Children at daycare

Best Headstart Programs in Cincinnati, OH

Compare 5 headstart programs in Cincinnati. Average rating: 4.3/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Cincinnati, Ohio at a glance

Programs
5
Avg rating
4.3/5
Parent reviews
2,367
Top rated (4.5+)
113

Cincinnati has 5 licensed headstart programs with 2,367 parent reviews averaging 4.3/5.113 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 50% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 45241 (avg 5 stars), while 45206 has the largest selection (12 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cincinnati

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

    1069 Nimitzview Drive, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Rainbow Child Care Center in Cincinnati receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and director Heidi for creating a nurturing, community-focused environment. Parents consistently report strong child development outcomes, engaging activities, healthy nutrition, and excellent communication. Families express high satisfaction and confidence in the center's preparation of children for kindergarten and beyond.

    Caring and dedicated staffDirector Heidi's responsiveness and leadershipLow staff turnoverStrong curriculum and educational outcomes
  2. 2

    2010 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Corban Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and strong emotional connections between teachers and children. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, benefit from developmental support and creative activities, and experience healthy, structured care in a clean, organized environment.

    Caring and attentive staffstrong teacher-child relationshipsdevelopmental milestone supporthealthy meals
  3. 3
    The Little Anderson
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    8516 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 104 children

    Parents consistently praise Inspiring Hearts Learning Academy (IHLA) for its nurturing, family-centered environment and high-quality care. Staff members are described as warm, loving, and attentive to individual child development, with strong academic preparation evident in children's kindergarten readiness. The facility is commended for excellent communication, enrichment activities, and creating a sense of community through family events.

    Individualized care tailored to each child's needsstrong academic curriculum and kindergarten preparationcaring and loving staff who treat children as their owndaily photo updates and communication with parents
  4. 4

    2209 Losantiville Ave, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Happy Hearts & Bright Minds receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the warm, family-oriented environment and exceptional staff. Parents highlight excellent communication, professional care, and genuine engagement with children's development and learning. The center is consistently recommended for creating a safe, comfortable atmosphere where both children and parents feel at ease.

    Warm and welcoming staffexcellent daily communication with parentscaring and attentive teachersprofessional organization
  5. 5

    4450 Mt. Carmel Tobasco Rd., Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 63 children

    Parents consistently praise Busy Building Blocks Academy for its caring, attentive staff and strong educational programs. The director and teachers are noted for treating children as their own, providing individualized lesson plans, and maintaining a clean, safe environment. Children reportedly look forward to attending daily and show noticeable developmental progress.

    caring and loving staffdedicated director (Jeana)individualized lesson plansstructured yet fun learning environment
  6. 6
    Primrose School Of Symmes
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    9175 Governor'S Way, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 164 children

    Primrose School of Symmes receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring, qualified teaching staff and comprehensive curriculum. Parents highlight the warm, welcoming atmosphere, strong educational programming, and genuine care teachers provide to children from infancy through pre-K.

    Dedicated and loving teacherseducational curriculum with diverse learning activitieshealthy meal optionssafe environment
  7. 7

    3660 Washington Ave, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Little Footprints Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the staff's genuine care, expertise in child development, and compassionate approach. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and developing well in a clean, welcoming environment with excellent communication from leadership.

    Knowledgeable and certified staffpassionate teacherspositive environmentstrong child development focus
  8. 8
    Park Montessori
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    3317 Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

    Park Montessori receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, attentive teachers and high-quality Montessori curriculum. Parents consistently highlight the school's affordability, beautiful facilities, hands-on learning approach, and strong sense of community, with children expressing genuine enthusiasm for attending.

    Caring and attentive teacherstraditional Montessori curriculumpersonalized attention to individual learning stylesaffordable tuition
  9. 9

    4600 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Earth's Precious Jewels Literacy and Fitness Academy receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the director Mr. Freddy and staff for being caring, professional, and dedicated to child development. Parents highlight the clean facility, effective communication, quality meals, field trips, and individualized attention to each child's strengths and weaknesses. Multiple reviewers credit the center's kindergarten prep program with setting their children up for academic success.

    Supportive and caring director and staffclean and organized facilityquality mealswell-planned field trips
  10. 10
    The Compass School
    4.64 score
    4.8(20)

    9370 Waterstone Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 182 children

    Parents consistently praise The Compass School (formerly Gardner School) for exceptional care, communication, and curriculum. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and excited about learning. Staff are described as caring, dedicated, and accessible to parents.

