Best Daycares in Wooster

Browse all 21 licensed daycares in Wooster, Ohio. Compare program type, SUTQ status, and key details to find childcare that fits your family.

County hubs: Wayne County

8
Gold SUTQ
38% of programs
3
Silver SUTQ
14% of programs
1
Bronze SUTQ
5% of programs
9
Not Rated
43% of programs
About childcare in Wooster
  • Wooster has 21 licensed child care providers, including 16 Child Care Centers and 5 School-based Preschools.
  • 12 providers (57%) hold a Step Up to Quality rating — 8 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze.
  • 14 providers (67%) accept Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) assistance for income-eligible families.
  • Providers in Wooster have been licensed for an average of 19 years, with the longest-running program licensed since 1972.

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Silver Rated

Care 4 Kids Educational Child Care Center

Wooster•5025 Cleveland Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Caw/M W#3 Head Start: Preschool

Wooster•905 Pittsburgh Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Cornerstone Before And After School YMCA Of Wayne County

Wooster•101 W Bowman St.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

Cornerstone El

Wooster•101 W Bowman St

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Gold Rated

Kids & Giggles

Wooster•647 East Bowman Street

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Silver Rated

Learn 'N Play Of Wooster

Wooster•243 S Bever St

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Melrose Before And After School YMCA Of Wayne County

Wooster•1641 Sunset Lane

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Montessori School Of Wooster

Wooster•1170 Akron Rd

Licensed School-Based Preschool
Not Rated

Panda Preschool

Wooster•9451 Ashland Rd

Licensed Child Care Center
Not Rated

Parkview Before And After School- YMCA Of Wayne County

Wooster•773 Parkview St.

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Gold Rated

St Mary'S Sharing & Caring Preschool/Daycare

Wooster•515 Beall Avenue

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

Stepping Stones Day Care

Wooster•4687 Cleveland Rd

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Not Rated

The College Of Wooster Preschool

Wooster•353 E Pine Street

Licensed Child Care Center
Gold Rated

The Learning Academy

Wooster•3495 Old Airport Road

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC
Bronze Rated

The Y Academy For Brighter Futures

Wooster•2020 Noble Dr

Licensed Child Care CenterPFCC

Common Questions About Wooster Child Care

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

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

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

Before committing to a provider in Wooster, 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 Wooster?

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 Wooster:

  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 21 Licensed Daycares in Wooster