Lima, OH · Allen · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Lima, Ohio

Lima's industrial legacy was forged by the Lima Locomotive Works, which revolutionized steam power when it introduced the famous Berkshire locomotive in 1925—a breakthrough in railroad engineering that defined freight transportation for generations. The city is also home to Kewpee Hamburgers, founded locally in 1928, which became one of America's first successful hamburger chains and remains an iconic Lima institution with three locations serving customers to this day. We analyzed all 34 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Lima, 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.

33Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
38,771City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Shawnee Weekday Early Learning Center
2875 Blue Jacket Ct, Lima, OH 45806
★ 4.5 (17 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
7.0/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
9
Teachers
9
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Google 4.5 stars (17 reviews); Gold SUTQ rated — Ohio's highest quality tier
  • Parents praise caring, attentive staff and strong communication
  • Creative Curriculum covering social-emotional, literacy, math, science, and the arts
  • Field trips offered; strong kindergarten readiness outcomes reported by parents
  • Serves ages 6 weeks through 4th grade latchkey

Considerations

    2
    Central Head Start
    540 S. Central, Lima, OH 45804
    Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Gold
    6.9/ 10
    Safety
    7
    Curriculum
    8
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    6
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    8
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    8
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Ohio SUTQ: Gold rated Head Start program -- highest quality tier
    • Operated by West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP), formerly LACCA -- serving Allen County families for decades
    • Comprehensive services: health care, educational and nutritional curricula, speech/hearing/vision and developmental screenings
    • Home-based and center-based options; Early Head Start (birth-3) and Head Start (3-5) both offered at this site
    • Parenting and educational development classes; wraparound family support services available
    • Federally funded -- free for income-eligible families; Mon-Fri school-year schedule

    Considerations

    • School-year schedule only (not year-round full-day care); limited hours approximately 9:00am-3:30pm
    3
    Zion Lutheran Childcare
    1300 Edgewood Drive, Lima, OH 45805
    ★ 5 (7 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.8/ 10
    Safety
    8
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    9
    Compassion
    9
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    8
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Perfect 5-star Google rating (7 reviews)
    • Parents say children feel safe and loved by teachers
    • Families describe staff as like family after years of enrollment
    • Faith-based Christian environment with kindergarten prep

    Considerations

      4
      Languages And Tutoring Academy
      406 S Cable Rd, Lima, OH 45805
      Licensed Child Care Center
      SUTQ: Gold
      6.6/ 10
      Safety
      5
      Curriculum
      8
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      8
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      7

      Strengths

      • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — Ohio's recognized quality benchmark
      • Unique multilingual preschool: instruction available in English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, and American Sign Language
      • Small-group and one-on-one instruction model — individualized attention emphasized
      • Serves ages 2.5 and up for preschool; after-school tutoring and seasonal camps also offered
      • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

      Considerations

        5
        First Baptist Day Care
        451 N Cable Rd, Lima, OH 45805
        Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Gold
        6.5/ 10
        Safety
        6
        Curriculum
        8
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        7
        Mgmt
        7
        Culture
        7
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Ohio SUTQ: Gold rated -- Ohio highest voluntary quality tier
        • 100% recommendation rate from 20 Facebook reviews -- strong parent satisfaction
        • Staff praised as amazing; co-directors noted for flexibility working around family schedules
        • Non-profit community outreach of First Baptist Church -- mission-driven, not-for-profit
        • Year-round care, Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm; serves ages 6 weeks-13 years
        • Licensed by Ohio DJFS; holistic development curriculum (social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual)
        • Full-time children receive 10 paid sick/vacation days annually -- family-friendly policy
        • Accepts PFCC vouchers

        Considerations

        • No public Google or Yelp reviews found -- Facebook is the only platform with parent feedback
        • Faith-based (Baptist) environment may not suit all families
        6
        The Preschool At Allentown
        4900 Allentown Rd, Lima, OH 45807
        ★ 4.9 (18 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: NR
        6.5/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        8
        Teachers
        8
        Compassion
        8
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        8
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • 4.9-star Google rating (18 reviews)
        • Parents consistently praise welcoming staff and program quality
        • Faith-based environment partnering with families
        • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated

