Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Columbus, OH

Compare 480 daycare centers in Columbus. Average rating: 4.29/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Columbus, Ohio at a glance

Daycares
480
Avg rating
4.29/5
Parent reviews
2,364
Top rated (4.5+)
142

Columbus has 480 licensed daycares with 2,364 parent reviews averaging 4.29/5.142 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 53% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 43221 (avg 4.9 stars), while 43224 has the largest selection (36 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbus

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    5150 Reed Rd, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Balanced Family Academy receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the exceptional care, communication, and nurturing environment. Parents consistently highlight staff dedication, individualized attention to children, and peace of mind regarding their child's safety and development.

    Excellent staff and teacher qualityregular communication with parentsindividualized child caresafe and clean facility
  2. 2

    1717 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Balanced Family Academy Clubhouse receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise exceptional staff care, strong communication, and a welcoming community environment. Parents consistently report feeling confident in their children's safety, development, and well-being at the facility.

    Caring and nurturing staffexcellent communication and daily updatesindividual attention to each childclean facility
  3. 3

    1347 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Balanced Family Academy (BFA) for exceptional staff who are caring, attentive, and communicative. First-time parents particularly appreciate the daily updates via the CareDay app and visible emotional security their children display. The facility offers quality meals, engaging activities, and a welcoming environment that makes parents feel confident leaving their children in capable hands.

    Caring and attentive teachersdaily photo and text updates via CareDay appfresh homemade meals providedclean and well-organized facilities
  4. 4

    2425 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 186 children

    Meadow Park Children's Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff, enriching curriculum centered on play-based learning, and strong communication. Parents highlight the stable environment created by long-tenured teachers, diverse activities, and welcoming community atmosphere.

    Experienced and caring staff with high retention rates (10+ years)play-based learning approachvariety of activities (artscience
  5. 5

    48 East North Broadway, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Clintonville CRC Kids Club receives universal praise from community members who describe it as a valuable resource offering food pantry services, support programs, and assistance to those in need. Staff and volunteers are consistently highlighted as friendly, helpful, and passionate about serving the community.

    Friendly and helpful staffFresh produce and quality pantry itemsMultiple programs and support servicesWelcoming to all community members
  6. 6

    7 W Henderson Road, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    CLINTONVILLE CRC KIDS CLUB 2 is a community resource center with exceptional staff and programming that serves diverse populations including families in need, seniors, and those experiencing food insecurity. Parents and community members consistently praise the friendly, passionate staff, fresh produce pantry offerings, and comprehensive support services available to the community.

    Friendly and helpful stafffresh produce and quality pantry itemswelcoming environm
  7. 7

    35 Oakland Park Ave., Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    This facility appears to be a community resource center rather than a traditional daycare, offering pantry services and community support programs. Parents consistently praise the friendly, passionate staff and the quality of fresh produce and assistance provided. Multiple reviewers highlight the organization's significant positive impact on individuals and families in need.

    Friendly and helpful stafffresh produce qualitywelcoming environmentcomprehensive commu
  8. 8

    1800 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Mary's Little Lamb as an exceptional daycare with outstanding leadership under Ms. Tiffany. Reviews highlight the clean, well-organized facility, caring staff who treat children like family, engaging educational activities, and strong community involvement. Parents report feeling confident leaving their children in this program's care.

    Clean facilityprofessional staffpersonalized attention to each childengaging activities and field trips
  9. 9
    Jolly Tots Too!
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    5511 N. Hamilton Road, Columbus, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 152 children

    Jolly Tots Too! receives universal praise from parents across all reviews. Parents consistently highlight the caring, experienced staff, small teacher-to-child ratios, on-site nurse, and nurturing environment that supports children's growth from infancy through Pre-K. Families report feeling confident in the quality of care and describe the center as a loving community where children thrive.

    Caring and experienced staffsmall teacher-to-child ratioson-site nurseclean and bright classrooms
  10. 10
    Our Lady Of Bethlehem
    4.71 score
    5(12)

    4567 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Our Lady of Bethlehem is a highly regarded religious daycare facility in Columbus, Ohio with universally positive reviews. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, strong academic curriculum, spiritual guidance, and nurturing environment that supports children's development across multiple domains.

