Best Daycares in Saint Marys

Browse all 6 licensed daycares in Saint Marys, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Auglaize County

2
Gold SUTQ
33% of programs
1
Bronze SUTQ
17% of programs
3
Not Rated
50% of programs
About childcare in Saint Marys
  • Saint Marys has 6 licensed child care providers, including 3 School-based Preschools and 2 Child Care Centers and 1 Type B Family Child Care Home.
  • 3 providers (50%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 2 Gold, 1 Bronze.
  • 2 providers (33%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Saint Marys have been licensed for an average of 15 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1984.

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Not Rated

Holy Rosary

Saint Marys•128 S Pine St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Little Rider Preschool

Saint Marys•1001 Holly St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Murray, Barb

Saint Marys•927 Hendricks St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

New Creation Learning Center

Saint Marys•390 Indiana Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

St. Marys East School

Saint Marys•650 Armstrong St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Bronze Rated

Tlc Learning Center

Saint Marys•1560 Celina Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Saint Marys Child Care

Helpful answers for families searching for daycares in Saint Marys, Ohio.

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Saint Marys, 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 Saint Marys?

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 Saint Marys:

  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.