        Considerations

          7
          O'Neal And Howard Head Start
          1825 Reese Ave., Lima, OH 45804
          Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
          SUTQ: Gold
          6.4/ 10
          Safety
          5
          Curriculum
          8
          Art/Music
          5
          Infant care
          7
          K-ready
          6
          Teachers
          8
          Compassion
          6
          Mgmt
          7
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          6

          Strengths

          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — Ohio's recognized quality benchmark
          • West Ohio CAP Early Learning Center — WOCAP's primary full-service early childhood campus at 1825 Reese Ave
          • Houses both Early Head Start (birth-3) and Head Start (3-5) classrooms: two EHS rooms and four HS rooms on one campus
          • Year-round and school-year options available; Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:15pm (year-round) or 9:00am-3:00pm (school year)

          Considerations

            8
            Lima Sr. Early Head Start
            1 Spartan Way, Lima, OH 45804
            Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: Gold
            6.3/ 10
            Safety
            5
            Curriculum
            8
            Art/Music
            5
            Infant care
            7
            K-ready
            5
            Teachers
            8
            Compassion
            6
            Mgmt
            7
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — Ohio's recognized quality benchmark
            • Operated by West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) — established federal Head Start grantee serving Allen, Auglaize, and Mercer Counties
            • Early Head Start focus: serves infants and toddlers birth through age 3, year-round Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm
            • Located on Lima Senior High School campus (1 Spartan Way) — institutional facility with dedicated early childhood space

            Considerations

            • Early Head Start only — does not serve preschool-age children (3-5); families must transition to a different program
            9
            Phillippian Head Start
            190 E. 8Th St., Lima, OH 45804
            ★ 4.3 (20 Google)    ·  Head Start · 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

            • 4.3-star Google rating (20 reviews)
            • Head Start program for income-eligible families
            • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated

            Considerations

              10
              Children'S Developmental Center
              1001 Bellefontaine Ave, Lima, OH 45804
              Licensed Child Care Center
              SUTQ: NR
              6.2/ 10
              Safety
              6
              Curriculum
              6
              Art/Music
              6
              Infant care
              6
              K-ready
              6
              Teachers
              6
              Compassion
              7
              Mgmt
              6
              Culture
              7
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              6

              Strengths

              • Specialized center for children with special needs - serves children birth to school-age with developmental delays or disabilities
              • Founded in 1953 - one of the longest-operating early childhood centers in Lima with deep community roots
              • Interdisciplinary on-site therapy services: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and equestrian therapy
              • Located at Lima Memorial Hospital campus - medical co-location supports medically complex children
              • Toddler, preschool, and transition services cover the full early childhood age range

              Considerations

              • SUTQ: Not Rated - quality benchmarking not formally achieved through Ohio Step Up To Quality
              • Limited hours (Mon-Thu 8am-3pm) - not a full-day care option for most working families
              11
              Market Street Head Start
              1100 W. Market Street, Lima, OH 45805
              Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
              SUTQ: Gold
              6.2/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              8
              Art/Music
              5
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              6
              Teachers
              8
              Compassion
              6
              Mgmt
              7
              Culture
              6
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              6

              Strengths

              • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — Ohio's recognized quality benchmark
              • Operated by West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) — established federal Head Start grantee
              • Head Start preschool for income-eligible families ages 3-5; free comprehensive program addressing social, emotional, and intellectual growth
              • Monday-Thursday 9:00am-3:30pm schedule; multiple class times available
              • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

              Considerations

              • Part-week schedule (Mon-Thu only) may not meet full-time care needs
              12
              St. Matthew Head Start
              5050 Saint Matthews Drive, Lima, OH 45806
              Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
              SUTQ: Gold
              6.2/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              8
              Art/Music
              5
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              6
              Teachers
              8
              Compassion
              6
              Mgmt
              7
              Culture
              6
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              6

              Strengths

              • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Gold — Ohio's recognized quality benchmark
              • Operated by West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP) — established federal Head Start grantee
              • Small class sizes: licensed for maximum 18 children — lower crowding than larger centers
              • Head Start program for income-eligible families ages 3-5; free comprehensive program
              • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

