Elyria, OH · Lorain · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Elyria, Ohio

Founded in 1817 by Heman Ely along the Black River, Elyria transformed from an untamed wilderness into a bustling industrial hub that once housed forty major manufacturing facilities by the 1920s. The city built its identity on diversified production—medical equipment, automotive parts, tools, and hydraulic systems—rather than relying on a single industry like neighboring Akron's tire manufacturing dominance. Today, Elyria reflects Ohio's broader economic evolution from its industrial heyday to its contemporary reinvention. We analyzed all 21 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Elyria, scoring each across 11 real dimensions from parent reviews and public records. No marketing copy — just what real families reported. We scored each Ohio-licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

21Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
53,538City population
Sort by
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Lccc Children'S Learning Center
1005 N Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.3/ 10
Safety
9
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
10
Compassion
6
Mgmt
9
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold (5-Star) — highest rating available from the State of Ohio
  • Operated by Lorain County Community College — teaching staff hold college degrees with early childhood education specializations
  • Programs available year-round for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children ages 18 months to 12 years
  • Open to LCCC students, faculty, staff, and the broader Elyria community

Considerations

    2
    Park Place Early Learning Center
    524 Park Place, Elyria, OH 44035
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Gold
    7.1/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    8
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
    • Nonprofit organization established in 1991 — over 30 years serving Elyria families
    • Unique programming: swimming lessons and art classes integrated into care
    • Participates in federally funded Child Care Food Program — USDA-compliant meals
    • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers

    Considerations

    • Charity Navigator 2/4 stars — below average nonprofit accountability rating
    3
    All About The Kids Academy
    435 Griswold Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.4/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Parents praise attentiveness, safety standards, and cleanliness of the facility
    • Teachers described as 'full of love for the children' with individualized lesson plans for each child
    • Founded in 2017 — established and growing center in Elyria
    • Serves children 6 weeks to 12 years with before and after school care
    • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

    Considerations

      4
      Helping Hands Childcare And Wellness Center Ii Llc
      449 Midway Blvd, Elyria, OH 44035
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Silver
      6.4/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • 5.0 rating from parent reviews on Care.com
      • On-site nurse available — standout safety and wellness feature
      • All staff CPR certified
      • Extended hours including weekends (5am–6pm+) — accommodates non-traditional work schedules
      • Wellness planning and guidance counseling available for parents
      • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

      Considerations

        5
        Cascade Horizon Education Center
        233 Bond Street, Elyria, OH 44035
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.3/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        8
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
        • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers
        • Part of Horizon Education Centers nonprofit network — Gold SUTQ certification across all Lorain County locations
        • State-of-the-art facility with high-quality early childhood education programs

        Considerations

          6
          Childtime Child Care Academy
          515 Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
          Licensed Child Care Center
          SUTQ: Gold
          6.3/ 10
          Safety
          5
          Curriculum
          8
          Art/Music
          5
          Infant care
          5
          K-ready
          6
          Teachers
          8
          Compassion
          6
          Mgmt
          8
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          6

          Strengths

          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
          • Part of Learning Care Group national network with structured STEAM and academic-based educational programming
          • Offers play-based, project-based, and academic learning pathways

          Considerations

            7
            Elyria Horizon Education Center
            10347 Dewhurst Road, Elyria, OH 44035
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Gold
            6.3/ 10
            Safety
            5
            Curriculum
            8
            Art/Music
            5
            Infant care
            5
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            8
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            8
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
            • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers
            • Part of Horizon Education Centers nonprofit network serving Greater Cleveland
            • Gold SUTQ certification reflects top-tier early childhood education standards

            Considerations

              8
              Lccaa Head Start-Griswold
              631 Griswold Rd., Elyria, OH 44035
              Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
              SUTQ: Gold
              6.3/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              8
              Art/Music
              5
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              6
              Teachers
              8
              Compassion
              6
              Mgmt
              8
              Culture
              6
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              6

              Strengths

              • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
              • Federal Head Start program providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family services
              • Operated by Lorain County Community Action Agency — established community nonprofit

              Considerations

                9
                Rapha Academy Fresh Start Childcare
                700 Gulf Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
                Licensed Child Care Center
                SUTQ: Silver
                6.3/ 10
                Safety
                6
                Curriculum
                7
                Art/Music
                5
                Infant care
                6
                K-ready
                6
                Teachers
                7
                Compassion
                7
                Mgmt
                6
                Culture
                7
                Class sizes
                0
                Extracurriculars
                6

