Best Daycares in Mentor

Browse all 26 licensed daycares in Mentor, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Lake County

12
Gold SUTQ
46% of programs
2
Bronze SUTQ
8% of programs
12
Not Rated
46% of programs
About childcare in Mentor
  • Mentor has 26 licensed child care providers, including 20 Child Care Centers and 5 School-based Preschools and 1 School-age Child Care.
  • 14 providers (54%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 12 Gold, 2 Bronze.
  • 17 providers (65%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Mentor have been licensed for an average of 18 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1971.

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Not Rated

Abc Me Grow 2

Mentor•7260 Lakeshore Boulevard

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Angelswing,inc. Child Care Center

Mentor•8090 Broadmoor Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Broadmoor

Mentor•8090 Broadmoor Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Dedicated To Children

Mentor•6970 Heisley Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

E & E Angel'S Learning Academy 2

Mentor•9423 Mentor Ave

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Garfield Preschool

Mentor•7090 Hopkins Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Horizon Child Dev. Ctr Ltd

Mentor•8303 Tyler Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Kindercare Learning Center #328

Mentor•6145 Meadowbrook Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Kindercare Learning Center #877

Mentor•7061 Wayside Drive

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Lil' Sneakers University

Mentor•8282 Yellowbrick Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Little Lights Bible Club

Mentor•6883 Reynolds Rd, Mentor, OH 44060

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Little Scholars All Stars Mentor

Mentor•9230 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Little Scholars North Mentor

Mentor•9220 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Little Scholars South Mentor

Mentor•7464 Tyler Blvd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Love'S Learning Loft LLC

Mentor•6720/6740 Center Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Mentor Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Mentor, 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 Mentor?

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 Mentor:

  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 26 Licensed Daycares in Mentor