              Considerations

                13
                James A. Rhodes State College Early Learning Center
                345 S Elizabeth St, Lima, OH 45801
                Licensed Child Care Center
                SUTQ: Silver
                6.1/ 10
                Safety
                5
                Curriculum
                7
                Art/Music
                5
                Infant care
                5
                K-ready
                7
                Teachers
                7
                Compassion
                6
                Mgmt
                7
                Culture
                6
                Class sizes
                0
                Extracurriculars
                6

                Strengths

                • College-affiliated learning center; state-licensed since 1998
                • Serves infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; participates in USDA Child Care Food Program
                • Before and after school programs; summer and winter break care available

                Considerations

                  14
                  Little Rockies Learning Center
                  1932 Charledon Ave, Lima, OH 45804
                  Licensed Child Care Center
                  SUTQ: Silver
                  6.1/ 10
                  Safety
                  5
                  Curriculum
                  7
                  Art/Music
                  5
                  Infant care
                  6
                  K-ready
                  6
                  Teachers
                  7
                  Compassion
                  6
                  Mgmt
                  7
                  Culture
                  6
                  Class sizes
                  0
                  Extracurriculars
                  6

                  Strengths

                  • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Silver — recognized quality program
                  • Non-profit operated by Church on the Rock — community-rooted organization
                  • 2021 Childcare Center of the Year award recipient
                  • Serves infants through age 12; open Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm
                  • Curriculum covers social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language/literacy development; teachers trained to individualize for each child
                  • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

                  Considerations

                    15
                    Cornerstone Early Learning Center
                    2000 N Cole, Lima, OH 45801
                    ★ 3.2    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: Silver
                    6.0/ 10
                    Safety
                    5
                    Curriculum
                    7
                    Art/Music
                    5
                    Infant care
                    5
                    K-ready
                    6
                    Teachers
                    7
                    Compassion
                    6
                    Mgmt
                    7
                    Culture
                    6
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

                    • BBB A+ rated; licensed child care center serving Lima ages 6 weeks to 12 years
                    • Formerly known as Heir Force Early Learning Center; established 2010
                    • Serves Allen County; accepts PFCC vouchers

                    Considerations

                    • 3.2-star Google rating - mixed parent reviews
                    16
                    Littl Rascals Child Development Center
                    1401 S Sugar Street, Lima, OH 45804
                    ★ 3    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: Silver
                    6.0/ 10
                    Safety
                    5
                    Curriculum
                    7
                    Art/Music
                    5
                    Infant care
                    5
                    K-ready
                    6
                    Teachers
                    7
                    Compassion
                    6
                    Mgmt
                    7
                    Culture
                    6
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

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

                    Considerations

                      17
                      Shawnee Children'S Program
                      2223 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45805
                      Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: Silver
                      6.0/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      7
                      Art/Music
                      5
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      6
                      Teachers
                      7
                      Compassion
                      6
                      Mgmt
                      7
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • Part of the well-regarded Shawnee district early learning programs in Lima
                      • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving Allen County
                      • Accepts PFCC vouchers

                      Considerations

                        18
                        Smart Start Development And Learning Center
                        797 W Robb Ave, Lima, OH 45804
                        ★ 3    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: Silver
                        6.0/ 10
                        Safety
                        5
                        Curriculum
                        7
                        Art/Music
                        5
                        Infant care
                        5
                        K-ready
                        6
                        Teachers
                        7
                        Compassion
                        6
                        Mgmt
                        7
                        Culture
                        6
                        Class sizes
                        0
                        Extracurriculars
                        6

                        Strengths

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

                        Considerations

                        • 3.0-star Google rating - mixed reviews
                        19
                        Trinity Um Church Center For Creative Child Care
                        301 W Market St, Lima, OH 45801
                        Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: Bronze
                        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

                        • 100% Facebook recommendation rate (7 reviews) — families endorse this center
                        • Established 1982; widely regarded as one of Lima's outstanding daycare ministries
                        • Area schools praise graduates' academic and social-emotional readiness
                        • Large, experienced staff (24 staff for ~120 children); care from 6 weeks through school-age
                        • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze

