Best Daycares in Lorain

Browse all 77 licensed daycares in Lorain, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Lorain County

27
Gold SUTQ
35% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
1% of programs
26
Bronze SUTQ
34% of programs
23
Not Rated
30% of programs
About childcare in Lorain
  • Lorain has 77 licensed child care providers, including 38 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 25 Child Care Centers and 14 School-based Preschools.
  • 54 providers (70%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 27 Gold, 1 Silver, 26 Bronze.
  • 62 providers (81%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Lorain have been licensed for an average of 9 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1998.

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Gold Rated

Admiral King Elementary School

Lorain•720 Washington Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Bonilla, Tina M

Lorain•1025 West 4TH Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Boss Babies

Lorain•923 West 29 St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Boyd, Andrea

Lorain•2024 W 41ST Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Bubbles Child Enrichment Center 2

Lorain•3411 Colorado Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Cabrera, Gloria

Lorain•1610 West 44TH

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Carter, Cheryl

Lorain•1312 Missouri Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Caterpillars 2 Butterflies Early Learning Center

Lorain•1210 West 6TH Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Chisholm, Raquel

Lorain•1752 E. 31ST St.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Collins, Maria

Lorain•1029 W.45th Place

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Daddy'S Daycare With Granny'S Vision

Lorain•4606 Tacoma Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Dare To Dream Learning Academy

Lorain•4274 Oberlin Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Dare To Dream School Age

Lorain•5225 Oberlin Ave #3

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Diane'S Daycare

Lorain•2023 Leavitt Rd

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Discovery Kids Childcare Inc.

Lorain•1795 E. 31ST Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Lorain Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Lorain, 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 Lorain?

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 Lorain:

  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 77 Licensed Daycares in Lorain