Newark, OH · Licking · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Newark, Ohio

Newark is home to the Newark Earthworks, an ancient ceremonial complex built by the Hopewell culture between 100 BCE and 400 CE, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023 and recognized as one of the largest earthen enclosures in the world. The city is also famous for the Longaberger Basket Building, the former corporate headquarters of the Longaberger Company, an iconic seven-story structure designed to resemble the world's largest basket. We analyzed all 26 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Newark, 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.

25Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
50,110City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Almost Home Daycare, Llc
15 North 21St Street, Newark, OH 43055
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
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 Gold-rated (Level 4 quality) — among highest-quality programs in Ohio
  • Early hours 5 AM-6:30 PM — exceptional flexibility for early-shift workers
  • Full age range: infants through school-age
  • After-school care available
  • Parents praise staff care, attentiveness, and child learning outcomes

Considerations

  • Limited public review count — small sample
2
Leads Head Start Newark
986 East Main St, Newark, OH 43055
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
  • Celebrates diversity and fosters individuality and inner strength
  • Serves ages 3-5 with comprehensive developmental support

Considerations

  • Income eligibility required — not universally accessible
  • One negative Yelp review citing safety concern (unverified)
  • No infant/toddler or school-age care
3
Child Of God Preschool
88 N Fifth Street, Newark, OH 43055
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.0/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
0
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • 100% recommend rate from 20 reviews — outstanding community reception
  • Teaches kindergarten readiness skills alongside Christian values
  • Faith-integrated preschool serving ages 3-5

Considerations

  • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
  • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating
  • Preschool only — no infant/toddler care
4
Little Einstein Learning Center Ltd
38 Granville St, Newark, OH 43055
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.0/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
8
K-ready
5
Teachers
9
Compassion
9
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • Teachers described as remarkable and truly invested in each child
  • Infant room singled out for excellent attentive care
  • Children show significant developmental gains in speech and motor skills
  • Fun themed activities and enrichment programs beyond basic daycare

Considerations

    5
    3 Little Mockingbirds Group Llc
    785 Buckeye Ave, Newark, OH 43055
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    6.9/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    8
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • Reggio Emilia-inspired holistic curriculum — child-led, project-based learning
    • Specializes in infant care through age 3 — focused expertise
    • Stimulating and comfortable environment designed for natural child development
    • Ohio-licensed childcare center

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
    • Ages 0-3 only — no preschool or school-age care
    6
    A Simple Dimple, Llc
    74 South 30Th Street, Newark, OH 43055
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.9/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    0
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    7
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    7

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized program quality
    • 100% recommend rate from 7 Facebook reviews
    • Director CPR/First Aid certified, communicable disease trained, child abuse/neglect certified
    • Title 20 JFS-licensed provider — accepts subsidy vouchers
    • State inspected and approved — serves ages 2.5 through 11

    Considerations

    • Small review sample (7 reviews)
    • No website found
    7
    Pride-N-Joy Preschool, Inc.
    1319 W Main Street, Newark, OH 43055
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.8/ 10
    Safety
    6
    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

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
    • Established 1985 — over 40 years of community trust in Newark
    • Large capacity (164 children) — rarely has waitlists
    • Full age range: infants through school-age
    • Safe, secure, and educationally stimulating environment

    Considerations

    • No dedicated website found — limited online transparency
    8
    Bright Eyes Early Learning Academy Llc
    12 Neal Ave, Newark, OH 43055
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Gold
    6.6/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    8
    Mgmt
    8
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    8
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Staff treats children like their own
    • Class sizes explicitly praised as small — children not treated as numbers
    • Christian-based curriculum with hands-on activities
    • Early developmental outcomes noted by parents

    Considerations

      9
      Montessori Community School Llc
      621 Country Club Dr, Newark, OH 43055
      ★ 4.2 (26 Google)    ·  Montessori · Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Bronze
      6.6/ 10
      Safety
      8
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      8
      Compassion
      8
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      8

      Strengths

      • 4.2 stars on Google (26 reviews)
      • Staff praised for knowing every parent and child by name
      • Individualized plans crafted for each child
      • Fun field trips and summer programs with swimming and activities
      • Parents report genuine peace of mind and trust in the staff

      Considerations

        10
        Genuine Child Care
        11177 Lambs Lane, Newark, OH 43055
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: NR
        6.5/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        7
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        7
        Culture
        7
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • 5.0 star rating from 6 reviews
        • Ohio-licensed childcare center

        Considerations

        • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
        • Very small review sample (6 reviews)
        • No website found
        11
        Genuine Child Care Llc
        11183 Lambs Ln, Newark, OH 43055
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: NR
        6.5/ 10
        Safety
        7
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        7
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        7
        Culture
        7
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio-licensed childcare — companion location to Genuine Child Care at 11177 Lambs Ln
        • Separate licensed facility providing additional capacity

