Delaware, OH · Delaware · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Delaware, Ohio

Delaware is home to the Little Brown Jug, one of harness racing's most prestigious annual events held since 1946 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, drawing thousands of spectators each year for this Triple Crown classic. The city also hosts Ohio Wesleyan University, a respected liberal arts institution founded in 1842 that opened with just 29 students and now serves hundreds of undergraduates. Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States, was born in Delaware in 1822, spending his early childhood in this small Ohio community before going on to shape the nation during Reconstruction. We analyzed all 20 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Delaware, 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
42,855City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Ohio Wesleyan University Early Childhood Center
37 Park Avenue, Delaware, OH 43015
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
8
Infant care
5
K-ready
8
Teachers
9
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • Facebook 98% recommend from 23 parent reviews
  • Ohio Wesleyan University lab school — experienced professional teachers, university-backed curriculum
  • Exceptionally small class size: 10 students maximum with multiple adults
  • Open-ended, child-centered learning praised as the best educational environment across all children
  • University student assistants provide additional individual attention
  • Ages 3-5 only; serves as laboratory for undergraduate early childhood education students

Considerations

  • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
  • Preschool-only (ages 3-5); no infant or toddler care; may have competitive wait list
2
The Goddard School Of Delaware
505 Preakness Way, Delaware, OH 43015
★ 4.9 (55 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • Teachers really care about children and invested in growth
  • Children happy at drop-off and pick-up
  • All-organic food cooked on-site
  • STEAM, robotics, art history enrichment activities
  • Biometric security entry

Considerations

    3
    Kids 'R' Kids Of Olentangy
    68 Olentangy Crossings W, Delaware, OH 43015
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    7.3/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    8
    Culture
    8
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • 5-star rated facility by state standards; family-owned and on-site owner-operated
    • Parents describe it as one of the cleanest childcare facilities they have seen
    • Excellent child-teacher ratio with meticulously planned activities
    • Full-time chef prepares freshly made organic meals
    • Parents consistently praise the caring and dedicated staff

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
    • Premium quality likely comes at higher tuition — verify cost before enrollment
    4
    Kidventure Christian Childcare Center
    5191 Cornerstone Dr., Delaware, OH 43015
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    7.2/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    8
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • Parents describe falling in love with staff and feeling unable to be happier with care
    • Child enrolled from 6-month infant through school years in same program — exceptional retention
    • Christ-centered curriculum developing cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual growth
    • Individual-focused care acknowledging each child uniquely

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
    • Faith-specific environment — Christian values and spiritual development integrated throughout
    5
    Milestones Learning Center
    47 Lexington Blvd, Delaware, OH 43015
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    7.2/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    8
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • 4.6/5 stars from 19 parent reviews; Facebook 100% recommend from 7 reviews
    • Parents describe children loving their teachers and teachers genuinely loving them back
    • Staff hands-on with development; parents see continual growth and progression
    • Play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum for cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth
    • Meals provided; serves 6 weeks through 12 years; PFCC accepted
    • Accepts PFCC subsidy vouchers

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
    6
    Penguin Crossing Academy
    7166 Gooding Blvd, Delaware, OH 43015
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Silver
    7.1/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    8
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • Ohio SUTQ: Silver
    • Operating since 2006; tenured teachers including multiple staff with 5+ years tenure
    • Parents praise staff for knowing every child individually and issues addressed promptly
    • Exceptional accommodation for children with severe food allergies
    • Brightwheel app for daily updates and photos
    • Phenomenal support for children with special needs — inclusive approach praised by parents
    • Accepts PFCC subsidy vouchers

    Considerations

    • No Google star rating found — verify current waitlist status before planning enrollment
    7
    Leads Head Start Delaware
    607 Sunbury Road, Delaware, OH 43015
    Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Gold
    7.0/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    8
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • Ohio SUTQ: Gold
    • LEADS Community Action Agency — federally funded Head Start program
    • Center-based for ages 3-5 with nutritious meals; home-based option for younger children
    • Income-qualified families receive high-quality programming at no cost

    Considerations

    • Income eligibility required — not universally accessible
    8
    Chubby Cheeks Early Education Center
    1201 Us Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015
    ★ 4.2 (44 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Silver
    6.9/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • Caring and loving staff, easy transitions for infants
    • App keeps parents updated with photos throughout the day

    Considerations

      9
      Delaware Cooperative Preschool
      55 West Lincoln Avenue, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      6.9/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      7
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      8
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      8
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      7

      Strengths

      • Facebook 100% recommend from 10 parent reviews
      • Parent cooperative model since 1984 — parents actively involved in governance and classroom
      • Play-based, child-interest-led learning — Yelp reviewer praises children loving school
      • Non-denominational community organization with parent education opportunities
      • Children described as thriving and eager to attend

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      • Cooperative model requires parent participation hours — may not suit all family schedules
      10
      Little Buckeye Learning Center-Delaware
      664 W Central Avenue, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Silver
      6.9/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      7

