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

Finding the right childcare
in Utica, Ohio

Utica was once the largest hand-blown window glass factory city in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, its rise fueled by abundant natural gas and silica—though that industrial boom faded by the 1920s. Today, the village is perhaps most recognized as the birthplace of Velvet Ice Cream, the historic brand founded here in 1918 that still operates its flagship shop housed in a mill dating back to 1817. With its picturesque setting along the Licking River, farmland orchards nearby, and small-town main street of vintage shops and historic sites, Utica embodies a quiet, pastoral Ohio charm rooted in both industrial heritage and community tradition. We analyzed all 3 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Utica, 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.

6Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Leads Head Start Utica
308 N. Main Street, Utica, OH 43080
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
6.4/ 10
Safety
6
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

  • SUTQ Gold rated - highest Ohio quality designation
  • Federal Head Start program serving income-eligible families in Utica/Licking County at no cost
  • Comprehensive services: early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support

Considerations

  • Income-eligibility required - not available to all families
2
Kids Educare Academy(Kea),Llc
12958 National Road Sw, Unit C, Etna, OH 43062
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: NR
6.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
8
Compassion
6
Mgmt
9
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Ohio SUTQ 5-star rated at all ten locations - exceeds state standards
  • Over 50 years of experience fostering learning through discovery
  • Creative Curriculum building confidence, creativity, and critical thinking
  • Head Start program available for qualifying families

Considerations

    3
    North Fork Sacc
    127 N Sugar St, Utica, OH 43080
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    5.5/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze - recognized quality tier program
    • Before and after school care at North Fork Local Schools in Utica
    • Licensed school-age childcare program in Licking County
    • On-campus location - no transportation needed between school and care

    Considerations

    • School-age only - no infant, toddler, or preschool programs
    4
    Utica Sacc
    367 Church St, Utica, OH 43080
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    5.5/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze - recognized quality tier program
    • Before and after school care serving Utica families at 367 Church St
    • Licensed school-age childcare in Licking County

    Considerations

    • School-age only - no infant, toddler, or preschool programs
    5
    Vineyard Community Preschool
    15187 Palmer Rd. Sw, Etna, OH 43068
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: NR
    5.4/ 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
    6

    Strengths

    • Christian-based half-day preschool for ages 3-5 at Vineyard Community Church, Etna
    • Caring Christian environment supporting social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual growth
    • All children must be toilet-trained - classroom-ready focus
    • First-come first-served enrollment with $75 registration fee - accessible pricing

    Considerations

    • SUTQ: Not Rated - no Ohio Step Up To Quality quality-tier designation
    • Half-day only - not suitable for full-day childcare needs
    • Toilet-training required - excludes youngest preschoolers not yet independent
    6
    Little Avengers Academy, Llc
    8905 Mt. Vernon Road, St Louisville, OH 43071
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    5.2/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    5
    Compassion
    5
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    5

    Strengths

    • SUTQ Bronze rated - Ohio Step Up To Quality quality-tier designation
    • Licensed childcare center serving St. Louisville and Licking County families
    • Ohio-licensed program providing early childhood education and care

    Considerations

    • No public website found - limited program transparency for prospective families
    No centers match this filter.

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    Recognition of Excellence · Utica, OH · 2026
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