    Caring and responsive teachersstrong curriculumsmall class sizesindividual attention

Rating Distribution

Based on 268 daycares with Google ratings in Columbus

4.5 - 5.0
142
4.0 - 4.4
54
3.0 - 3.9
58
Below 3
14

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 2,364 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
39
2Safe environment
23
3Children excited to attend
14
4Children enjoy attending
13
5Welcoming environment
12
6Caring staff
12
7Welcoming atmosphere
10
8Friendly staff
9

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Columbus zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
432217
4.9
5
4322019
4.75
9
4321419
4.75
9
432406
4.7
2
4323517
4.7
3
432018
4.64
3
4321516
4.63
7
4320916
4.62
5
432128
4.56
3
4322436
4.35
12

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Columbus (12–312 children)

Small

up to 30 children

8

Medium

31–75 children

64

Large

76–150 children

64

Very Large

150+ children

11

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Columbus based on parent reviews

Balanced Family Academy

5(20)

5150 Reed Rd, Columbus, OH

Balanced Family Academy receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the exceptional care, communication, and nurturing environment. Parents consistently highlight staff dedication, individualized attention to children, and peace of mind regarding their child's safety and development.

Excellent staff and teacher qualityregular communication with parentsindividualized child care

Balanced Family Academy Clubhouse

5(20)

1717 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH

Balanced Family Academy Clubhouse receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise exceptional staff care, strong communication, and a welcoming community environment. Parents consistently report feeling confident in their children's safety, development, and well-being at the facility.

Caring and nurturing staffexcellent communication and daily updatesindividual attention to each child

Little Dreamers Big Believers

5(20)

1347 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH

Parents consistently praise Balanced Family Academy (BFA) for exceptional staff who are caring, attentive, and communicative. First-time parents particularly appreciate the daily updates via the CareDay app and visible emotional security their children display. The facility offers quality meals, engaging activities, and a welcoming environment that makes parents feel confident leaving their children in capable hands.

Caring and attentive teachersdaily photo and text updates via CareDay appfresh homemade meals provided

Meadow Park Children'S Center

5(20)

2425 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH

Meadow Park Children's Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff, enriching curriculum centered on play-based learning, and strong communication. Parents highlight the stable environment created by long-tenured teachers, diverse activities, and welcoming community atmosphere.

Experienced and caring staff with high retention rates (10+ years)play-based learning approachvariety of activities (art

Clintonville Crc Kids Club

4.9(20)

48 East North Broadway, Columbus, OH

Clintonville CRC Kids Club receives universal praise from community members who describe it as a valuable resource offering food pantry services, support programs, and assistance to those in need. Staff and volunteers are consistently highlighted as friendly, helpful, and passionate about serving the community.

Friendly and helpful staffFresh produce and quality pantry itemsMultiple programs and support services

Clintonville Crc Kids Club 2

4.9(20)

7 W Henderson Road, Columbus, OH

CLINTONVILLE CRC KIDS CLUB 2 is a community resource center with exceptional staff and programming that serves diverse populations including families in need, seniors, and those experiencing food insecurity. Parents and community members consistently praise the friendly, passionate staff, fresh produce pantry offerings, and comprehensive support services available to the community.

Friendly and helpful stafffresh produce and quality pantry itemswelcoming environm

Map

Daycare Centers in Columbus, Ohio

Navigating childcare in Columbus means exploring a diverse landscape of 480 facilities, ranging from large institutional programs to intimate home-based settings. Parents frequently highlight clean, safe environments and the joy children feel when arriving each morning. For those seeking highly rated options, the 43222 zip code stands out with a perfect average rating across its local centers.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Columbus have an average rating of 4.29 out of 5 across 268 rated facilities, with 53% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.85 stars. Our analysis covers 2,364 parent reviews. Parents in Columbus most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, safe environment, and children excited to attend.

When choosing a daycare in Columbus, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Columbus

Showing 480 results

Tiny Tots Day Care Services
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent rates the center highly, describing it as the best in terms of care. This single review highlights a positive experience regarding the quality of attention provided.

best care
Address
1442 Elmore Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 268-7345
Waiss Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the daycare as great, noting that their children adore the teachers. The single review highlights positive staff interactions without mentioning any drawbacks.

Great environmentAdorable teachers
Address
2200 E. Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 895-0158
A Love For Children
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4656 Heaton Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 378-5210
A Step In The Right Direction Literacy Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent with seven years of experience highlights a positive long-term relationship with Mrs. Rhonda and her staff. The review indicates strong satisfaction with the center-based care provided over time.

long-term attendancestaff qualityleadership by Mrs. Rhonda
Address
1300 Yellowwood Drive, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 818-9393
A+ Kids Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

A+ Kids Learning Center in Columbus receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring, professional staff and clean, safe environment. Parents highlight the center's focus on academic preparation for preschool and kindergarten, as well as the warm, family-like atmosphere that keeps children engaged and excited about attending.

