Best Daycares in Eaton

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

County hubs: Preble County

5
Gold SUTQ
50% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
20% of programs
3
Not Rated
30% of programs
About childcare in Eaton
  • Eaton has 10 licensed child care providers, including 7 Child Care Centers and 3 School-based Preschools.
  • 7 providers (70%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 5 Gold, 2 Bronze.
  • 5 providers (50%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Eaton have been licensed for an average of 14 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1989.

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Not Rated

A Place To Grow Daycare Center And Preschool LLC

Eaton•115 W St Clair St # A

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Bcesc Hollingsworth East School

Eaton•506 Aukerman St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Eaton Day Care Center INC

Eaton•310 S Beech St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Imagination Station Learning Center

Eaton•200 West Washington-Jackson Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Preble County Public Preschool

Eaton•597 Hillcrest Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Preble County YMCA

Eaton•450A Washington Jackson Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Preble Esc Preschool- East Elementary Location

Eaton•506 Aukerman St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Preble Mini Minds

Eaton•501Nation Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Robin'S Nest Montessori

Eaton•3022 Sugar Valley Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

St Clair Academy

Eaton•116 W St Clair St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Eaton Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Eaton, 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 Eaton?

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 Eaton:

  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.