Best Daycares in Lakewood

Browse all 28 licensed daycares in Lakewood, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Cuyahoga County

14
Gold SUTQ
50% of programs
3
Silver SUTQ
11% of programs
3
Bronze SUTQ
11% of programs
8
Not Rated
29% of programs
About childcare in Lakewood
  • Lakewood has 28 licensed child care providers, including 20 Child Care Centers and 8 School-based Preschools.
  • 20 providers (71%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 14 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze.
  • 25 providers (89%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Lakewood have been licensed for an average of 18 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.

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Silver Rated

Bee My Baby Lakewood Childcare

Lakewood•13523 Detroit Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Brownstone Day School

Lakewood•18225 Sloane Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Clifton Early Learning

Lakewood•13889 Clifton Blvd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Emerson Elementary School

Lakewood•13439 Clifton Blvd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Emerson Horizon Education Centers

Lakewood•13439 Clifton Blvd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Grace Lutheran Preschool

Lakewood•13030 Madison Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Grant Elementary School

Lakewood•1470 Victoria Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Harrison Elementary School

Lakewood•2080 Quail St

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Harrison Horizon Education Centers

Lakewood•2080 Quail Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Hayes Elementary School

Lakewood•16401 Delaware Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Haynes Nursery School

Lakewood•1375 W Clifton Boulevard

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Horace Mann Elementary School

Lakewood•1215 W Clifton Blvd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Horace Mann Horizon Education Center

Lakewood•1215 W Clifton Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Kids Advancing Academy

Lakewood•2150 Warren Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Kidzenia Learning Center

Lakewood•13714 Madison Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Lakewood Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood?

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 Lakewood:

  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 28 Licensed Daycares in Lakewood