Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbus, OH
Compare 364 child daycare & preschools 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
- Programs
- 364
- Avg rating
- 4.29/5
- Parent reviews
- 2,364
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 142
Columbus has 364 licensed child daycare & preschools 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.
- 1Balanced Family Academy4.8 score5(20)
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 - 2Balanced Family Academy Clubhouse4.8 score5(20)
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 - 3Little Dreamers Big Believers4.8 score5(20)
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 - 4Meadow Park Children'S Center4.8 score5(20)
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 - 5Clintonville Crc Kids Club4.72 score4.9(20)
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 - 6Clintonville Crc Kids Club 24.72 score4.9(20)
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 - 7Clintonville Crc Kids Club 34.72 score4.9(20)
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 - 8Mary'S Little Lamb Child Interactive Learning Academy4.72 score4.9(20)
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 - 9Jolly Tots Too!4.72 score4.9(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 - 10Our Lady Of Bethlehem4.71 score5(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
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 2,364 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Columbus, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Columbus zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43221 | 7 | 4.9 | 5 | |
| 43220 | 19 | 4.75 | 9 | |
| 43214 | 19 | 4.75 | 9 | |
| 43240 | 6 | 4.7 | 2 | |
| 43235 | 17 | 4.7 | 3 | |
| 43201 | 8 | 4.64 | 3 | |
| 43215 | 16 | 4.63 | 7 | |
| 43209 | 16 | 4.62 | 5 | |
| 43212 | 8 | 4.56 | 3 | |
| 43224 | 36 | 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
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.
Balanced Family Academy Clubhouse
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.
Little Dreamers Big Believers
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.
Meadow Park Children'S Center
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.
Clintonville Crc Kids Club
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.
Clintonville Crc Kids Club 2
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.
Map
Daycare types in Columbus
Browse by type in Columbus
Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbus, Ohio
Navigating childcare options in Columbus, Ohio, involves exploring a diverse landscape of 364 facilities, ranging from large centers to intimate home-based programs. Parents frequently highlight clean environments and safe settings as key priorities, often noting their children's excitement to attend. With a standout neighborhood in the 43221 zip code offering exceptional ratings, families have multiple pathways to find a supportive community for their little ones.
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 Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbus
Showing 364 results
- Address
- 3231 Briggs Road, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 272-7430
- Address
- 1500 South 4th St, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 477-0987
- Address
- 2070 Ridgecliff Rd, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 451-6677
- Address
- 1581 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 488-3659
- Address
- 1343 S Hamilton Rd, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 237-9330
KinderCare Learning Center #514 in Columbus receives highly polarized reviews. Some parents praise individual teachers and the director's involvement, reporting happy children and accommodating care. However, multiple parents report serious concerns including inadequate supervision, inconsistent diaper changing leading to rashes, unreported injuries and bruises, failure to follow dietary restrictions, and unprofessional management.
- Address
- 550 Fox Ridge St, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 870-7375
- Address
- 255 E. Main St, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 355-0600
Reviews are mixed with significant leadership changes impacting the center's quality. Parents praise the teaching staff and recent director Ms. Audri's positive leadership, but express serious concerns about administrative inconsistencies, communication failures, and care quality issues that occurred under previous management.
- Address
- 1955 Tamarack Circle, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 433-0625
KinderCare Learning Center in Columbus, Ohio receives consistently positive feedback from parents. All 10 reviews are 5-star ratings praising the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Parents particularly highlight Director Tasherra's welcoming approach and the genuine care teachers show for children.
- Address
- 5381 W Broad St, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 851-1431
- Address
- 950 King Ave, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 451-4749
Parents consistently praise Children of America Columbus for attentive, compassionate teachers who genuinely care about individual child development and growth. The facility is commended for strong leadership, good communication with parents, reasonable pricing, and additional features like security cameras and school transportation. Families report children are happy, engaged, and excited to attend.
- Address
- 8360 North High Street, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 985-1993
North Branch YMCA in Columbus is highly rated by members for its welcoming community, diverse fitness programs, and quality instructors. Members appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and comprehensive amenities including pools, basketball courts, and fitness classes. However, some note that the facility is aging and requires upgrades, particularly in the locker rooms.
