Lancaster, OH · Fairfield · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Lancaster, Ohio

Lancaster is Ohio's "Glass City," home to Anchor Hocking, the iconic glassware manufacturer that built the local economy for over a century. The city is also the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman, the Union Army general whose Atlanta campaign became a defining moment of the Civil War. We analyzed all 21 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Lancaster, 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
41,285City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Green Bean Junction, Llc
1522 Sheridan Dr., Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Bronze
7.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
  • Highly rated: 4.4/5 stars from 42 reviews — strong community trust
  • Creative Curriculum and Building the Primary Classroom — research-based approach
  • Full age range: 6 weeks through age 13
  • All meals provided, accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC)
  • Locally owned and operated

Considerations

  • Closed Tuesdays — shorter operating week than some competitors
2
Creative Play Preschool
465 W Sixth Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
0
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated — among highest-quality programs in Ohio
  • Experiential learning philosophy using a nationally recognized curriculum
  • Aligned with Ohio Early Learning Standards — ages 3, 4, and 5
  • Located at Robert K. Fox YMCA — quality facility and safety standards
  • Sept-May program with social and academic skill-building

Considerations

  • Part-year program (Sept-May) — no summer childcare
  • Preschool only — no infant/toddler or school-age care
3
Maywood Learning Center
1029 S Broad St, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Silver
7.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
0
K-ready
8
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Silver (3-star) — recognized quality program, 3-star designation from ODJFS in 2021
  • Year-round care for ages 3-12 — preschool through school-age
  • Transportation to/from school and 10-week summer camp included
  • Campus remodeled in 2023 using trauma-informed design principles
  • Christian mission-based organization with deep community roots

Considerations

  • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
  • Preschool age minimum of 3 — no infant/toddler care
4
Explore Me A Story ~ Mindful Nature Preschool
1185 Pleasantville Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
8
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
9
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • Reggio Emilia-inspired, child-centered nature preschool — unique in Lancaster area
  • Founder Joanna has 30 years of teaching young children
  • Music, art, movement, and interactive storytelling woven into curriculum
  • Ages 6 months to 5 years — accepts very young children
  • Reviewers describe instructor as welcoming, engaging, and family-like in spirit

Considerations

  • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
  • Part-day program (8:30-11:30 AM) — not full-day childcare
  • Small-scale operation — may have limited capacity
5
Lfcaa Early Head Start- Pearl House Center
218 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, OH 43130
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.5/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
8
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated — among highest-quality programs in Ohio
  • Early Head Start for infants/toddlers (birth-3) and pregnant mothers — rare specialized service
  • USDA-compliant nutrition program for meals and snacks
  • Federally funded — free for income-eligible Fairfield County families

Considerations

  • Income eligibility required — not universally accessible
  • Home visit model supplemented by center-based care — different from traditional daycare
6
Lancaster Head Start Center - Sanderson Center
1450 Marietta Road, Lancaster, OH 43130
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.4/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
0
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • SUTQ Gold-rated — among highest-quality programs in Ohio
  • Federal Head Start program — free comprehensive early childhood services for income-eligible families
  • Ages 3-5, Mon-Thu 7.5-hour sessions — substantial developmental support
  • Comprehensive health, nutrition, and family engagement services

Considerations

  • Income eligibility required — not universally accessible
  • Part-week schedule (Mon-Thu) — no Friday care
  • No infant/toddler care
7
Highlands Christian Academy Inc.
2150 Joye Lane Se, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Bronze
7.1/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
6
K-ready
8
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
  • Dual curriculum: faith-based Pinnacle curriculum + Creative Curriculum
  • 5.0/5 on Care.com — parents praise director, teachers, and church community
  • Faith-integrated, hands-on learning in Lancaster countryside setting
  • Rural campus setting — more outdoor space

Considerations

  • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
  • Small review sample (1 Care.com review)
8
Redeemer Lutheran School
1400 Concordia Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
6.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
0
K-ready
8
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Year-round childcare: M-F 6:30 AM-6 PM, summer camp for ages 3-12
  • Preschool programs (Lambs, Doves, Pre-K) plus full-day Kindergarten
  • Faith-integrated Lutheran curriculum
  • Established church school with community presence

