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

Finding the right childcare
in Pickerington, Ohio

Pickerington holds the distinction of being Ohio's Violet Capital, a title bestowed by the state legislature in 1996 for the abundance of wildflowers that once painted the landscape purple across Violet Township. Founded in 1815 as Jacksonville and renamed in 1827 for its founder Abraham Pickering, the city traces its roots to early pioneer settlements along Sycamore Creek. Today, Pickerington's tree-lined streets and parks, including the scenic Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, continue to celebrate the natural beauty that inspired its enduring identity. We analyzed all 25 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Pickerington, 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
22,158City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Primrose School Of Pickerington
131 Clint Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
7
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
8

Strengths

  • National Primrose Schools brand with research-based Balanced Learning curriculum
  • 94% Facebook recommendation rate (28 reviews)
  • Parents praise caring, dedicated teachers and responsive leadership
  • Holistic curriculum encouraging curiosity, creativity, and social skills
  • Clean, safe, structured environment for infants through school-age

Considerations

  • SUTQ: NR — no Ohio state quality rating on file
  • Occasional staffing changes noted by some parents
2
The Goddard School
12970 Rustic Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
7.1/ 10
Safety
8
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
8
Teachers
9
Compassion
9
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Goddard School — nationally recognized curriculum
  • Teachers praised for dedication and emotional support
  • Children thriving academically and socially
  • Safe, caring environment confirmed by multiple parent reviews

Considerations

    3
    The Goddard School Of Pickerington
    12916 Stonecreek Dr, Pickerington, OH 43147
    ★ 4.3 (52 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    7.1/ 10
    Safety
    8
    Curriculum
    9
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    8
    Teachers
    9
    Compassion
    9
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    6
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • 5 stars on Yelp; owner personally engaged in operations
    • Teachers described as excellent and a cut above the rest
    • Children learning Spanish, sign language, and reading ahead of grade level
    • Parents report consistent peace of mind about safety and care

    Considerations

      4
      Child'S Play Learning Center Inc
      11795 Pickerington Road, Pickerington, OH 43147
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: NR
      6.8/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      7
      Infant care
      6
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      7

      Strengths

      • Family-owned and operated for over 30 years — deep community roots
      • Creative Curriculum aligned with Ohio State Educational Standards
      • Three-acre property with renovated playground and outdoor learning stations
      • Staff educated in early childhood development
      • Participates in subsidized child care program

      Considerations

      • Limited public reviews (3.42 stars Yellow Pages, small sample)
      • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
      5
      Kiwi'S Clubhouse
      680 Windmiller Dr, Pickerington, OH 43147
      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
      6
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      7

      Strengths

      • No contracts — pay only for hours used, highly flexible for unpredictable schedules
      • Serves infants (8 wks) through age 10 with WeeSchool, Preschool, and Pre-K programs
      • Curriculum promotes curiosity, creativity, and love of learning
      • One of six Columbus-area locations — established multi-site operator
      • Hours 7 AM-6 PM weekdays

      Considerations

      • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
      6
      Little Hearts Learning Center Iii
      830 Refugee Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147
      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
      • Education-focused setting helping children reach their fullest potential
      • Full age range: infants through school-age
      • Hours 7 AM-6 PM

      Considerations

        7
        Little Tigers Preschool Inc
        94 W Church St, Pickerington, OH 43147
        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
        • Serving Pickerington since 1983 — over 40 years of community trust
        • Programs aligned with Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
        • Serves 18 months through age 11 with developmentally appropriate programs

        Considerations

        • Limited recent public reviews — small sample size
        8
        Kiddie Academy Of Pickerington
        611 William Henry Lane, Pickerington, OH 43147
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: NR
        6.4/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        5
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        8
        Mgmt
        8
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • SUTQ Gold rated
        • Structured curriculum praised as genuinely educational beyond babysitting
        • Staff consistently described as family; individual needs accommodated
        • Strong parent communication via TadPole app; special needs support

        Considerations

          9
          Toll Gate Y-Club
          12183 Tollgate Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147
          Licensed Child Care Center
          SUTQ: Silver
          6.2/ 10
          Safety
          6
          Curriculum
          6
          Art/Music
          6
          Infant care
          0
          K-ready
          7
          Teachers
          6
          Compassion
          6
          Mgmt
          7
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          6

          Strengths

          • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
          • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
          • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
          • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff
          • SUTQ Silver-rated — higher quality recognition

          Considerations

          • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
          10
          The Premier School
          1221 Hill Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147
          Licensed Child Care Center
          SUTQ: Bronze
          6.2/ 10
          Safety
          5
          Curriculum
          6
          Art/Music
          5
          Infant care
          5
          K-ready
          8
          Teachers
          7
          Compassion
          8
          Mgmt
          6
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          6