- Address
- 1640 Sandalwood, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 885-4252
- Address
- 700 Jasonway Ave, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 340-4898
- Address
- 2657 E Broad St, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 231-2783
Parents describe the center as a loving and compassionate environment where staff are friendly and attentive to developmental milestones. Reviewers highlight the balance of free play and structured learning, noting visible improvements in their children's attitudes and growth. No specific complaints or negatives were mentioned in the available feedback.
- Address
- 760 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 221-6102
Parents consistently praise this KinderCare center for its warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff. Directors Katana and Stephanie receive particular acclaim for their responsive leadership and proactive communication. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and learning while parents appreciate daily updates and photos through the center's app.
- Address
- 5351 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 891-4444
Jelly Bean Junction Learning Center receives unanimously positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the attentive and caring staff who actively engage with children, facilitate learning, and maintain regular communication with parents. Multiple parents report their children love attending and have experienced significant developmental progress.
- Address
- 3480 Snouffer Rd, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 792-8700
Creative Child Care - East receives mixed reviews with strong praise from some parents but serious concerns from others. Positive reviewers highlight caring teachers and effective communication through the HiMama app. However, multiple parents report significant issues including staff turnover, poor hygiene practices, health concerns, lost items, and inappropriate photo sharing without consent.
- Address
- 5831 Westbourne Ave, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 864-2424
Brightside Academy Ohio (also referred to as Clever Bee Academy in reviews) receives universal 5-star ratings from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, patient staff, significant developmental progress in children, and family-like atmosphere. The facility is noted for cleanliness, spacious layout, and individualized attention to each child's needs.
- Address
- 3611 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 238-9470
- Address
- 492 William Road, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 497-3815
Parents consistently praise KinderCare Learning Center #889 in Columbus for its caring, attentive staff and safe environment. The facility receives widespread recognition for excellent communication, educational programming, and strong leadership under Director Roslynne Williams. Multiple parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally at this location.
- Address
- 2001 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 457-0754
Brightside Academy Ohio receives universally positive reviews from parents who have used the center for multiple years. Parents consistently praise the staff for their care, dedication, and ability to help children learn and develop. The center is noted for educational activities, meals, field trips, and maintaining communication with families.
- Address
- 1977 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 294-2855
- Address
- 2300 A South Hamilton Road, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 856-4552
Creative Child Care - West receives consistently high praise from parents who report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving. Parents highlight exceptional staff who are caring and professional, a well-designed curriculum balancing learning and play, and a welcoming facility atmosphere. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and some have returned across generations.
- Address
- 485 Industrial Mile Rd, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 276-2737
Merry Moppet Early Learning Center in Columbus, Ohio receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviews highlight warm, caring, and attentive staff who provide excellent communication, educational activities, and individualized attention to children's developmental needs. Parents report their children thrive in the clean, well-organized facility with engaging indoor/outdoor spaces and feel comfortable with smooth transitions.
- Address
- 2701 Hard Rd, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 793-1040
Parents consistently praise KinderCare Learning Center #1393 for its clean, safe environment and caring staff. Director Tasherra is frequently highlighted for creating a welcoming atmosphere with strong parent-child relationships. Parents appreciate daily communication via photos and updates, and note their children are happy and engaged in learning activities.
- Address
- 5959 E Broad Street, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 759-6622
La Petite Academy in Columbus receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and clean, well-maintained facility. Parents highlight strong communication, healthy meal options, enrichment activities, and a nurturing environment where children thrive and enjoy attending.
- Address
- 909 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 430-0451
Chase Back-Up Child Care Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring and attentive staff, quality curriculum, and welcoming environment. Parents report their children are happy, learning, and thriving. One concern was raised about the center lacking insurance.
- Address
- 3415 Vision Drive, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 422-1366
- Address
- 795 Hudson Ave, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 447-3400
- Address
- 1430 Oakland Park, Columbus, OH
- Phone
- (614) 261-7680
Page 12 of 13· 364 results
Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 364 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 21 facilities
- Church Daycare — 21 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 74 facilities