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.

74 Before or After School Daycare in Columbus, Ohio

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.

Browse all 74 before or after school daycare in Columbus, Ohio. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

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
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
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
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

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Columbus based on parent reviews

Kaleidoscope

4.8(16)

1129 College Avenue, Columbus, OH

Kaleidoscope is a school-based center in Columbus, Ohio with perfect 5-star ratings. Parents praise it as a safe, clean, and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth and allies, with staff described as caring and supportive. Multiple reviewers credit the center with positively impacting their lives and strengthening family relationships.

Clean facilitywelcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individualssupportive and helpful staff

Eldon Ward Ymca

4.5(20)

130 Woodland Avenue, Columbus, OH

Note: Reviews appear to be for the YMCA facility overall rather than the school-based daycare program specifically. Parents praise the welcoming atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff, clean facilities, and diverse amenities including pools, fitness equipment, and classes. The facility is described as fostering a sense of community and safety.

Friendly and helpful staffClean facilitiesWelcoming and non-judgmental environment

Ymca Cherry Creek Head Start

4.2(7)

600 Fox Ridge Street, Columbus, OH

Parents praise the friendly and polite staff at this YMCA location. Most reviews are positive, though some note operational inconveniences such as random closures and schedule changes. Overall satisfaction is high among families who use the facility.

Friendly and polite staffnice pool facilityconvenient location

Ywca Kids Place At Hawthorne

3.5(2)

5001 Far View Road, Columbus, OH

Map

Daycare types in Columbus

Child Daycare & Preschools 364 Headstart Programs 21 Church Daycare 21 Before or After School Daycare 74

Browse by type in Columbus

🎨 Preschools 23 ✝️ Christian Daycare 14 🌱 Montessori 5 🎒 After School Programs 4

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.

All Before or After School Daycare in Columbus

Showing 74 results