Best Daycares in Dayton Metro

Browse all 474 licensed daycares in Dayton Metro, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Montgomery County•Butler County•Warren County•Miami County•Greene County

185
Gold SUTQ
39% of programs
32
Silver SUTQ
7% of programs
80
Bronze SUTQ
17% of programs
177
Not Rated
37% of programs
About childcare in Dayton Metro
  • Dayton Metro has 474 licensed child care providers, including 310 Child Care Centers and 79 School-based Preschools and 49 Type B Family Child Care Homes.
  • 297 providers (63%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 185 Gold, 32 Silver, 80 Bronze.
  • 350 providers (74%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Dayton Metro have been licensed for an average of 14 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.
  • Dayton Metro is part of the Dayton Metro area.

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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

Abilities First Early Childhood Learning Center

Middletown•4710 Timber Trail Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Abner, Stephanie

Franklin•111 Clearbrook Drive

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Above And Beyond Enrichment Center

Dayton•3806 Nicholas Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Ahmad, La'Tasha R

Trotwood•380 Blairwood Drive

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Alexandria Montessori

Centerville•175 E Franklin St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

All About Kids Childcare And Learning Center

Centerville•1300 West Social Row 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
Not Rated

Angela'S Circle Of Friends Child Care

Troy•2910 Stone Circle Drive

Licensed Child Care Center
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

Common Questions About Dayton Metro Child Care

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

Does a "Not Rated" SUTQ status mean a daycare in Dayton Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro, Ohio?

Infant care (children under 12 months) is the hardest age group to place — demand consistently outpaces supply. In Dayton Metro, 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 Metro?

Before committing to a provider in Dayton Metro, 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 Metro?

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 Metro:

  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 474 Licensed Daycares in Dayton Metro