Best Daycares in Defiance

Browse all 20 licensed daycares in Defiance, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Defiance County

8
Gold SUTQ
40% of programs
2
Silver SUTQ
10% of programs
1
Bronze SUTQ
5% of programs
9
Not Rated
45% of programs
About childcare in Defiance
  • Defiance has 20 licensed child care providers, including 10 Child Care Centers and 5 School-based Preschools and 2 School-age Child Cares.
  • 11 providers (55%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 8 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze.
  • 10 providers (50%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Defiance have been licensed for an average of 13 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1984.

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Not Rated

Ark Learning And Arts Academy

Defiance•400 Wayne St

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Ayersville School

Defiance•28046 Watson Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Close To Home Childcare Center & Preschool

Defiance•150 Grand Ave.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Close To Home School Age Program LLC

Defiance•950 Webster St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Defiance Area YMCA Child Care Program

Defiance•1599 Palmer Dr

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Defiance Elementary School

Defiance•400 Carter Rd

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Not Rated

Defiance Middle School

Defiance•1755 Palmer Dr

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Gold Rated

Defiance Preschool

Defiance•801 S Clinton St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Good Samaritan School

Defiance•195 Island Park Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Heather'S Day Care, Jefferson

Defiance•1700 S. Jefferson

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Heather'S Day Care, LLC

Defiance•121 Hopkins Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Here To Grow Academy & Preschool

Defiance•101 W. Rosewood

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Holy Cross Catholic School Of Defiance

Defiance•1745 S Clinton St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Nocac Defiance Head Start

Defiance•644 Clinton Street

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Defiance Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Defiance, 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 Defiance?

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 Defiance:

  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 20 Licensed Daycares in Defiance