Best Daycares in Martins Ferry

Browse all 3 licensed daycares in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Belmont County

1
Gold SUTQ
33% of programs
2
Not Rated
67% of programs
About childcare in Martins Ferry
  • Martins Ferry has 3 licensed child care providers, including 2 Child Care Centers and 1 School-based Preschool.
  • 1 provider (33%) holds a Step Up to Quality rating — 1 Gold.
  • Providers in Martins Ferry have been licensed for an average of 29 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1976.

Updating results...

Only locations with address coordinates appear on the map.

Loading map…
Not Rated

Martins Ferry Christian Preschool

Martins Ferry•710 South Zane Highway

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

St Mary Central

Martins Ferry•24 N 4TH St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

St. Myer Learning Center

Martins Ferry•1721 N. Ninth Street

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Martins Ferry Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Martins Ferry, 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 Martins Ferry?

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 Martins Ferry:

  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.