Mentor, OH · Lake · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Mentor, Ohio

Known as the "Rose Capital of the Nation" for the abundant rosebushes that once defined the city's landscape, Mentor holds a unique place in American presidential history as the home where President James A. Garfield conducted the nation's first successful front porch campaign in 1876. Today, the city is also home to Headlands Beach State Park, which features Ohio's longest public swimming beach and remains a popular recreational destination. We analyzed all 20 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Mentor, 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
45,427City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Kindercare Learning Center #877
7061 Wayside Drive, Mentor, OH 44060
★ 4.9 (31 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.3/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
8
Teachers
9
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 4.9-star rating across 31 reviews - among highest rated in Mentor
  • Staff praised for making children feel safe and loved
  • Children well-prepared for kindergarten per multiple parents
  • Daily app updates with pictures and videos

Considerations

    2
    My Kids Childcare Inc
    9521 Lake Shore Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Gold
    7.3/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    8
    Culture
    8
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • Ohio SUTQ Gold — highest state quality rating
    • 100% Facebook recommendation from 14 reviewers
    • Open-door policy — parents and grandparents can visit any time during the day
    • Restaurant-grade kitchen serving two healthy meals and two snacks daily
    • Creative Curriculum individualized to each child with Ages & Stages assessments
    • Established 2016, moved to 12,000 sq ft permanent facility in 2024

    Considerations

      3
      Small Hands Big Dreams Learning Center
      8465 Market Street, Mentor, OH 44060
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Gold
      6.9/ 10
      Safety
      8
      Curriculum
      8
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      8
      Mgmt
      8
      Culture
      8
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Fingerprint security access praised by parents for safety
      • Staff described as genuinely caring and family-oriented
      • Strong developmental progress reported by multiple parents
      • Free events and live-streaming available to families

      Considerations

        4
        Little Scholars All Stars Mentor
        9230 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.8/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        7
        Culture
        7
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio SUTQ Gold — highest state quality rating
        • Part of Little Scholars network founded 1993 by Michelle Lewis serving Lake County
        • Nurturing environment emphasizing respect, responsibility, empathy through play-based learning
        • Full-spectrum care from 6 weeks to 12 years

        Considerations

        • No independent public reviews specific to this location found — unable to verify
        5
        Little Scholars South Mentor
        7464 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.8/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        7
        Culture
        7
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio SUTQ Gold — highest state quality rating
        • Part of Little Scholars network serving Lake County since 1993
        • One parent review praises staff as treating children like their own, noting enrollment since 2010
        • Full-spectrum care for ages 6 weeks to 12 years

        Considerations

        • Limited independent reviews for this specific location
        6
        Rainbow Connection
        6312-C Center St, Mentor, OH 44060
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.8/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        8
        Teachers
        7
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        8
        Culture
        8
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio SUTQ Gold Rating - highest state quality standard
        • Play-based Creative Curriculum approach for kindergarten readiness
        • Trusted in Mentor community since 1984
        • CPR-certified staff with age-appropriate turfed outdoor playgrounds

        Considerations

          7
          Kindercare Learning Center #328
          6145 Meadowbrook Drive, Mentor, OH 44060
          ★ 5 (25 Google)    ·  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-licensed KinderCare serving North Mentor area
          • Full-spectrum programs from infant through school age
          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: NR
          • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers

          Considerations

            8
            Little Scholars North Mentor
            9220 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Gold
            6.3/ 10
            Safety
            7
            Curriculum
            7
            Art/Music
            5
            Infant care
            5
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            7
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            8
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Part of Little Scholars Gold-rated network (since 2006)
            • Continuous SUTQ Gold since inception
            • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: NR
            • Located on Lakeshore Blvd in North Mentor

            Considerations

              9
              Love'S Learning Loft Llc
              6720/6740 Center Street, Mentor, OH 44060
              Licensed Child Care Center
              SUTQ: Gold
              6.3/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              7
              Art/Music
              5
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              6
              Teachers
              8
              Compassion
              6
              Mgmt
              8
              Culture
              6
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              7

