Best Daycares in Lima

Browse all 56 licensed daycares in Lima, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Allen County

20
Gold SUTQ
36% of programs
6
Silver SUTQ
11% of programs
12
Bronze SUTQ
21% of programs
18
Not Rated
32% of programs
About childcare in Lima
  • Lima has 56 licensed child care providers, including 32 Child Care Centers and 10 School-based Preschools and 7 Type A Family Child Care Homes.
  • 38 providers (68%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 20 Gold, 6 Silver, 12 Bronze.
  • 46 providers (82%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Lima have been licensed for an average of 14 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.

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Not Rated

2Asone Childcare Developmental Center LLC

Lima•422 East Eighth Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

All My Angels

Lima•657 Prospect Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care Home
Bronze Rated

Beautiful Begininng Childcare

Lima•619 E Elm St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Central Head Start

Lima•540 S. Central

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Children'S Developmental Center

Lima•1001 Bellefontaine Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Silver Rated

Cornerstone Early Learning Center

Lima•2000 N Cole

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Elida School

Lima•300 Pioneer Rd

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

First Baptist Day Care

Lima•451 N Cable Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Flora'S Lil Flowers

Lima•2245 N. Glenwood Ave

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Freedom Elementary School

Lima•575 Calumet Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Not Rated

Gltx/Daddys At Work Childcare Center

Lima•315 South Collins Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Gods Graces LLC

Lima•600 North West Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Heaven'S Kiddi Care

Lima•1544 Oakland Parkway

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Heritage Elementary School

Lima•816 College Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Independence Elementary School

Lima•615 Tremont Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC

Common Questions About Lima Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Lima, 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 Lima?

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 Lima:

  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 56 Licensed Daycares in Lima