Best Daycares in Dayton

Browse all 202 licensed daycares in Dayton, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Montgomery County•Greene County

94
Gold SUTQ
47% of programs
20
Silver SUTQ
10% of programs
29
Bronze SUTQ
14% of programs
59
Not Rated
29% of programs
About childcare in Dayton
  • Dayton has 202 licensed child care providers, including 108 Child Care Centers and 34 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 32 School-based Preschools.
  • 143 providers (71%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 94 Gold, 20 Silver, 29 Bronze.
  • 175 providers (87%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Dayton have been licensed for an average of 11 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1972.

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Bronze Rated

A & D Day Care And Learning Center INC

Dayton•1049 Infirmary Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

A Great Start Preschool INC

Dayton•7001 Far Hills Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

A Heart 4 Kids Childcare & Learning Center

Dayton•3914 Prescott Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Abc Child Development Center

Dayton•3024 Hoover Ave.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Above And Beyond Enrichment Center

Dayton•3806 Nicholas Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Ally Child Care

Dayton•7016 Corporate Way

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Amaysing Kids Academy

Dayton•1513 Newton Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Angie'S Early Learning Academy

Dayton•2142 Elsmere Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Arrows Play Learning Center

Dayton•621 Majestic Dr.

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Aunnies Early Learning Center

Dayton•4406 Oakridge Drive

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Aunty Nina'S

Dayton•2916 Philadelphia Dr.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Belle Haven Elementary School

Dayton•4401 Free Pike

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Benson, Donna

Dayton•4637 St. John Avenue

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Silver Rated

Blue Book Schools INC

Dayton•2021 Wyoming St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Blue Book Schools INC

Dayton•2029 Wyoming St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Dayton Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Dayton, Ohio.

Does a "Not Rated" SUTQ status mean a daycare in Dayton 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 listed in Dayton 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.

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 Dayton, Ohio?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply. In Dayton, 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? (Babies on their backs, firm surface, 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 in Dayton?

Before committing to a provider in Dayton, cover these questions 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 CPR and First Aid?

Quality and daily life

  • What would a typical day look like for my child?
  • How do you handle guidance and discipline at my child's age?
  • What is your screen time policy?

See the full checklist on our FAQ page →

What if I can't find openings in Dayton?

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 Dayton:

  1. Browse the county — View all providers in the surrounding county to find programs in nearby 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, especially for infants
  4. Ask about PFCC — Providers accepting Ohio's subsidy are marked on listings and can broaden your affordable options significantly

More questions? Visit our full FAQ page.

All 202 Licensed Daycares in Dayton