              Strengths

              • Creative Curriculum aligned with Ohio SUTQ standards
              • Enrichment programs include mobile gym and soccer classes
              • Community partnerships including local library visits
              • Serves infants through school age

              Considerations

                10
                Mentor United Methodist Preschool
                8600 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060
                Licensed Child Care Center
                SUTQ: NR
                6.0/ 10
                Safety
                6
                Curriculum
                6
                Art/Music
                5
                Infant care
                5
                K-ready
                7
                Teachers
                7
                Compassion
                6
                Mgmt
                6
                Culture
                6
                Class sizes
                0
                Extracurriculars
                6

                Strengths

                • Faith-based preschool licensed by Ohio DJFS, serving Mentor since 1967
                • Yelp reviewers describe teachers as super friendly and professional, facility as very clean
                • Curriculum includes math, reading, science, music, outdoor play, and circle time
                • Kindergarten readiness focus with waitlist for morning classes

                Considerations

                  11
                  The Sandbox Daycare
                  6135 Heisley Rd, Mentor, OH 44060
                  Licensed Child Care Center
                  SUTQ: NR
                  6.0/ 10
                  Safety
                  7
                  Curriculum
                  6
                  Art/Music
                  5
                  Infant care
                  5
                  K-ready
                  5
                  Teachers
                  7
                  Compassion
                  6
                  Mgmt
                  6
                  Culture
                  7
                  Class sizes
                  0
                  Extracurriculars
                  6

                  Strengths

                  • Super clean facility with friendly staff per parents
                  • Children described as growing socially, emotionally and academically
                  • Age-specific programs from infant through pre-K
                  • Emphasis on professionalism, quality and individuality

                  Considerations

                    12
                    Dedicated To Children
                    6970 Heisley Road, Mentor, OH 44060
                    Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: Bronze
                    5.9/ 10
                    Safety
                    6
                    Curriculum
                    6
                    Art/Music
                    5
                    Infant care
                    6
                    K-ready
                    6
                    Teachers
                    6
                    Compassion
                    7
                    Mgmt
                    5
                    Culture
                    6
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

                    • Serving Mentor community since 2001 with quality care focus
                    • Licensed for up to 81 children ages 6 weeks to 10 years
                    • Staff praised as dedicated to both children and parents in one public review
                    • Sign language and manners incorporated into daily activities per parent review

                    Considerations

                    • Very limited public reviews — unable to fully verify current parent experience
                    13
                    Horizon Child Dev. Ctr Ltd
                    8303 Tyler Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060
                    Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: Gold
                    5.8/ 10
                    Safety
                    5
                    Curriculum
                    8
                    Art/Music
                    5
                    Infant care
                    5
                    K-ready
                    6
                    Teachers
                    6
                    Compassion
                    6
                    Mgmt
                    5
                    Culture
                    6
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

                    • Ohio SUTQ Gold -- highest state quality rating
                    • One Yelp reviewer reports child with developmental concerns caught up and surpassed peers within 6 months
                    • 94% Facebook recommendation from 15 reviews
                    • Full-spectrum infant through school-age programs on Tyler Blvd in Mentor
                    • Accepts PFCC vouchers for income-eligible families

                    Considerations

                    • Yelp rating of 2.5 stars from 3 reviews -- mixed public feedback
                    • Some reviews cite management and staff concerns
                    • Staff turnover reported by some parents
                    14
                    Ridge Pointe Child Care Center Inc.
                    9650 Old Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH 44060
                    Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: NR
                    5.8/ 10
                    Safety
                    5
                    Curriculum
                    6
                    Art/Music
                    5
                    Infant care
                    5
                    K-ready
                    5
                    Teachers
                    6
                    Compassion
                    7
                    Mgmt
                    6
                    Culture
                    7
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

