Lakewood, OH · Cuyahoga · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Lakewood, Ohio

Lakewood earned the nickname "City of Homes" as a historic streetcar suburb west of Cleveland, known for its well-preserved Victorian neighborhoods and commitment to urban preservation. The city was home to two pioneering automobile manufacturers in the early 1900s—the Winton Motor Carriage Company and Baker Motor Vehicle, which became the world's largest electric vehicle maker by 1906. Today, Lakewood's distinctive character reflects its waves of immigration, with vibrant communities from Southeast Europe, Albania, Greece, Romania, the Middle East, and South Asia. We analyzed all 20 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Lakewood, 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.

20Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
49,422City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Ymca Grant Learning And Enrichment Center
1470 Victoria Blvd., Lakewood, OH 44107
YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
6.7/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
6
Mgmt
8
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • YMCA of Greater Cleveland — one of the largest childcare providers in the region
  • Friends, social skills, and enrichment through YMCA's trusted youth development programs
  • Before and after school care with academic support and recreation
  • Ohio-licensed program with quality early childhood and school-age programming

Considerations

    2
    Ymca Hayes Learning And Enrichment Center
    16401 Delaware Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
    YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Gold
    6.7/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    8
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    8

    Strengths

    • YMCA of Greater Cleveland — one of the largest childcare providers in the region
    • Friends, social skills, and enrichment through YMCA's trusted youth development programs
    • Before and after school care with academic support and recreation
    • Ohio-licensed program with quality early childhood and school-age programming

    Considerations

      3
      Ymca Roosevelt Learning And Enrichment Center
      14237 Athens Road, Lakewood, OH 44107
      YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Gold
      6.7/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      8
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      8
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      8
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      8

      Strengths

      • YMCA of Greater Cleveland — one of the largest childcare providers in the region
      • Friends, social skills, and enrichment through YMCA's trusted youth development programs
      • Before and after school care with academic support and recreation
      • Ohio-licensed program with quality early childhood and school-age programming

      Considerations

        4
        Emerson Horizon Education Centers
        13439 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood, OH 44107
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.6/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        8
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio Step Up To Quality Gold-rated Lakewood location
        • Community childcare serving Lakewood families with quality early education
        • Programs from 6 weeks to 14 years with kindergarten readiness focus

        Considerations

          5
          Harrison Horizon Education Centers
          2080 Quail Street, Lakewood, OH 44107
          Licensed Child Care Center
          SUTQ: Gold
          6.6/ 10
          Safety
          7
          Curriculum
          8
          Art/Music
          5
          Infant care
          5
          K-ready
          7
          Teachers
          8
          Compassion
          6
          Mgmt
          8
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          6

          Strengths

          • Ohio Step Up To Quality Gold-rated Lakewood location
          • Community childcare serving Lakewood families with quality early education
          • Programs from 6 weeks to 14 years with kindergarten readiness focus

          Considerations

            6
            Lakewood Horizon Education Center
            13523 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Gold
            6.6/ 10
            Safety
            7
            Curriculum
            8
            Art/Music
            5
            Infant care
            5
            K-ready
            7
            Teachers
            8
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            8
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Ohio Step Up To Quality Gold-rated Lakewood location
            • Community childcare serving Lakewood families with quality early education
            • Programs from 6 weeks to 14 years with kindergarten readiness focus

            Considerations

              7
              Clifton Early Learning
              13889 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood, OH 44107
              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

              • SUTQ Gold-rated program
              • Head Start program — federally funded comprehensive early education
              • Dual Language Support programming for English language learners
              • Operated by the Centers — established multi-site Head Start operator in NE Ohio
              • Serves 6 weeks to 5 years at 13889 Clifton Blvd

              Considerations

                8
                Lakewood Child Care Center
                1450 Belle Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                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

                • NAEYC accredited — meets national early childhood quality standards
                • Ohio-licensed center serving children 6 weeks to age 9
                • Established affordable childcare serving Lakewood families

                Considerations

                  9
                  Lakewood Community Care Center Sacc
                  15615 Clifton Blvd, Lakewood, OH 44107
                  ★ 4.7 (8 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                  SUTQ: Bronze
                  6.3/ 10
                  Safety
                  5
                  Curriculum
                  6
                  Art/Music
                  5
                  Infant care
                  5
                  K-ready
                  6
                  Teachers
                  9
                  Compassion
                  9
                  Mgmt
                  6
                  Culture
                  6
                  Class sizes
                  0
                  Extracurriculars
                  6

                  Strengths

                  • Google rated 4.7/8 — staff praised for over 20-year dedication to children
                  • Strong support for developmental milestones with creative learning activities
                  • Diverse teaching staff and strong leadership; high-quality Pre-K programming
                  • Inclusive welcoming environment; families describe staff as "an extension of our family"

                  Considerations

                    10
                    St Peter'S Child Care Center
                    18001 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                    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

                    • SUTQ Gold-rated (5-star) program — highest quality tier
                    • Established in 1983 — 40+ years serving Lakewood families
                    • Parents describe center as professionally run with high-quality staff
                    • Non-profit 501(c)(3); open to all families regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity
                    • No religious viewpoint taught — inclusive environment
                    • Serves 6 weeks to 12 years; located inside St. Peter's Episcopal Church

