How do I choose the right daycare in Columbus?

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

What types of daycare are available in Columbus?

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.

Before or After School Daycare in Columbus, Ohio (74 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Ohio?

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.

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.

Balanced Family Academy

4.8 score

5(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

Balanced Family Academy Clubhouse

4.8 score

5(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

Little Dreamers Big Believers

4.8 score

5(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

Meadow Park Children'S Center

4.8 score

5(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

Clintonville Crc Kids Club

4.72 score

4.9(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

Clintonville Crc Kids Club 2

4.72 score

4.9(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

Clintonville Crc Kids Club 3

4.72 score

4.9(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

Mary'S Little Lamb Child Interactive Learning Academy

4.72 score

4.9(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

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

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

Before or After School Daycare in Columbus, Ohio

There are 74 before or after school daycare in Columbus, Ohio, making up 15% of the 480 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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

There are 74 before or after school daycares in Columbus, Ohio, out of 480 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

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.

74 Before or After School Daycare in Columbus, Ohio

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbus

Top Rated

Kaleidoscope

Eldon Ward Ymca

Ymca Cherry Creek Head Start

Ywca Kids Place At Hawthorne

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Daycare types in Columbus

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