                        Considerations

                        • Some reviews on third-party sites describe staff communication and conduct concerns
                        20
                        Robin Rogers Day Service
                        546 S Collett St, Lima, OH 45805
                        Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: NR
                        5.8/ 10
                        Safety
                        6
                        Curriculum
                        6
                        Art/Music
                        5
                        Infant care
                        5
                        K-ready
                        5
                        Teachers
                        7
                        Compassion
                        7
                        Mgmt
                        5
                        Culture
                        6
                        Class sizes
                        0
                        Extracurriculars
                        6

                        Strengths

                        • Operated by The Arc of Allen County — organization with 70+ years supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in Lima
                        • Specialized inclusive program: primarily serves children with developmental delays and disabilities, with typically developing peers enrolled for integrated classroom experience
                        • Staff average 12 years of experience; annual training in CPR, First Aid, communicable disease prevention, child abuse/neglect awareness, medical issues, and behavior modification
                        • Publicly accountable funding: contracted through Allen County JFS and Allen County Children Services Board
                        • Open Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm; licensed capacity of 49 children

                        Considerations

                        • SUTQ: NR — not yet participating in Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system
                        • Specialized mission: primarily designed for children with developmental needs — may not be the right fit for all families
                        21
                        The Children'S Place Learning Academy
                        2301 Baton Rouge Ave, Lima, OH 45805
                        Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: Bronze
                        5.8/ 10
                        Safety
                        5
                        Curriculum
                        6
                        Art/Music
                        5
                        Infant care
                        5
                        K-ready
                        7
                        Teachers
                        6
                        Compassion
                        6
                        Mgmt
                        6
                        Culture
                        6
                        Class sizes
                        0
                        Extracurriculars
                        6

                        Strengths

                        • Open 6am–11:30pm Monday–Friday — one of Lima's latest-hours childcare options
                        • Founder Vivian Kelley has 21+ years of experience; strong kindergarten readiness focus
                        • Free diapers, wipes, and infant formula included; screening services available
                        • Serves ages 6 weeks through 12 years; accepts PFCC vouchers

                        Considerations

                          22
                          Kingdom Daycare
                          1575 E. High St, Lima, OH 45804
                          ★ 4.3 (5 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

                          • Google 4.3 stars (5 reviews)
                          • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving Lima and Allen County
                          • Accepts PFCC vouchers

                          Considerations

                            23
                            Learning Tree Child Care Center
                            775 S Thayer Road, Lima, OH 45806
                            ★ 3.4    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                            SUTQ: NR
                            5.7/ 10
                            Safety
                            5
                            Curriculum
                            7
                            Art/Music
                            5
                            Infant care
                            5
                            K-ready
                            5
                            Teachers
                            6
                            Compassion
                            6
                            Mgmt
                            6
                            Culture
                            6
                            Class sizes
                            0
                            Extracurriculars
                            6

                            Strengths

                            • BBB A+ rated; operating since 1980 — 45+ years of childcare in Lima
                            • State-licensed; provides quality childcare and preschool
                            • Located at Crossroads Church; serves the Lima community

                            Considerations

                              24
                              Northside Mennonite Child Care Center
                              1318 N Main St, Lima, OH 45801
                              ★ 3.4    ·  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

                                25
                                Learning Castle Child Care Center-West
                                1251 North Cole Street, Lima, OH 45801
                                ★ 4.3 (10 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

                                • Google 4.3 stars (10 reviews)
                                • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving Lima families
                                • Accepts PFCC vouchers

                                Considerations

                                  26
                                  Gltx/Daddys At Work Childcare Center
                                  315 South Collins Avenue, Lima, OH 45804
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.5/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  6
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  6
                                  Compassion
                                  6
                                  Mgmt
                                  5
                                  Culture
                                  6
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  6

                                  Strengths

                                  • Mission-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on connecting fathers with their children through childcare support and job training
                                  • Listed member of Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce; community-rooted organization
                                  • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving Lima families

                                  Considerations

                                  • No SUTQ rating (NR) -- has not completed Ohio voluntary quality rating system
                                  • Limited publicly available program details; website primarily serves as an enrollment/contact portal
                                  27
                                  Little Rockies Learning Center Central
                                  301 W North St, Lima, OH 45804
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.4/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  6
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  6
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  6
                                  Compassion
                                  6
                                  Mgmt
                                  5
                                  Culture
                                  5
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Downtown Lima location operated by Church on the Rock — same non-profit as the Silver-rated Charledon Ave site
                                  • 2021 Childcare Center of the Year (organization-wide recognition)
                                  • Serves birth through age 12; open Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm
                                  • Curriculum covers social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language/literacy development