Considerations

  • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
  • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
9
Itsy Bitsy Daycare, Llc
1051 Sugar Grove Rd Se, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Bronze
6.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
  • Creative Curriculum for infants through school-age
  • Faith-based environment with caring leadership
  • Licensed by Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce member
  • Serves ages 6 weeks through pre-K and school-age with summer care

Considerations

  • Faith-based setting — may not suit all families
10
Jewel'S Learning And Childcare Llc
620 Garfield Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Silver
6.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • SUTQ Silver-rated — recognized program quality
  • Early extended hours: 5:30 AM-6 PM — accommodates very early-shift workers
  • Participates in subsidized child care program — accessible to PFCC families
  • Ohio-licensed childcare center

Considerations

  • No website found — limited online transparency
11
Sunny Side Childcare
657 E Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
6.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Over 15 years serving Lancaster — established community presence
  • Serves 6 weeks through age 12 in downtown Lancaster location
  • Three rooms dedicated to infants/toddlers — focused infant care spaces
  • Hours 6 AM-6 PM

Considerations

  • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
12
Lancaster Montessori School
1111 W Fair Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130
Montessori · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
6.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Ranked #1 Best Montessori School in Lancaster by Quality Business Awards 2025
  • Founded 1970; nonprofit parent cooperative with AMS affiliation
  • Teachers described as wonderful; children thrive and develop independence
  • 5 stars on Yellow Pages reviews

Considerations

    13
    Owls Acre Montessori
    1458 Tiki Lane, Lancaster, OH 43130
    Montessori · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.4/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    9
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    8
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • 5 stars on Yellow Pages; A+ BBB rating
    • Teachers praised as wonderful and empowering
    • Children thrive with independence-focused Montessori approach
    • AMS-affiliated, founded 1973

    Considerations

      14
      Gorsuch West Community Learning Center
      440 Trace Dr., Lancaster, OH 43130
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      0
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
      • Community-based learning center partnership with local schools
      • Ohio-licensed childcare program

      Considerations

      • School/community center-based — limited standalone identity
      15
      Medill Community Learning Center
      1160 Sheridan Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      0
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
      • Community-based learning center in the Medill neighborhood
      • Ohio-licensed childcare program

      Considerations

      • School/community center-based — limited standalone identity
      16
      Mt. Pleasant Community Learning Center
      712 N. Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      0
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
      • Community-based learning center serving Mt. Pleasant neighborhood
      • Ohio-licensed childcare program

      Considerations

      • School/community center-based — limited standalone identity
      17
      Tallmadge Community Learning Center
      694 Talmadge Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      0
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
      • Community-based learning center in Tallmadge neighborhood
      • Ohio-licensed childcare program

      Considerations

      • School/community center-based — limited standalone identity
      18
      Tarhe Trails Community Learning Center
      2141 Greencrest Way, Lancaster, OH 43130
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      6.2/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      0
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      6

      Strengths

      • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
      • Community-based learning center in Tarhe Trails neighborhood
      • Ohio-licensed childcare program

      Considerations

      • School/community center-based — limited standalone identity
      19
      First Impressions Early Learning Center
      2642 U S Route 33 Nw, Lancaster, OH 43130
      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

      • Star-rated Step Up to Quality center
      • Low child-to-staff ratio emphasized
      • Established 2012; serves infants through school age
      • Located at New Life Christian Center campus

      Considerations

        20
        The Byrd Nest Childcare
        2684 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, OH 43130
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Bronze
        5.7/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        5
        Culture
        5
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • SUTQ Bronze-rated — meets state recognized quality threshold
        • Family-owned center established 2011 — 13+ years operating
        • Accepts publicly funded child care

        Considerations

        • Not BBB accredited
        21
        Faith Early Learning Academy
        2610 W Fair Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130
        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

        • Serves infants through 5th grade
        • Ohio-licensed; accepts PFCC vouchers
        • Christian-based early learning academy
        • Established Lancaster-area provider

        Considerations

          No centers match this filter.

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          Recognition of Excellence · Lancaster, OH · 2026
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