Best Daycares in Lancaster

Browse all 36 licensed daycares in Lancaster, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Fairfield County

8
Gold SUTQ
22% of programs
2
Silver SUTQ
6% of programs
11
Bronze SUTQ
31% of programs
15
Not Rated
42% of programs
About childcare in Lancaster
  • Lancaster has 36 licensed child care providers, including 21 Child Care Centers and 5 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 5 School-based Preschools.
  • 21 providers (58%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 8 Gold, 2 Silver, 11 Bronze.
  • 24 providers (67%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Lancaster have been licensed for an average of 15 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1981.

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Bronze Rated

Baker, Kacy

Lancaster•861 Lanreco Blvd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Carpenter, Angela

Lancaster•2539 Heidelberg Drive

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Cornell, Linda

Lancaster•1015 James Rd.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Early Childhood Center 1

Lancaster•425 Whittier Dr N

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Explore Me A Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool

Lancaster•1185 Pleasantville Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Fairfield Christian Academy

Lancaster•1965 N Columbus St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Fairfield Christian Academy

Lancaster•1965 N Columbus St

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Not Rated

Faith Early Learning Academy

Lancaster•2610 W Fair Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Forest Rose School

Lancaster•1592 Granville Pike

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Gorsuch West Community Learning Center

Lancaster•440 Trace Dr.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Green Bean Junction, LLC

Lancaster•1522 Sheridan Dr.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Grumm, Kristi

Lancaster•208 Skyline Avenue

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Itsy Bitsy Daycare, LLC

Lancaster•1051 Sugar Grove Rd SE

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

J Hawkins Learning Academy

Lancaster•980 Woodland Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Lancaster Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 Lancaster:

  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 36 Licensed Daycares in Lancaster