          Strengths

          • All lead instructors hold early childhood development degrees
          • Staff praised for compassion and patience with special needs children
          • Children described as academically and emotionally ready for kindergarten
          • Extended hours 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

          Considerations

            11
            Epiphany Lutheran Preschool
            268 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington, OH 43147
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            6.1/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            7
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Christ-centered, play-based ministry serving ages 3-5
            • Faith-integrated curriculum in a nurturing environment
            • Part of established Epiphany Lutheran Church community

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating
            • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
            • Part-time program — limited full-day care
            12
            Seton Parish Preschool
            600 Hill Road North, Pickerington, OH 43147
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Bronze
            6.1/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            0
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            7
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • SUTQ Bronze-rated — meets recognized quality standards
            • Serves ages 2-5 in a nurturing Christian atmosphere
            • Community helpers visit throughout the year — rich real-world learning
            • Part of established Seton Parish community

            Considerations

            • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
            • Part-time program (Sept-May) — limited hours/year-round care
            13
            Fairfield Elementary Y Club
            13000 Coventry Ave Nw, Pickerington, OH 43147
            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

            • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
            • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
            • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
            • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff
            • SUTQ Bronze-rated

            Considerations

            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
            14
            Little Treasures Learning Academey
            7889 Refugee Road, Pickerington, OH 43147
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            6
            Infant care
            6
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • 5.0/5 stars on Care.com (4 reviews) — highly praised by parents
            • Safe, clean, comfortable environment with personalized care
            • Serves infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating on file
            • Very small review sample (4 reviews)
            15
            Peace United Methodist Pre-School
            235 Diley Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147
            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

            • Ohio-licensed Christian preschool serving ages 3-5 for over 10 years
            • Morning and afternoon sessions available (Sept-May)
            • Faith-based, play-oriented environment

            Considerations

            • SUTQ: NR — no state quality rating
            • Part-year program (Sept-May) — no summer care
            • Faith-based setting — may not suit secular families
            16
            Pickerington Elementary Y Club
            775 Long Road, Pickerington, OH 43147
            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

            • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
            • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
            • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
            • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff
            • SUTQ Bronze-rated

            Considerations

            • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
            17
            Sprouts Learning Center
            591 Hill Rd. N, Pickerington, OH 43147
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            5
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            5
            Infant care
            5
            K-ready
            5
            Teachers
            8
            Compassion
            8
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Staff described as kind and caring; children feel loved and welcome
            • Parent reported child scored in ready-plus range on kindergarten assessment
            • Flexible drop-in, hourly, and full-time care options
            • Summer enrichment programs offered

            Considerations

              18
              Sycamore Elementary Y Club
              500 Sycamore Creek, Pickerington, OH 43147
              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

              • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
              • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
              • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
              • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff
              • SUTQ Bronze-rated

              Considerations

              • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
              19
              Tussing Y-Club
              7117 Tussing Road, Pickerington, OH 43147
              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

              • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
              • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
              • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
              • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff
              • SUTQ Bronze-rated

              Considerations

              • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
              20
              Violet Elementary Y Club
              8855 Education Drive, Nw, Pickerington, OH 43147
              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

              • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
              • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
              • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
              • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff
              • SUTQ Bronze-rated

              Considerations

              • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
              21
              Heritage Elementary Y Club
              100 East Street, Pickerington, OH 43147
              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

              • YMCA of Central Ohio before/after school program — serving Pickerington since 1992
              • Safe, structured environment aligned with school schedule
              • Homework assistance and engaging activities provided
              • YMCA brand accountability and trained staff

              Considerations

              • School-age only — no infant/toddler or preschool programming
              22
              Kindercare Learning Center #1682
              1545 Cross Creeks Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
              ★ 4.5 (34 Google)    ·  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

              • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze — recognized quality program
              • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families
              • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving the local community

              Considerations

                23
                La Petite Academy
                12968 Stonecreek Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147
                ★ 5 (1 Google)    ·  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

                • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze — recognized quality program
                • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families
                • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving the local community

                Considerations

                  24
                  Agape Life Christian Academy
                  6389 Blacklick-Eastern Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147
                  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

                  • Christian-based K-3 and preschool program
                  • Ohio-licensed and accredited childcare center
                  • Serves preschool through grade 3
                  • Community school in Pickerington area

                  Considerations

                    25
                    Kindercare Learning Center - Winderly Lane
                    1829 Winderly Lane, Pickerington, OH 43147
                    ★ 3.8 (19 Google)    ·  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

                    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: NR — recognized quality program
                    • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families
                    • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving the local community

                    Considerations

                      No centers match this filter.

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                      Recognition of Excellence · Pickerington, OH · 2026
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