      Strengths

      • Ohio SUTQ: Silver
      • Trusted Ohio institution since 1971 — over 50 years serving families
      • Secure entry systems, strict health/safety procedures, CPR-trained teachers
      • Teachers highly trained in early childhood education with warmth and expertise
      • Exceeds Ohio licensing standards through ongoing staff training and innovative materials
      • Serves infants through Pre-K; open 6am-6pm

      Considerations

      • Facebook Delaware location shows only 4 reviews and is not yet rated — limited review volume
      11
      Ymca Delaware Community Center
      1121 South Houk Road, Delaware, OH 43015
      YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      6.6/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Columbus YMCA network — institutional accountability and safety infrastructure
      • 25 Yelp reviews for the Delaware facility
      • HighScope curriculum for preschool/toddlers — evidence-based, teacher-guided program
      • Accepts PFCC subsidy vouchers; open extended hours (5:30am-9:30pm)

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      • No specific childcare/preschool review content extracted — general facility reviews
      12
      Liberty Barn Preschool
      7080 Olentangy River Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      6.5/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Operating since 2002 — praised by Action for Children and state licensing as greatly needed
      • Long-tenured educators who remain by choice — lasting bonds with students and families
      • Early childhood education expertise with enriching learning environments
      • Kindergarten Club supporting children attending Olentangy Local School District

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      • Part-time only (September-May) — not a full-year or full-day childcare solution
      13
      Cheshire Y-Club
      2681 Gregory Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Silver
      6.4/ 10
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Ohio SUTQ: Silver
      • YMCA of Central Ohio operated — 20+ years serving Olentangy school families
      • Staff trained in CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention
      • Operates 7am through school start and after school until 6pm Monday-Friday
      • Licensed school-age after-school care within Cheshire Elementary

      Considerations

      • School-age only — not a full-day preschool or infant/toddler program
      14
      Delaware Christian Academy
      2280 Marysville Road, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      6.3/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Ministry of Delaware Christian Church — established 1993, 30+ years serving families
      • Parents describe staff as very attentive, caring, and accepting
      • Credited with preparing child well for kindergarten
      • Bible-integrated thematic curriculum; spacious outdoor playground and indoor gymnasium
      • Full-time daycare plus part-time pre-K and summer school-age program

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      • Faith-specific environment — Bible stories and Christian values integrated throughout
      • Limited public review volume for full pattern analysis
      15
      Grace Family Daycare And Preschool
      375 Hills Miller Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      6.1/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Ministry of Delaware Grace Church — established 1997, 25+ years of service
      • Christian-based programs from 6 weeks through school-age
      • Goal is to nurture spiritual, mental, social, and physical development
      • Open Monday-Friday 7am-5:30pm

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      16
      Enchanted Care Learning Center
      7376 Gooding Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      5.9/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Part of Enchanted Care network — NAEYC accredited chain with strong track record
      • Kids Campus before/after school care with transportation to/from schools
      • Accepts PFCC subsidy vouchers

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      17
      Kiwi'S Clubhouse
      340 Olentangy Crossing East, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      5.8/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      5
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Unique flexible hourly drop-in childcare model — no contracts, pay only for hours used
      • Silver-rated by Ohio DJFS
      • Special events and preschool programming; serves infants through age 10
      • Operating since 2003

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      18
      Empower Sports And Camps
      811 N. Houk Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      5.7/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      5
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      5
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • Parents and children described as loving this safe, fun, and affordable program
      • Summer camp, after-school, and martial arts programming
      • Sports, games, arts, and educational activities combined
      • Multiple 5-star parent reviews on program website

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      • Camp and after-school program only — not a full-day preschool or infant care center
      19
      Liberty Community Children'S Center
      207 London Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      5.0/ 10
      Safety
      5
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      5
      Compassion
      5
      Mgmt
      4
      Culture
      4
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      5

      Strengths

      • Ohio SUTQ: Bronze
      • Accepts PFCC subsidy vouchers
      • One parent describes staff going above and beyond to make child comfortable; child now thriving

      Considerations

      • 2.8-star average from 9 Chamber of Commerce reviews — well below average for the area
      • Parents report children developed behavior issues that improved after switching centers
      • Staff concerns: one parent witnessed staff yelling at a parent; another reports staff talking behind parents backs
      • Multiple parents report children getting sick frequently while attending
      20
      Willow Bee Child Care & Learning
      28 Lackey Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      4.9/ 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
      5

      Strengths

      • Small private center operating since 2010
      • One parent praises teaching infant sign language, themed lesson plans, and kindergarten preparation
      • Accepts PFCC subsidy vouchers

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — not yet enrolled in state quality rating system
      • One parent reports their toddler experienced frequent bumps, bruises, and head injuries suggesting supervision gaps
      • Some reviewers on Yelp have reported concerns about communication and a perceived lack of flexibility.
      • Owner described as unwilling to work collaboratively with parents on child needs (potty training)
      No centers match this filter.

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      Recognition of Excellence · Delaware, OH · 2026
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