Best Daycares in Van Wert County, Ohio

Browse all 10 licensed daycares in Van Wert County, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

5
Gold SUTQ
50% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
10% of programs
4
Not Rated
40% of programs

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Gold Rated

Cors Head Start - Van Wert

Van Wert•813 North Franklin Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Crestview Early Childhood Center

Convoy•510 E Tully St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Delphos St. John Preschool

Delphos•722 S Jefferson St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

First United Methodist Preschool

Van Wert•113 W Central Avenue

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Kari'S Day Care

Van Wert•6671 Hoaglin Center Rd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Thomas Edison Center School

Van Wert•813 N Franklin St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Van Wert Early Childhood Center

Van Wert•1120 Buckeye Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Vantage Career Center

Van Wert•818 N Franklin St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Wee Care Learning Center

Van Wert•10485 Van Wert Decatur Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Van Wert County Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Van Wert County, Ohio.

Does "Not Rated" SUTQ mean a daycare in Van Wert 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 Van Wert 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 Van Wert County?

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