Best Daycares in Salem

Browse all 12 licensed daycares in Salem, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Columbiana County•Mahoning County

4
Gold SUTQ
33% of programs
4
Bronze SUTQ
33% of programs
4
Not Rated
33% of programs
About childcare in Salem
  • Salem has 12 licensed child care providers, including 8 Child Care Centers and 2 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 2 School-based Preschools.
  • 8 providers (67%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 4 Gold, 4 Bronze.
  • 8 providers (67%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Salem have been licensed for an average of 19 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1980.

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Not Rated

Dailey, Pennie

Salem•2436 B Lexington Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

First Presbyterian Preschool

Salem•436 E Second St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

Hazelet, Casey

Salem•2420-B Lexington Ave

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Lincoln Learning Center

Salem•718 E. 3RD Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Little Friends Preschool

Salem•1028 Jennings Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Little Loves Learning Center

Salem•1431 N Ellsworth Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Reilly School

Salem•491 Reilly Ave

Licensed School-Based PreschoolPFCC
Gold Rated

Salem Head Start Center

Salem•1712 S. Lincoln Ave

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Small Wonders Discovery & Learning Center

Salem•511 East Pershing

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

St Paul

Salem•925 E State St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

The Early Bird Learning Center

Salem•357 Cunningham Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

The Robin'S Nest Daycare & Learning Center LLC

Salem•510 Columbia Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Salem Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Salem, 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 Salem?

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 Salem:

  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.