Currently there are three types of providers: Child care centers, type A homes and type B homes.

Hamilton County Child Care Services does not select a provider. You choose the child care provider that will meet your needs.

You can search centers, Type A and Type B homes by county, city, zip code, program type or Step Up to Quality rating on the ODJFS site by clicking the green button below.

Search Child Care Providers

The following information will help you determine the difference between each category of provider.

Child Care Centers

Child Care Centers are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. A child care center is licensed to care for more than 12 children at a time.

Family Child Care Home Providers

Type A and Type B Family Child Care homes are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services based on a recommendation and inspections conducted by Hamilton County Job and Family Services. A Type B child care home is a private residence licensed to care for up to six children. A Type A child care home is usually a private residence licensed to care for up to 12 children.

Search By Quality Level

The Ohio Department of Education and Job and Family Services ranks some child care programs by the level the program has earned in the state’s Step Up to Quality initiative. Providers have the opportunity to earn up to five stars. The more stars, the better.

Learn more about Step Up to Quality

For additional help deciding among the types of child care providers, review How to Choose a Child Care Provider.