Caring and personable staffclean and safe facilityone-on-one academic instruction
Address
5700 Kathy Run Lane, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 394-8278
All In A Day Childcare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the center as very caring with no complaints, noting that the children are well taken care of.

caring staffwell taken care of childrenno complaints
Address
4420 Refugee Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 866-7623
America'S Childcare LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes this center-based childcare as their preferred choice for all their children, noting that the program prepares kids for school readiness. The single review highlights a positive experience without listing any drawbacks.

School readiness preparationPreferred childcare choiceSuitable for multiple children
Address
77 North Wilson Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 272-5900
Norton Road Head Start
Headstart Programs
5
Address
60 Norton Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 801-6293
Olentangy Church Child Care Center
Church Daycare
5

Parents consistently praise Olentangy Church Child Care Center (now called Just North Christian Childcare) for its caring, professional staff and engaging educational environment. The facility is noted for its Christian atmosphere, creative activities, low teacher turnover, individualized attention, and affordability. Children are reported to be excited about attending and well-prepared for school.

Kind and caring teacherslow teacher turnoverstrong director communication
Address
2040- W. Henderson Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 459-9383
Polaris Christian Academy Early Learning Center
Church Daycare
5

One parent highlights the welcoming atmosphere and engaging programs for their children, including staff appreciation and activities like Rise and Shine. Another visitor notes the church's active community stewardship and family-friendly environment during a child's event. A third reviewer appreciates the spiritual guidance and warm welcome experienced during a visit. No specific complaints about the childcare aspect were mentioned.

Welcoming and loving atmosphereengaging children's programs (Rise and Shine)amazing teachers and staff
Address
1250 Gemini Pl, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 436-1117
Burbank Early Childhood School Sch
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the facility's large space, ample parking, and access to nearby outdoor amenities like a park with sports fields and walking trails. Another reviewer describes the experience as incredible and highly recommends the center.

large spaceample parkingoutdoor playground
Address
4770 Burbank Dr, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 445-3750
Dahlberg Gibson Learning Cente School
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Dahlberg Gibson Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents for its dedicated, caring staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight significant developmental progress in their children, including those with disabilities, and commend the school's engaging curriculum and strong communication with families. The center is described as providing top-tier personal care and support.

Dedicated and caring staffengaged teachersnurturing environment
Address
1915 E Cooke Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 342-5000
Early Childhood Ed And Fam Ctr School
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Early Childhood Ed and Fam Ctr School for its excellent care and developmental support. The staff is described as friendly, trustworthy, and knowledgeable, with particular appreciation for their work with children with special needs. Parents report significant developmental progress during enrollment, including speech and language skills.

Great staffknowledgeable instructorstrustworthy caregivers
Address
2879 Johnstown Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 342-5000
Early Childhood Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Early Childhood Learning Center for its warm, dedicated staff, clean facilities, and well-organized environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending daily, demonstrate strong developmental progress, and benefit from individualized learning approaches. The center maintains excellent communication with families and creates a supportive community.

Warm and patient teachersclean and well-organized facilitystrong teacher-student relationships
Address
4141 Rudy Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 451-6418
G. Tyree Learning School
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Several parents highlight the center's strong educational focus and its success in helping children adapt and thrive, with one grandparent noting the school's long-term positive impact on her grandchildren's early development. Current families appreciate the cleanliness, excellent lunch program, and caring staff, though one parent initially faced challenges with their child's adjustment period. The few reviews mention no specific negatives regarding the facility or staff.

educational focusearly school preparationcaring staff
Address
1077 Lexington Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 421-2305
Linden Park Neighborhood Early Childhood Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the caring, professional, and loving staff, noting the excellent staff-to-student ratio as a key strength. The review emphasizes that the program successfully prepares children for kindergarten while fostering a positive attitude and enthusiasm for attending school.

caring staffprofessional staffloving staff
Address
1400 Myrtle Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 365-7962
Tree Of Life-Indianola Branch
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Tree of Life for its strong academic program combined with Christian faith-based education. They highlight exceptional teacher communication, individualized attention to learning styles, and meaningful spiritual experiences. Multiple parents report their children are thriving academically and spiritually, with strong parent-teacher partnerships.

