Zanesville, OH · Muskingum · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Zanesville, Ohio

Known as the "Y City" for its iconic Y-Bridge—a rare three-way bridge spanning the confluence of two rivers—Zanesville served as Ohio's second state capital from 1810 to 1812. The city earned the nickname "Clay City" for its thriving pottery industry in the early 20th century, when dozens of ceramics manufacturers including Weller Pottery and Roseville Pottery made it a national center for artistic pottery production. Today, Zanesville remains a destination for pottery enthusiasts and art lovers drawn to its rich creative heritage. We analyzed all 22 Ohio-licensed childcare centers in Zanesville, 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.

22Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
24,564City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
The Zoo Child Care And Preschool
2880 East Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701
Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
6.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Gold SUTQ - highest Ohio quality tier, meeting rigorous state standards for curriculum and teacher qualifications
  • Nature/animal-themed environment on E Pike in east Zanesville - engaging thematic setting for young learners
  • Gold SUTQ centers are required to maintain lower student-to-teacher ratios and offer family education workshops
  • Active Facebook presence with program photos suggesting ongoing parent engagement

Considerations

  • No standalone website - families rely on Facebook and Ohio Child Care Search for information
2
Larzelere Head Start Center
450 Larzelere Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701
Head Start · Licensed Child Care Center
SUTQ: Gold
6.3/ 10
Safety
6
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 Child Care Resources, Inc. (CCRI) — Zanesville Head Start grantee established 1979
  • Strong inspection record: Health 100, Safety 100, Compliance 100 (overall 95.52 score) — perfect marks in licensing compliance
  • Small licensed capacity of 21 children — low crowding; more individualized attention possible
  • Participates in federally funded Child Care Food Program — USDA nutrition standards for all meals and snacks

Considerations

    3
    The Learning Nest Preschool
    2878 Maysville Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701
    Licensed Child Care Center
    SUTQ: Bronze
    6.3/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    7
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    7
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    7
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    6

    Strengths

    • Bronze SUTQ - meets Ohio elevated quality threshold
    • Lead teacher has 19+ years of elementary teaching experience - strong classroom credentials
    • Lessons grounded in Preschool Common Core Standards and Developmentally Appropriate Practice
    • Creative curriculum includes drama, art, music, and dance - strong arts integration
    • Parent testimonials describe a warm community where children gain confidence, independence, and academic foundations

    Considerations

    • Center website appears defunct or redirects to an unrelated domain - difficult to verify current program details online
    • No Google or Yelp rating found - review base limited to testimonials on defunct site
    • Small preschool-only program - not a full-day infant or toddler care option
    4
    Adams Lane Head Start
    1580 Adams Lane, Zanesville, OH 43701
    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 Child Care Resources, Inc. (CCRI) — Head Start grantee established 1979 with the stated mission of highest standards in education
    • Main administrative campus for CCRI: organization operates four Zanesville Head Start locations providing comprehensive community coverage
    • Head Start for income-eligible children ages 3-5; services include education, health/nutrition, and family support
    • Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm; transportation services available

    Considerations

      5
      Durban Drive Head Start
      863 Durban Drive, Zanesville, OH 43701
      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 Child Care Resources, Inc. (CCRI) — Zanesville Head Start grantee serving the community since 1979
      • Head Start for income-eligible children ages 3-5; CCRI provides education, health/nutrition, and family support services across all four sites
      • Transportation services available through CCRI
      • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

      Considerations

        6
        Zanesville Day Nursery
        505 Linden Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701
        ★ 5 (1 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
        SUTQ: Bronze
        6.1/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        8
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        8
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        6

        Strengths

        • Perfect 5-star Google rating
        • Ohio-licensed childcare center

        Considerations

          7
          Blue Ave. Head Start
          1616 Blue Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701
          ★ 4.4 (7 Google)    ·  Head Start · 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

          • 4.4-star Google rating (7 reviews)
          • Head Start program for income-eligible families
          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated

          Considerations

            8
            The Purple Elephant Learning Center
            903 Sharon Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701
            Licensed Child Care Center
            SUTQ: NR
            6.0/ 10
            Safety
            6
            Curriculum
            6
            Art/Music
            5
            Infant care
            6
            K-ready
            6
            Teachers
            6
            Compassion
            7
            Mgmt
            6
            Culture
            6
            Class sizes
            0
            Extracurriculars
            6