                    • Family-oriented care described as loving by parents
                    • Serving Mentor since 1991 - trusted community childcare
                    • Infant through school-age programs available
                    • Ohio-licensed center with nurturing, stimulating environment

                    Considerations

                      15
                      Angelswing,Inc. Child Care Center
                      8090 Broadmoor Rd, Mentor, OH 44060
                      Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: Bronze
                      5.7/ 10
                      Safety
                      6
                      Curriculum
                      6
                      Art/Music
                      5
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      6
                      Teachers
                      6
                      Compassion
                      6
                      Mgmt
                      5
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • Ohio SUTQ Bronze — recognized quality program
                      • Serves toddlers, preschool, and school-age children
                      • Accepts PFCC vouchers for income-eligible families

                      Considerations

                        16
                        Lil' Sneakers University
                        8282 Yellowbrick Road, Mentor, OH 44060
                        Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: Gold
                        5.7/ 10
                        Safety
                        5
                        Curriculum
                        8
                        Art/Music
                        5
                        Infant care
                        5
                        K-ready
                        6
                        Teachers
                        5
                        Compassion
                        6
                        Mgmt
                        5
                        Culture
                        6
                        Class sizes
                        0
                        Extracurriculars
                        6

                        Strengths

                        • Serves infants through 14 years including school age
                        • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: NR
                        • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers
                        • Broad age range program options

                        Considerations

                        • Mixed reviews - some parents reported staff behavior concerns
                        • Owner-related complaints mentioned in some reviews
                        17
                        Mentor Co-Operative Preschool Inc
                        7271 Lakeshore Boulevard, Mentor, OH 44060
                        Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: NR
                        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

                        • Cooperative preschool with parent-participation model serving Lake County for over 50 years
                        • 86% of Facebook reviewers (18 reviews) recommend the program
                        • Developmentally appropriate activities covering language, reading, math, and science readiness

                        Considerations

                          18
                          E & E Angel'S Learning Academy 2
                          9423 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060
                          Licensed Child Care Center
                          SUTQ: NR
                          5.5/ 10
                          Safety
                          5
                          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

                          • Faith-based childcare center offering infant, toddler, and preschool readiness programs
                          • Accepts PFCC vouchers for income-eligible families
                          • One parent review describes center as clean, organized, and problem-free with multiple children enrolled

                          Considerations

                            19
                            Grandmas Childcare Corporation
                            7260 Lakeshore Blvd, Mentor, OH 44060
                            Licensed Child Care Center
                            SUTQ: NR
                            5.5/ 10
                            Safety
                            5
                            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

                            • Family-style childcare on Lakeshore Blvd in Mentor
                            • Accepts PFCC vouchers for income-eligible families

                            Considerations

                              20
                              Here We Grow Early Learning Center
                              9055 Mentor Ave, Mentor, OH 44060
                              Licensed Child Care Center
                              SUTQ: NR
                              5.5/ 10
                              Safety
                              5
                              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

                              • Ohio-licensed early learning center on Mentor Ave
                              • Accepts PFCC vouchers for income-eligible families

                              Considerations

                                21
                                Little Adventures Learning Center
                                27297 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092
                                Licensed Child Care Center
                                SUTQ: NR
                                5.3/ 10
                                Safety
                                5
                                Curriculum
                                6
                                Art/Music
                                5
                                Infant care
                                5
                                K-ready
                                5
                                Teachers
                                5
                                Compassion
                                6
                                Mgmt
                                5
                                Culture
                                5
                                Class sizes
                                0
                                Extracurriculars
                                6

                                Strengths

                                • Premier early childhood education center in Willoughby Hills serving children 6 weeks to 13 years
                                • State licensed with modern Instagram and Facebook presence -- actively engaged with families
                                • Before- and after-school care available for school-age children

                                Considerations

                                • NR on SUTQ -- no formal quality rating beyond state licensing; newer provider
                                No centers match this filter.

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                                Recognition of Excellence · Mentor, OH · 2026
                                Center Name
                                Awards Earned
                                Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
                                🏆 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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