiddieland Learning Center

Sidney•1899 Wapakoneta Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Shelby County Child Care

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

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

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