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

Finding the right childcare
in Pataskala, Ohio

Pataskala takes its name from a Delaware word referring to the nearby Licking River, rooting the city in centuries of Native American heritage before European settlement. The small town of Pataskala underwent a dramatic transformation in 1996 when it merged with Lima Township, tripling its land area and population overnight to become a modern city while preserving its semi-rural character. Today, this fast-growing suburb sits just 19 miles east of Columbus, serving as a bedroom community that balances small-town charm with suburban development. We analyzed all 13 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Pataskala, 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.

12Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
19,999City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Bvfymca At Pathfinders Preschool
6507 Summit Rd., Pataskala, OH 43062
YMCA Child Care · 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
  • Buckeye Valley Family YMCA preschool at Licking Heights Pathfinders campus
  • Staff serve as positive role models with caring, nurturing approach
  • YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility embedded in curriculum

Considerations

  • Preschool only — no infant/toddler or school-age care
2
Leads Head Start Pataskala
12536 Adams Ln Sw, Pataskala, OH 43062
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
  • Celebrates diversity and fosters individuality
  • Serves ages 3-5 with comprehensive developmental support

Considerations

  • Income eligibility required — not universally accessible
  • No infant/toddler or school-age care
3
Lasting Impressions
9458 Hollow Road, Pataskala, OH 43062
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.1/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • 96% Facebook recommendation rate from 18 reviews — outstanding family feedback
  • 5.0 star rating — parents describe it as "the most amazing daycare provider"
  • Theme-based learning with outdoor time, sensory play, arts, and early literacy
  • Accepts vouchers, small capacity (24) for individualized attention
  • Ohio-licensed childcare center

Considerations

  • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
  • No website found
  • Small capacity — may have waitlist
4
Childtime Children'S Center
170 E Broad St, Pataskala, OH 43062
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Bronze
6.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 4-star ResellerRatings; parents call it the best daycare ever
  • Staff described as caring, engaged, and extremely friendly
  • Curriculum regularly updated; children learn new things every day
  • BrightWheel app enables quick parent-teacher communication

Considerations

    5
    Tri-Village Christian Academy, Llc
    7509 E Broad St Sw, Pataskala, OH 43062
    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-based early learning center (ministry of Tri-Village Christian Church)
    • Full and part-time classes for ages 2-5
    • Builds strong foundation in faith and academic preparation

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating
    • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
    • Preschool only — no infant or school-age care
    6
    325 Childcare Center
    325 West Broad Street., Pataskala, OH 43062
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.2/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
    • Safety, learning, and fun core priorities
    • Devoted and experienced teachers in Pataskala

    Considerations

    • No website found
    7
    Milestones Learning Center
    8970 Hazelton-Etna Road, Pataskala, OH 43062
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.1/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    7
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze-rated — recognized quality standard
    • Year-round care 7 AM-5 PM for infants through age 14
    • Some parents report staff are amazing and children show developmental growth

    Considerations

    • Mixed reviews: negative comments about toddler room staff conduct
    • Only 80% Facebook recommendation from 6 reviews
    • One negative review describing insufficient supervision
    8
    Hosanna Lutheran Childhood Center
    7714 Hazleton-Etna Road, Pataskala, OH 43062
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    5.9/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    7
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Play-based curriculum focused on early academics, literacy, and science
    • Kindergarten prep program for ages 4-5
    • Christian atmosphere with nurturing care
    • SUTQ-rated program

    Considerations

      9
      Over The Rainbow Children'S Center
      101 Lois Lane, Pataskala, OH 43062
      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

      • Serving Pataskala families since 2007
      • A+ BBB rating; 5 stars on Yellow Pages
      • Full-service state licensed preschool and daycare
      • Serves children 6 weeks through 12 years

      Considerations

        10
        World Of Wonderment Cdc Etna
        8500 Columbia Rd. Sw, Pataskala, OH 43062
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Bronze
        5.5/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        4
        Culture
        4
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • SUTQ Bronze-rated — meets state quality threshold
        • Multiple locations providing coverage across Pataskala area

        Considerations

        • Multiple serious incidents reported: staff dismissed for leaving marks on children, child forgotten outside for an hour, fence escape safety incident
        • Negative staff reviews describe poor management, low pay, and high burnout
        • Incidents allegedly not reported to the state per staff accounts
        11
        World Of Wonderment Child Development Center
        99 Oak Meadow, Pataskala, OH 43062
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Bronze
        5.5/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        6
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        4
        Culture
        4
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • SUTQ Bronze-rated — meets state quality threshold
        • Main campus with additional Etna and ELC wraparound locations

        Considerations

        • Multiple serious incidents reported across WOW locations — staff conduct and supervision concerns
        • Negative staff reviews describe poor working conditions and management
        • Incidents allegedly not reported to the state per staff accounts
        12
        World Of Wonderment Wraparound Care At Elc
        927-B South St., Pataskala, OH 43062
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Bronze
        5.4/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        6
        Infant care
        0
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        4
        Culture
        4
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • SUTQ Bronze-rated — meets state quality threshold
        • Wraparound care at Early Learning Center — school-day alignment

        Considerations

        • Part of World of Wonderment network with documented serious safety incidents
        • Negative staff reviews describing poor management and working conditions
        No centers match this filter.

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        Recognition of Excellence · Pataskala, OH · 2026
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