                Strengths

                • Christian nonprofit preschool and after-school program — faith-based, mission-driven environment
                • Extremely wide hours: 6am to midnight — serves families with non-traditional work schedules
                • Three full meals plus snacks included daily — USDA Child Care Food Program participant
                • Transportation to and from school provided for school-age children
                • Summer program (8 weeks) and monthly parent engagement meetings

                Considerations

                  10
                  South Elyria Horizon Education Centers "A"
                  109 Louden Court, Elyria, OH 44035
                  Licensed Child Care Center
                  SUTQ: Gold
                  6.3/ 10
                  Safety
                  5
                  Curriculum
                  8
                  Art/Music
                  5
                  Infant care
                  5
                  K-ready
                  6
                  Teachers
                  8
                  Compassion
                  6
                  Mgmt
                  8
                  Culture
                  6
                  Class sizes
                  0
                  Extracurriculars
                  6

                  Strengths

                  • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
                  • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers
                  • Part of Horizon Education Centers nonprofit network serving Greater Cleveland
                  • Gold SUTQ certification reflects top-tier early childhood education standards

                  Considerations

                    11
                    Danis Garden Childcare And Learning Center
                    860 East Broad Street, Elyria, OH 44035
                    Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: Silver
                    6.2/ 10
                    Safety
                    5
                    Curriculum
                    7
                    Art/Music
                    5
                    Infant care
                    5
                    K-ready
                    6
                    Teachers
                    7
                    Compassion
                    8
                    Mgmt
                    7
                    Culture
                    6
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

                    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Silver — recognized quality program
                    • Nonprofit childcare center offering structured programs with sensory and hands-on activities specifically designed for children with autism, ADHD, ODD, and other neurological disorders
                    • Serves children with special needs in an inclusive, supportive environment

                    Considerations

                      12
                      Grace Lutheran Christian Preschool
                      9685 E River Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
                      Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: NR
                      6.2/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      7
                      Art/Music
                      6
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      7
                      Teachers
                      7
                      Compassion
                      7
                      Mgmt
                      5
                      Culture
                      7
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • Faith-based preschool (LCMS Lutheran) with curriculum following NAEYC standards — nationally recognized early childhood guidelines
                      • Integrates computer technology and interactive whiteboard in classroom instruction
                      • Developmentally appropriate age-grouped scheduling (2-, 3-, and 4-year-old classes)
                      • Optional enrichment program for Pre-K — extended programming for kindergarten readiness

                      Considerations

                        13
                        Kindercare Learning Center #1066
                        1216 N Abbe Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
                        ★ 4.4 (20 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: Silver
                        6.0/ 10
                        Safety
                        5
                        Curriculum
                        7
                        Art/Music
                        5
                        Infant care
                        5
                        K-ready
                        6
                        Teachers
                        7
                        Compassion
                        6
                        Mgmt
                        7
                        Culture
                        6
                        Class sizes
                        0
                        Extracurriculars
                        6

                        Strengths

                        • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Silver — recognized quality program
                        • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers
                        • Part of KinderCare national network with standardized curriculum and safety protocols

                        Considerations

                          14
                          Tiny Town Childcare And Learning Center
                          206 Cleveland Street, Elyria, OH 44035
                          Licensed Child Care Center
                          SUTQ: Gold
                          5.9/ 10
                          Safety
                          5
                          Curriculum
                          8
                          Art/Music
                          5
                          Infant care
                          5
                          K-ready
                          6
                          Teachers
                          6
                          Compassion
                          6
                          Mgmt
                          6
                          Culture
                          6
                          Class sizes
                          0
                          Extracurriculars
                          6

                          Strengths

                          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — recognized quality program
                          • Founded in 2019; provides all meals and snacks, non-traditional hours, and transportation
                          • Accepts ODJFS childcare assistance — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

                          Considerations

                          • Multiple reviews reported concerns about staff supervision and hallway safety
                          • Communication issues noted by parents in online reviews — inconsistent responses from management
                          15
                          Young'S First Step Child Care Center Llc
                          362 East Bridge St, Elyria, OH 44035
                          Licensed Child Care Center
                          SUTQ: Bronze
                          5.9/ 10
                          Safety
                          6
                          Curriculum
                          6
                          Art/Music
                          5
                          Infant care
                          5
                          K-ready
                          6
                          Teachers
                          6
                          Compassion
                          7
                          Mgmt
                          6
                          Culture
                          6
                          Class sizes
                          0
                          Extracurriculars
                          6

                          Strengths

                          • 90% recommendation rate on Facebook from 8 parent reviews — strong community approval
                          • Affordable pricing noted by parents
                          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze — recognized quality program