            Strengths

            • 5.0-star Care.com rating (2 reviews) — parents note clean, stimulating, safe environment with attentive caregivers
            • Smaller class sizes with one-on-one attention for children with learning disabilities
            • Partners with Quality Moments program to support children's emotional regulation skills
            • Ohio-licensed childcare center; serves ages 2 months to 13 years

            Considerations

              9
              Coburn Child Care Center
              3618 Maple Ave, Zanesville, OH 43701
              ★ 4.6 (12 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
              SUTQ: NR
              5.9/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              6
              Art/Music
              7
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              5
              Teachers
              6
              Compassion
              7
              Mgmt
              6
              Culture
              6
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              6

              Strengths

              • 4.6-star Google rating (12 reviews)
              • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated
              • Ohio-licensed childcare center

              Considerations

                10
                Genesis Children'S Center
                534 Taylor Street, Zanesville, OH 43701
                ★ 2.7 (8 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                SUTQ: Bronze
                5.9/ 10
                Safety
                7
                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

                • Affiliated with Genesis Healthcare System — hospital-quality safety standards
                • Children are "inspired to explore their potential and achieve their best"
                • Ohio-licensed; located at 534 Taylor Street, Zanesville

                Considerations

                • 2.7-star Google rating (8 reviews) - below average parent satisfaction
                11
                North Terrace Christian Preschool
                1420 Brandywine Blvd., Zanesville, OH 43701
                Licensed Child Care Center
                SUTQ: NR
                5.9/ 10
                Safety
                5
                Curriculum
                6
                Art/Music
                5
                Infant care
                5
                K-ready
                5
                Teachers
                6
                Compassion
                8
                Mgmt
                6
                Culture
                7
                Class sizes
                0
                Extracurriculars
                6

                Strengths

                • 100% recommendation rate from 20 Facebook reviews — consistently praised by families
                • Christian preschool environment; located at 1420 Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville
                • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving Muskingum County

                Considerations

                  12
                  Viola & Virsie'S Learning Center
                  285 Sunrise Center Drive, Zanesville, OH 43701
                  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

                  • 5.0-star Care.com rating (3 reviews) — parents praise great staff, location, and affordability
                  • Play-based curriculum focused on physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development
                  • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze — meets elevated quality standards
                  • Ohio-licensed childcare center; open enrollment, hours 7 AM to 6 PM

                  Considerations

                    13
                    Zanesville Civic League
                    928 Jackson Street, Zanesville, OH 43701
                    Licensed Child Care Center
                    SUTQ: Bronze
                    5.9/ 10
                    Safety
                    6
                    Curriculum
                    6
                    Art/Music
                    6
                    Infant care
                    5
                    K-ready
                    6
                    Teachers
                    6
                    Compassion
                    6
                    Mgmt
                    6
                    Culture
                    6
                    Class sizes
                    0
                    Extracurriculars
                    6

                    Strengths

                    • 86% recommendation rate from 16 Facebook reviews — well-regarded by local families
                    • Established nonprofit serving the Zanesville community for over 100 years
                    • Afterschool program (K-5) includes STEAM activities, homework help, and daily snacks
                    • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated: Bronze — state-licensed program

                    Considerations

                      14
                      Careytown Preschool & Child Care
                      527 Pershing Road, Zanesville, OH 43701
                      ★ 3.5 (5 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
                      SUTQ: Bronze
                      5.8/ 10
                      Safety
                      5
                      Curriculum
                      6
                      Art/Music
                      5
                      Infant care
                      5
                      K-ready
                      6
                      Teachers
                      6
                      Compassion
                      7
                      Mgmt
                      6
                      Culture
                      6
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      6

                      Strengths

                      • 94% recommendation rate from 28 Facebook reviews; BBB A+ rated
                      • Affordable childcare option in Zanesville; located at 527 Pershing Rd
                      • Ohio-licensed childcare center serving Muskingum County

                      Considerations

                        15
                        Sundale Kids Of New Concord Llc
                        3434 East Pike, Zanesville, OH 43701
                        Licensed Child Care Center
                        SUTQ: NR
                        5.8/ 10
                        Safety
                        6
                        Curriculum
                        6
                        Art/Music
                        5
                        Infant care
                        6
                        K-ready
                        5
                        Teachers
                        6
                        Compassion
                        6
                        Mgmt
                        6
                        Culture
                        6
                        Class sizes
                        0
                        Extracurriculars
                        6

