Best Daycares in Sandusky

Browse all 22 licensed daycares in Sandusky, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Erie County

3
Gold SUTQ
14% of programs
1
Silver SUTQ
5% of programs
3
Bronze SUTQ
14% of programs
15
Not Rated
68% of programs
About childcare in Sandusky
  • Sandusky has 22 licensed child care providers, including 8 Child Care Centers and 8 Type B Family Child Care Homes and 4 School-based Preschools.
  • 7 providers (32%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze.
  • 15 providers (68%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Sandusky have been licensed for an average of 13 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1977.

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Not Rated

Cedar Grove Academy

Sandusky•1501 Milan Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Furry Elementary School

Sandusky•310 Douglas Dr

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Hallingshead, Lisa

Sandusky•1201 Farwell Street

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

Kiddie Korral

Sandusky•315 West Follett Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Kowpak, Traci

Sandusky•408 Dewey St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Little Village Daycare

Sandusky•1513 Hayes Avenue

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Bronze Rated

My Faith Learning Center

Sandusky•1320 E Strub Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

New Story Schools Sandusky

Sandusky•514 Jackson St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Silver Rated

Pierce Street Center

Sandusky•1215 Pierce St.

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Pool, Kozetta

Sandusky•1223 Buchanan St

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Ryan, Julie

Sandusky•204 Randall Dr

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Not Rated

Sandusky Central Preschool Campus

Sandusky•530 Decatur St

Licensed School-Age Child Care
Not Rated

Sandusky Central Preschool Campus

Sandusky•530 Decatur St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Sandusky Head Start

Sandusky•908 Seavers Way

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Sandusky Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Sandusky, 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 Sandusky?

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 Sandusky:

  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 22 Licensed Daycares in Sandusky