Best Daycares in Willoughby

Browse all 9 licensed daycares in Willoughby, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Lake County

2
Gold SUTQ
22% of programs
7
Not Rated
78% of programs
About childcare in Willoughby
  • Willoughby has 9 licensed child care providers, including 7 Child Care Centers and 1 School-based Preschool and 1 Registered Day Camp Or Approved Day Camp.
  • 2 providers (22%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 2 Gold.
  • 4 providers (44%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Willoughby have been licensed for an average of 22 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1970.

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Not Rated

Clapp Children'S Center Of Breckenridge Village

Willoughby•36855 Ridge Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Little Scholars All Stars Willoughby

Willoughby•1125 Lost Nation Rd.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Little Scholars Willoughby

Willoughby•37912 Third St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

West End Lake County YMCA

Willoughby•36909 Ridge Road

Registered Day Camp or Approved Day Camp
Not Rated

Willoughby Montessori Dayschool INC

Willoughby•5543 S O M Center Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Willoughby United Methodist Preschool

Willoughby•15 Public Square

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Y-School Age Child Care - Grant

Willoughby•38281 Hurricane Dr.

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Y-School Age Child Care Edison Elementary

Willoughby•5288 Karen Isle Drive

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Willoughby Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Willoughby, 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 Willoughby?

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 Willoughby:

  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.