                        Strengths

                        • 100% recommendation rate from 28 Facebook reviews — strongly endorsed by local families
                        • Serves infants, toddlers, and school-age children with bussing to East Muskingum and Zanesville City schools
                        • Ohio-licensed childcare center; expanded to current Zanesville location July 2024

                        Considerations

                          16
                          Bvfymca @ John Mcintire Elementary
                          1275 Roosevelt Ave., Zanesville, OH 43701
                          ★ 4.5 (10 Google)    ·  YMCA Child Care · 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

                          • 4.5-star Google rating (10 reviews)
                          • YMCA community programs and resources
                          • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated

                          Considerations

                            17
                            Mcfymca Child Care
                            1425 Newark Road, Zanesville, OH 43701
                            ★ 4.5 (10 Google)    ·  YMCA Child Care · 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

                            • 4.5-star Google rating (10 reviews)
                            • YMCA community programs and resources
                            • Ohio Step Up To Quality rated

                            Considerations

                              18
                              The Barnyard School Age
                              3949 Northpointe Drive, Zanesville, OH 43701
                              ★ 3 (17 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

                              • 3.0-star Google rating (17 reviews) - mixed parent feedback
                              19
                              Trinity Lutheran School
                              128 S. Seventh Street, Zanesville, OH 43701
                              ★ 4.4 (7 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

                              • 4.4-star Google rating (7 reviews)
                              • Faith-based learning environment
                              • Ohio-licensed childcare center

                              Considerations

                                20
                                Little Rascals Learning Center
                                3921 Northpointe Drive, Zanesville, OH 43701
                                Licensed Child Care Center
                                SUTQ: NR
                                5.5/ 10
                                Safety
                                5
                                Curriculum
                                6
                                Art/Music
                                5
                                Infant care
                                6
                                K-ready
                                6
                                Teachers
                                6
                                Compassion
                                6
                                Mgmt
                                5
                                Culture
                                5
                                Class sizes
                                0
                                Extracurriculars
                                5

                                Strengths

                                • Serves four age groups: infants (6 weeks-1 year), toddlers (1-3), preschool (4-5), and school-age before/after care
                                • Low staff-to-child ratios emphasized across all classrooms — individualized attention for infants
                                • Preschool curriculum covers phonemic awareness, letter recognition, basic math, and hands-on science for kindergarten readiness
                                • After-school homework club with teacher assistance; field trips during school breaks
                                • Open Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm
                                • Accepts publicly funded child care (PFCC) vouchers — accessible to subsidy-eligible families

                                Considerations

                                • SUTQ: NR — not yet participating in Ohio's Step Up To Quality rating system
                                • Mixed employee reviews on Indeed — some staff report management concerns
                                21
                                The Learning Academy Seo
                                1526 Bluff Street, Zanesville, OH 43701
                                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

                                • Unique open-concept building with small class sizes - intentional design for individualized learning
                                • Play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum integrating traditional academics with social-emotional development
                                • Serves children 6 weeks to 6 years - full infant-through-preschool age range
                                • Has an articulated program philosophy on their website (learningacademyseo.com)

                                Considerations

                                • SUTQ: Not Rated - quality benchmarking not achieved through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                • Website is minimal with limited detail on staff credentials or specific curriculum tools used
                                22
                                Little Arrows Early Learning Center
                                1365 Chamberlin Street, Zanesville, OH 43701
                                Licensed Child Care Center
                                SUTQ: NR
                                5.2/ 10
                                Safety
                                6
                                Curriculum
                                5
                                Art/Music
                                5
                                Infant care
                                5
                                K-ready
                                5
                                Teachers
                                5
                                Compassion
                                6
                                Mgmt
                                5
                                Culture
                                5
                                Class sizes
                                0
                                Extracurriculars
                                5

                                Strengths

                                • Most recent annual inspection (Feb 2026) shows Fully Compliant status - clean licensing record
                                • After-school care available - extends service to school-age children alongside preschoolers
                                • Active Facebook and Instagram (@little_arrows1) presence suggests engaged management
                                • Hours 7:30am-5:30pm Mon-Fri on Chamberlin St in central Zanesville

                                Considerations

                                • SUTQ: Not Rated - quality benchmarking not achieved through Ohio Step Up To Quality
                                • No standalone website - families rely on social media for program information
                                No centers match this filter.

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                                Recognition of Excellence · Zanesville, OH · 2026
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