Best Daycares in Willowick

Browse all 10 licensed daycares in Willowick, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Lake County

3
Gold SUTQ
30% of programs
1
Bronze SUTQ
10% of programs
6
Not Rated
60% of programs
About childcare in Willowick
  • Willowick has 10 licensed child care providers, including 9 Child Care Centers and 1 Type B Family Child Care Home.
  • 4 providers (40%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 3 Gold, 1 Bronze.
  • 6 providers (60%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Willowick have been licensed for an average of 12 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1971.

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Bronze Rated

Amazing Minds Learning Center

Willowick•31809 Vine Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Childs, Nikcole

Willowick•30209 Royalview

Licensed Type B Family Child Care HomePFCC
Gold Rated

Itsy Bitsy Land Of Discovery

Willowick•31529 Vine Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Itsy Bitsy Land Of Discovery II

Willowick•31535 Vine Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Kid Friendly Academy

Willowick•30840 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Lake Geauga United Head Start West Center

Willowick•32114 Vine Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

Leaders Of The Future Childcare Center

Willowick•29106 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Mohaba Leaders Child Care Academy

Willowick•29250 Lakeshore Blvd

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Shoregate United Methodist Nursery School

Willowick•30500 Bayridge Boulevard

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Y-School Age Child Care Royalview Elementary

Willowick•31500 Royalview Dr.

Licensed Child Care Center

Common Questions About Willowick Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Willowick, 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 Willowick?

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 Willowick:

  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.