                    Considerations

                    • Limited online review volume — most feedback anecdotal
                    11
                    St. Peter'S Child Care Center, Horace Mann Sacc Prog
                    1215 West Clifton, Lakewood, OH 44107
                    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

                    • SUTQ Gold-rated school-age child care program at Horace Mann Elementary
                    • Run by established St. Peter's Child Care Center — 40+ year track record
                    • Convenient on-site before/after school care for Horace Mann families

                    Considerations

                    • School-age care only — not for infants or preschoolers
                    • No public parent reviews specific to SACC program found
                    12
                    Bee My Baby Lakewood Childcare
                    14321 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
                    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

                    • SUTQ Silver-rated program
                    • Serves children 6 weeks to 12 years in Lakewood
                    • Open 6am-6:30pm Monday-Friday for extended working hours
                    • Part of multi-location Bee My Baby network with established standards

                    Considerations

                      13
                      Brownstone Day School
                      18225 Sloane Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                      Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: NR
                      6.0/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      7
                      Art/Music
                      7
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      5
                      Teachers
                      6
                      Compassion
                      7
                      Mgmt
                      6
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • Nurturing young minds since 1985 — long-established Lakewood program
                      • Organic meals made fresh daily; nutritious food program
                      • Montessori and Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum with creative arts focus
                      • Small student-teacher ratio (3:1) for individualized attention

                      Considerations

                      • Some reports of staff turnover affecting care consistency
                      14
                      Kids Advancing Academy
                      2150 Warren Rd, Lakewood, OH 44107
                      ★ 3.6 (13 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: Silver
                      5.9/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      7
                      Art/Music
                      5
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      6
                      Teachers
                      6
                      Compassion
                      6
                      Mgmt
                      7
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • Google rated 3.6/13 — staff go above and beyond; excellent parent communication
                      • Clean facility with nice playground; affordable pricing with flexible scheduling
                      • Friday pizza days and detailed daily communication sheets

                      Considerations

                      • Reports of high staff turnover and limited outdoor time for toddlers
                      • Some concerns about supervision ratios and inconsistent punctuality on opening times
                      15
                      Kidzenia Learning Center
                      13714 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                      Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: Bronze
                      5.7/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      6
                      Art/Music
                      5
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      6
                      Teachers
                      6
                      Compassion
                      6
                      Mgmt
                      6
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • Offers Head Start program in addition to standard childcare
                      • Hot meals provided; serves all abilities inclusively
                      • Ages 6 weeks to 12 years in a remodeled building

                      Considerations

                      • Bronze SUTQ (1-star) rating — lower quality tier
                      • Only 3 Facebook reviews found — very limited public feedback
                      16
                      Lakewood Community Child Care
                      2019 Woodward Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                      Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: Bronze
                      5.7/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      6
                      Art/Music
                      5
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      6
                      Teachers
                      6
                      Compassion
                      6
                      Mgmt
                      6
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • In operation since 1985 — 40 years serving Lakewood community
                      • Play-based curriculum celebrating each child's daily accomplishments
                      • Ages 6 weeks to 12 years; SACC program at Lincoln Elementary
                      • Part of Step Up To Quality since 2007
                      • Partnership-focused approach with parents

                      Considerations

                      • Bronze SUTQ rating — lower quality tier
                      17
                      Grace Preschool
                      13030 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                      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

                      • Faith-based Lutheran preschool — community outreach ministry since 2008
                      • Small class sizes with two full-time teachers per class
                      • Staff certified in CPR, First Aid, Communicable Disease, Child Abuse Recognition
                      • Uses Brightwheel app for real-time photos, messaging, and digital check-in
                      • Hands-on, creative problem-solving curriculum

                      Considerations

                      • Serves ages 3-5 only — no infant or toddler care
                      • NR SUTQ — not in Ohio quality rating system
                      18
                      Haynes Nursery School
                      1375 W Clifton Boulevard, Lakewood, OH 44107
                      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 Dept of Education Early Learning Content Standards curriculum
                      • Experienced, caring teaching team in a church-based community setting
                      • Serves ages 3-5 with focus on peer interaction and social development

                      Considerations

                        19
                        Lakewood Presbyterian Church Nursery School
                        14502 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
                        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

                        • Licensed, non-profit, nondenominational preschool serving ages 3-5 in heart of Lakewood
                        • Small class sizes: max 18 children with 2 full-time teachers
                        • State-certified staff with early-childhood education backgrounds
                        • All teachers CPR and First Aid certified
                        • Monthly newsletters and annual parent-teacher conferences
                        • Ongoing teacher training in physical, cognitive, and social-emotional learning

                        Considerations

                        • Serves ages 3-5 only — no infant or toddler care
                        • NR SUTQ — not in Ohio quality rating system
                        20
                        Legendary Stars Child Care Center
                        1659 Rosewood Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107
                        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

                        • Mission: safe, nurturing, and fun environment where children can learn and shine
                        • Located at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood

                        Considerations

                        • Opened January 2025 — very new, no established track record yet
                        • NR SUTQ — not yet in state quality rating system
                        No centers match this filter.

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                        Recognition of Excellence · Lakewood, OH · 2026
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                        Awards Earned
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                        🏆 For Center Directors
                        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.
                        This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews from major public review platforms and parenting communities. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically. Methodology & approach →  ·  Who We Are & Editorial Policy
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