Best Daycares in Marion

Browse all 39 licensed daycares in Marion, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Marion County

18
Gold SUTQ
46% of programs
5
Silver SUTQ
13% of programs
4
Bronze SUTQ
10% of programs
12
Not Rated
31% of programs
About childcare in Marion
  • Marion has 39 licensed child care providers, including 13 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 10 School-based Preschools and 9 Child Care Centers.
  • 27 providers (69%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 18 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze.
  • 22 providers (56%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Marion have been licensed for an average of 12 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1989.

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Silver Rated

Advantage Early Learning Academy

Marion•233 W Church Street B

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Advantage Early Learning Academy - Pl

Marion•1105 Owens Road W

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Benjamin Harrison Elementary School

Marion•625 Brightwood Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Bracy, Martis

Marion•281 Duluth Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Silver Rated

Brown, Marianne

Marion•306 Waterloo St.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Crosswood United Methodist Christian Preschool

Marion•1551 Richland Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Dayspring Christian Preschool

Marion•2431 Marion Mt. Gilead Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Debbie'S Day Care

Marion•395 East Mark Street

Licensed Type A Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Elgin Elementary School

Marion•1250 Keener Rd S

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Gold Rated

Elgin Preschool

Marion•1239 Keener Rd S

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Emanuel Early Learning Center

Marion•241 S Prospect St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Ericson, Maretha

Marion•780 Leetonia Circle

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Genatry Pittman

Marion•1190 Martinique Dr.

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

George Washington Elementary School

Marion•400 Pennsylvania Ave

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

George Washington Elementary School

Marion•400 Pennsylvania Ave

Licensed School-Age Child Care

Common Questions About Marion Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Marion, 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 Marion?

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 Marion:

  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 39 Licensed Daycares in Marion