                                  Considerations

                                  • SUTQ: NR — not yet participating in Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system
                                  28
                                  Jackson Kiddie Care Llc
                                  712 W North St, Lima, OH 45801
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.3/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  6
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  6
                                  Compassion
                                  6
                                  Mgmt
                                  5
                                  Culture
                                  5
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Opened April 2025 — new, purpose-built facility in Lima's West Side neighborhood
                                  • Owned and operated by Regina Jackson; mission focused on social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual development
                                  • Multiple rooms with dedicated learning activities and separate sleep area with cribs and cots
                                  • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families
                                  • Meals and snacks provided on-site

                                  Considerations

                                  • SUTQ: NR — not yet participating in Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system
                                  29
                                  Beautiful Begininng Childcare
                                  619 E Elm St, Lima, OH 45805
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.2/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  6
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  6
                                  Compassion
                                  5
                                  Mgmt
                                  5
                                  Culture
                                  5
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Licensed child care center at 619 E Elm St serving Lima families
                                  • Ohio-licensed and operating in the Lima community

                                  Considerations

                                  • No SUTQ quality rating — program quality not benchmarked through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                  • No website found — families cannot preview curriculum or staff credentials before touring
                                  • Very limited online presence makes independent vetting difficult
                                  30
                                  Gods Graces Llc
                                  600 North West Street, Lima, OH 45801
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.0/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  5
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  5
                                  Compassion
                                  5
                                  Mgmt
                                  5
                                  Culture
                                  5
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Licensed child care center at 600 North West Street serving Lima families
                                  • Ohio-licensed childcare in an accessible Allen County location

                                  Considerations

                                  • No SUTQ quality rating — program quality not benchmarked through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                  • No website found — families cannot preview curriculum or staff credentials before touring
                                  • Very limited online presence makes independent vetting difficult
                                  31
                                  Tiny Tech University, Inc
                                  4400 Spencerville Rd, Lima, OH 45805
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  5.0/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  5
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  5
                                  Compassion
                                  5
                                  Mgmt
                                  5
                                  Culture
                                  5
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Ohio-licensed childcare center with latchkey (school-age after-care) service - meets multi-age family needs
                                  • Extended hours Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm on Spencerville Rd in southwest Lima

                                  Considerations

                                  • SUTQ: Not Rated - quality benchmarking not achieved through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                  • No website - families cannot preview curriculum, staff qualifications, or program details
                                  32
                                  Nana Poppins Childcare Development Center
                                  422 E 8Th Street, Lima, OH 45804
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  4.8/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  5
                                  Curriculum
                                  5
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  5
                                  Compassion
                                  5
                                  Mgmt
                                  4
                                  Culture
                                  4
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers - accessible to subsidy-eligible families in east Lima
                                  • Employee reviews mention Spanish language exposure and emphasis on kindness and manners

                                  Considerations

                                  • Indeed employee reviews are mixed - one describes serious child safety and conduct concerns
                                  • SUTQ: Not Rated - quality benchmarking not achieved through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                  • No website - families cannot preview program details before visiting
                                  33
                                  We Care Too Learning & Development Center
                                  734 N. Main St., Lima, OH 45801
                                  Licensed Child Care Center
                                  SUTQ: NR
                                  4.7/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  4
                                  Curriculum
                                  5
                                  Art/Music
                                  5
                                  Infant care
                                  5
                                  K-ready
                                  5
                                  Teachers
                                  5
                                  Compassion
                                  5
                                  Mgmt
                                  4
                                  Culture
                                  4
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  5

                                  Strengths

                                  • Licensed child care center at 734 N Main St serving Lima families
                                  • Ohio-licensed childcare in a central Lima location

                                  Considerations

                                  • No SUTQ quality rating — program quality not benchmarked through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                  • No website found — families cannot preview curriculum or staff credentials before touring
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                                  Recognition of Excellence · Lima, OH · 2026
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