Best Daycares in Kent

Browse all 15 licensed daycares in Kent, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Portage County

6
Gold SUTQ
40% of programs
9
Not Rated
60% of programs
About childcare in Kent
  • Kent has 15 licensed child care providers, including 12 Child Care Centers and 2 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 1 School-based Preschool.
  • 6 providers (40%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 6 Gold.
  • 11 providers (73%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Kent have been licensed for an average of 18 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1981.

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Gold Rated

Davey Elementary School

Kent•196 N Prospect St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Early Age Family Child Care

Kent•967 W Main St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Just Like Home Day Care

Kent•3580 State Route 43

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Kids Kare Kent Campus

Kent•1435 E Main Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Kingdom Kidz

Kent•3732 State Route 43

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Kpr Kidz Club At Davey Elementary

Kent•196 N. Prospect St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Kpr Kidz Club At Kent Recreation Center

Kent•1115 Franklin Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Kpr Lil' Learners Preschool

Kent•601 Middlebury Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Looking Glass Learning Center

Kent•4522 State Route 43

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Portage Learning Centers - K

Kent•200 N. Mantua Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Story Book House

Kent•1639 St. Clair Ave.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Tiny Town Childcare And Learning Center

Kent•1145 Lake Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Tree City Preschool

Kent•1435 E Main St

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Kent Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Kent, 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 Kent?

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 Kent:

  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.