                          Considerations

                            16
                            South Elyria Head Start
                            107 Oberlin Rd., Elyria, OH 44035
                            Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
                            SUTQ: NR
                            5.6/ 10
                            Safety
                            5
                            Curriculum
                            6
                            Art/Music
                            5
                            Infant care
                            5
                            K-ready
                            5
                            Teachers
                            6
                            Compassion
                            6
                            Mgmt
                            6
                            Culture
                            6
                            Class sizes
                            0
                            Extracurriculars
                            6

                            Strengths

                            • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: NR — recognized quality program
                            • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers
                            • Federal Head Start program providing comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutrition services

                            Considerations

                              17
                              Ymca Ely Elementary Learning And Enrichment Center
                              312 Gulf Rd, Elyria, OH 44035
                              YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
                              SUTQ: NR
                              5.6/ 10
                              Safety
                              6
                              Curriculum
                              6
                              Art/Music
                              5
                              Infant care
                              5
                              K-ready
                              5
                              Teachers
                              6
                              Compassion
                              6
                              Mgmt
                              5
                              Culture
                              6
                              Class sizes
                              0
                              Extracurriculars
                              6

                              Strengths

                              • Operated by YMCA of Greater Cleveland — established nonprofit with strong community infrastructure
                              • Co-located with Ely Elementary School — seamless before/after school care for enrolled students
                              • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

                              Considerations

                                18
                                Everyday Learning Center
                                1140 West River Rd N, Elyria, OH 44035
                                Licensed Child Care Center
                                SUTQ: NR
                                5.4/ 10
                                Safety
                                5
                                Curriculum
                                6
                                Art/Music
                                5
                                Infant care
                                5
                                K-ready
                                5
                                Teachers
                                6
                                Compassion
                                6
                                Mgmt
                                5
                                Culture
                                5
                                Class sizes
                                0
                                Extracurriculars
                                6

                                Strengths

                                • Flexible scheduling with both full-time and part-time care options
                                • Nutritious meals provided daily
                                • Accepts county childcare vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families
                                • Serves children 6 weeks to 12 years old

                                Considerations

                                  19
                                  Mommy Monti Cares 2
                                  635 Leona Street, Elyria, OH 44035
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.0/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  4
                                  Curriculum
                                  6
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  5
                                  Compassion
                                  5
                                  Mgmt
                                  4
                                  Culture
                                  5
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  6

                                  Strengths

                                  • One loyal family kept all 3 children enrolled for 2.5 years — speaks to consistency for some families
                                  • Extended hours (5:45am–9:30pm) — one of the widest availability windows in Elyria

                                  Considerations

                                  • Yelp reviewer reported owner allowing classrooms to exceed teacher-to-child ratios
                                  • Staff handling concerns reported — reviewer described rough handling of children
                                  • Mixed reviews overall — parent experience appears inconsistent
                                  20
                                  Little Angel Daycare
                                  1399 East Ave, Elyria, OH 44035
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: Bronze
                                  4.3/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  3
                                  Curriculum
                                  6
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  3
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  4
                                  Compassion
                                  4
                                  Mgmt
                                  3
                                  Culture
                                  4
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  6

                                  Strengths

                                  • Ohio SUTQ Bronze -- recognized quality program
                                  • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers

                                  Considerations

                                  • Multiple strongly negative reviews urging parents to avoid the center
                                  • Behavioral concern with specific child reported unresolved by management -- parent removed children as a result
                                  • Serious safety concerns reported -- reviewer described infant left unsupervised in unsecured chair with dirty diaper
                                  • Low Care.com rating based on available reviews
                                  21
                                  Kids R Us Learning Center
                                  250 Winckles, Elyria, OH 44035
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  4.2/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  3
                                  Curriculum
                                  5
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  3
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  4
                                  Compassion
                                  4
                                  Mgmt
                                  3
                                  Culture
                                  4
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  6

                                  Strengths

                                  • State-licensed center at 250 Winckles St, Elyria -- serving families with subsidized care access
                                  • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers for income-eligible families

                                  Considerations

                                  • Serious supervision concern reported: reviewer found 10-month-old infant sitting in chair unstrapped with dirty diaper and no staff present
                                  • Safety allegations in parent reviews warrant careful consideration before enrollment
                                  • No public positive reviews found to independently verify parent experience
                                  No centers match this filter.

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                                  Recognition of Excellence · Elyria, OH · 2026
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                                  Your center has earned independent recognition based on verified parent reviews. You are welcome to display this Recognition of Excellence badge on your website. Paste the snippet below anywhere in your site’s HTML — it links back to your verified ranking page, giving families confidence in your center’s standing.
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