        Considerations

        • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
        • No website found
        • Two very similar facilities at adjacent addresses — verify correct location
        12
        Bright Minds Academy, Llc
        1787 N 21St St, Newark, OH 43055
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: NR
        6.4/ 10
        Safety
        6
        Curriculum
        7
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        7
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        7
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Parents praise communication app, camera access, and facility cleanliness
        • Highly recommended by multiple parents
        • Field trips offered
        • Ohio-licensed childcare center

        Considerations

        • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
        • Limited public review count
        13
        My Place Child Care & School Age Center, Llc
        1335 E. Main St., Newark, OH 43055
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.4/ 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
        7

        Strengths

        • One of Licking County's only SUTQ 5-Star/Gold rated centers
        • Accepts PFCC vouchers
        • Offers field trips and enrichment programs
        • Established trusted institution since 1999

        Considerations

          14
          Bright Beginnings Childcare, Llc
          385 Mt Vernon Road, Newark, OH 43055
          Licensed Child Care Center
          SUTQ: Bronze
          6.3/ 10
          Safety
          6
          Curriculum
          7
          Art/Music
          6
          Infant care
          7
          K-ready
          7
          Teachers
          6
          Compassion
          6
          Mgmt
          6
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          6

          Strengths

          • SUTQ Bronze-rated — meets recognized quality standards
          • Passionate about quality childhood education
          • Serves infants through age 6
          • Member of Downtown Newark Association

          Considerations

          • No website found
          15
          Licking County Family Ymca Preschool
          470 W. Church Street, Newark, OH 43055
          YMCA Child Care · 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

          • Part of established Licking County Family YMCA
          • YMCA has 4.4 stars / 389 reviews overall
          • Community-focused with diverse programming
          • Accepts PFCC vouchers

          Considerations

            16
            Main Street Preschool @ More Life Church
            1718 E. Main St, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            6.2/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            7
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            7
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Faith-integrated preschool for ages 3 through kindergarten
            • Intentional teaching, worship, and fun activity balance
            • Part of active More Life Church community

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating
            • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
            • Limited hours — may not accommodate full working-day needs
            17
            Lcfymca- Stevenson Elementary
            152 Cynthia Street, Newark, OH 43056
            YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Bronze
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
            • Licking County Family YMCA before/after school program at Stevenson Elementary
            • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff

            Considerations

            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool care
            18
            Lcfymca Flory Park Site
            650 W. Church Street, Newark, OH 43055
            YMCA Child Care · Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Bronze
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
            • Licking County Family YMCA before/after school program at Flory Park
            • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff

            Considerations

            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool care
            19
            Newton Sacc
            6645 Mt Vernon Rd, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Bronze
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
            • School-age before/after care at Newton Elementary — capacity up to 72 children
            • Northfork Local School District partnership

            Considerations

            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool care
            20
            Vineyard Of Licking County Preschool
            7602 Stewart Road, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Hands-on play-based learning activities
            • Run in partnership with Newark City Schools curriculum
            • Faith-based environment (Vineyard Church)

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
            • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
            • Preschool only — no infant/toddler or school-age care
            21
            Creative Minds Learning Center School Age Program
            88 N. 5Th Street, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            5.9/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            5
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Ohio-licensed school-age care program in Newark
            • Located at 88 N. 5th Street alongside Child of God Preschool

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating
            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool care
            • No website found
            22
            Little Cubs Adventures And Learning
            158 Myrtle Ave, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            5.8/ 10
            Safety
            6
            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

            • Ohio-licensed childcare center in Newark
            • Adventure and learning focus in program name suggests active, experiential approach

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
            • No website found — limited transparency
            23
            Little Panthers Child Care
            13455 Bolen Rd Ne, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            5.8/ 10
            Safety
            6
            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

            • Ohio-licensed childcare serving Newark community
            • Growth and development-focused environment

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
            • No website found — limited transparency
            • Rural location (13455 Bolen Rd NE) — may have limited accessibility
            24
            Noah'S Ark East-Latchkey, Licking Valley Elementary
            1510 Licking Valley Rd., Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            5.8/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            5
            Culture
            5
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • School-age latchkey program at Licking Valley Elementary
            • Ohio-licensed childcare

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
            • No website found
            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool care
            25
            Noah'S Ark East
            1011 East Main St, Newark, OH 43055
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            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

            • Star-rated Christian child care center
            • Serves infants through school-age
            • Early hours 6 AM-5:30 PM

            Considerations

            • Negative reviews citing hygiene, facility temperature, and staff conduct concerns
            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
            • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
            • No website found
            No centers match this filter.

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            Recognition of Excellence · Newark, OH · 2026
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