    Strong teacher-child relationshipsexcellent daily communication via Brightwheel and parent journalsage-appropriate curriculum and activitieswarm and inviting facilities

Rating Distribution

Based on 228 daycares with Google ratings in Cincinnati

4.5 - 5.0
113
4.0 - 4.4
61
3.0 - 3.9
44
Below 3
10

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 2,367 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Safe environment
20
2Clean facility
18
3Caring and attentive staff
14
4Clean facilities
11
5Children enjoy attending
11
6Welcoming environment
10
7Friendly staff
9
8Family-like atmosphere
8

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Cincinnati zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
452416
5
1
452137
5
2
4520612
4.77
5
452045
4.75
2
4524810
4.73
3
452036
4.72
3
452559
4.7
3
452479
4.7
2
452439
4.67
3
4524910
4.66
4

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Cincinnati (21–279 children)

Small

up to 30 children

11

Medium

31–75 children

71

Large

76–150 children

66

Very Large

150+ children

23

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Cincinnati based on parent reviews

Cub Early Learning Academy (Winton Campus)

5(3)

5139 Holland Drive, Cincinnati, OH

Parents highlight the low student-to-teacher ratio and the dedication of staff, noting that teachers provide hands-on care for social and educational development. Reviewers also appreciate the high-quality curriculum, hot meals, and supportive leadership from the director.

low student to teacher ratiodedicated teachershands on care

Theodore M. Berry Children And Family Learning Cente

5(3)

880 W. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH

Parents highlight the facility's welcoming atmosphere and effective teaching methods, with one noting their child successfully transitioned to kindergarten. Another reviewer praises the respectful staff and hands-on activities, while a third review appears to describe a public park rather than the childcare program itself.

welcoming environmentrespectful staffeffective teaching

Cub Early Learning Academy (Camp Washington)

4.6(7)

1054 Heywood Drive, Cincinnati, OH

CUB Early Learning Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its quality educational programming, diverse student body, and effective English language instruction. Parents consistently praise the teachers and staff professionalism, though facility limitations and leadership communication issues have been noted.

High-quality educationskilled and professionally trained teachersdiverse and inclusive environment

Cub Early Learning Academy (Millvale)

2.8(3)

3301 Beekman Street, Cincinnati, OH

One parent highlights professional and helpful staff, while another reports operational issues including non-functional contact methods and unresponsive cameras. A third reviewer alleges mistreatment of children and a general lack of awareness regarding student safety and well-being.

professional staffhelpful on first dayhighly recommended

Map

Headstart Programs in Cincinnati, Ohio

There are 5 headstart programs in Cincinnati, Ohio, making up 1% of the 451 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Cincinnati have an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 across 228 rated facilities, with 50% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.52 stars. Our analysis covers 2,367 parent reviews. Parents in Cincinnati most frequently praise daycares for safe environment, clean facility, and caring and attentive staff.

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

All Headstart Programs in Cincinnati

Showing 5 results

Cub Early Learning Academy (Winton Campus)
Headstart Programs
5

Parents highlight the low student-to-teacher ratio and the dedication of staff, noting that teachers provide hands-on care for social and educational development. Reviewers also appreciate the high-quality curriculum, hot meals, and supportive leadership from the director.

low student to teacher ratiodedicated teachershands on care
Address
5139 Holland Drive, Cincinnati, OH
Phone
(513) 242-3331
Theodore M. Berry Children And Family Learning Cente
Headstart Programs
5

Parents highlight the facility's welcoming atmosphere and effective teaching methods, with one noting their child successfully transitioned to kindergarten. Another reviewer praises the respectful staff and hands-on activities, while a third review appears to describe a public park rather than the childcare program itself.

welcoming environmentrespectful staffeffective teaching
Address
880 W. Court Street, Cincinnati, OH
Phone
(513) 569-0123
Cub Early Learning Academy (Camp Washington)
Headstart Programs
4.6

CUB Early Learning Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its quality educational programming, diverse student body, and effective English language instruction. Parents consistently praise the teachers and staff professionalism, though facility limitations and leadership communication issues have been noted.

High-quality educationskilled and professionally trained teachersdiverse and inclusive environment
Address
1054 Heywood Drive, Cincinnati, OH
Phone
(513) 541-9080
Cub Early Learning Academy (Millvale)
Headstart Programs
2.8

One parent highlights professional and helpful staff, while another reports operational issues including non-functional contact methods and unresponsive cameras. A third reviewer alleges mistreatment of children and a general lack of awareness regarding student safety and well-being.

professional staffhelpful on first dayhighly recommended
Address
3301 Beekman Street, Cincinnati, OH
Phone
(513) 591-2003
Head Start/Early Head Start Life Learning Center
Headstart Programs
Address
1740 Langdon Farm Road, Cincinnati, OH
Phone
(513) 569-1840

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Frequently asked questions

There are 5 headstart programs daycares in Cincinnati, Ohio, out of 451 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Cincinnati have an average Google rating of 4.3 out of 5 across 228 rated facilities. About 50% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Cincinnati, 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
Cincinnati offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 315 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 5 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 34 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 97 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 Cincinnati for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Cincinnati 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.