Strong academic programChristian values integrated throughout curriculumexceptional parent communication
Address
2141 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 299-4906
St Cecilia
Church Daycare
5

One parent notes their child enjoys attending preschool three days a week, while another describes the institution as a great private school with enduring values.

Child enjoymentPreschool programPrivate school quality
Address
440 Norton Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 878-3555
Our Lady Of Bethlehem
Church Daycare
5

Our Lady of Bethlehem is a highly regarded religious daycare facility in Columbus, Ohio with universally positive reviews. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, strong academic curriculum, spiritual guidance, and nurturing environment that supports children's development across multiple domains.

Caring and responsive teachersstrong curriculumsmall class sizes
Address
4567 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 459-8285
Safe Haven Day Care And Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the facility's welcoming environment and specifically praises the infant class for its friendly teachers. Another reviewer notes that children are well-cared for and safe at the center.

great atmosphereexcellent infant classfriendly teachers
Address
2136 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 267-4537
Boulevard Presbyterian Church Preschool & Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents describe the staff as attentive, caring, and responsible, noting that the program prepares children well for school while fostering a joy in learning. Reviewers highlight the loving and educational environment as key strengths of their experience.

attentive staffcaring staffresponsible environment
Address
1235 Northwest Boulevard, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 486-2362
Wmg - Watch Me Grow
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent reports that their children have attended WMG - WATCH ME GROW for seven years, expressing strong appreciation for Mrs. Rhonda and the staff. The feedback highlights a long-term positive relationship with the center's leadership.

long-term attendanceaffection for staffleadership from Mrs. Rhonda
Address
5817 Beechcroft Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 895-1231
Ascension Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes ASCENSION LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL as having highly qualified and enthusiastic staff who teach morning classes from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The center also offers extended care options before and after these scheduled class times.

Highly qualified staffEnthusiastic staffMorning class schedule (9:00AM-11:30AM)
Address
1479 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 268-2010
Play & Learn Christian Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Play & Learn Christian Child Care receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the loving, nurturing teachers and warm home-like environment. Parents highlight excellent communication, staff longevity, affordability, educational enrichment, and strong security measures. The facility successfully balances its Christian values with an inclusive, welcoming approach to families of all beliefs.

loving and caring teachersstaff longevityaffordable pricing
Address
35 E Stanton Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 846-7576
Kare-A-Lot Riverside LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents describe a highly nurturing environment where teachers, many with over a decade of tenure, provide exceptional care that alleviates parental guilt. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and emotionally connected to staff, with some noting specific activities like organic purees and toddler yoga.

Genuine care and love for childrenexperienced staff with 10+ year tenuresupportive management
Address
3164 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 481-7532
Cdcfc Allegheny Head Start
Headstart Programs
5
Address
3260 Allegheny Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 235-2060
Meadow Park Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Meadow Park Children's Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff, enriching curriculum centered on play-based learning, and strong communication. Parents highlight the stable environment created by long-tenured teachers, diverse activities, and welcoming community atmosphere.

Experienced and caring staff with high retention rates (10+ years)play-based learning approachvariety of activities (art
Address
2425 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 578-4679
Gingerbread House Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes the center as feeling like family, highlighting Ms. Barb and the staff for being loving and reliable. A second review notes the program's consistency and dependability.

family-like atmosphereloving staffreliability
Address
67 W Fourth Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 299-2005
The Mary Evans Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3777 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 777-4099
Kings Kids Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

A parent highlights the safety of the facility, noting that their children are both secure and engaged in learning activities. The feedback emphasizes a secure environment conducive to educational growth.

Safe environmentchildren are learning
Address
4444 E. Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH
Phone
(614) 863-5464

Page 2 of 16· 480 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 480 all daycares in Columbus, Ohio. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Columbus have an average Google rating of 4.29 out of 5 across 268 rated facilities. About 53% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Columbus, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Ohio's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Ohio)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Columbus offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 364 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 21 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 21 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 74 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Ohio typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Columbus for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Columbus must be licensed by Ohio's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.
The 43222 zip code currently holds the best rating, maintaining a 5/5 average across 3 facilities. Parents looking for top-tier reviews should prioritize searching within this specific area.
We have analyzed 2378 total parent reviews across 272 facilities that are rated on Google. This data helps you see what other families have experienced firsthand rather than relying solely on marketing materials.
When reading through the reviews, the most frequent mentions are clean facilities, safe environments, and children being excited to attend. These qualitative themes often matter more than the star rating when deciding where to enroll your child.