There are four types of providers: Child Care Centers, Type A Homes, Type B Homes, and in-home aides.

Fairfield County Child Care Services does not select a provider, you must choose the child care provider that will meet your needs. Selecting a provider is a requirement prior to determining eligibility.

The following information will help you determine the difference between each category of provider and find specific providers within each category.

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.

You can search centers by county, city, zip code, program type or Step Up to Quality rating on the ODJFS site by clicking the link below.

Search Child Care Centers

Family Child Care Providers

Type A and B Homes are licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services based on a recommendation and inspections conducted by local 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 licensed to care for up to 12 children.

To receive child care assistance, you must use a licensed child care center or a licensed family child care home. For more information on how to locate and chose quality child care visit http://childcaresearch.ohio.gov/, www.actionforchildren.org, or call 1-855-30child.  

In-Home Aides

An In-Home Aide means a person who does not reside with the child but provides child care to a child in the child's own home. an In-Home Aide can only care for the children who are in that home. For more information please visit: https://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov/ChildCare/InHomeAide/ or https://jfs.ohio.gov/child-care/information-for-providers/become-a-provider/overview

Step Up to Quality

Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a five-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. SUTQ recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed licensing health and safety regulations.  The program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children. All licensed providers and centers must be SUTQ rated.

For more information regarding the Step Up To Quality system, please visit https://jfs.ohio.gov/child-care/step-up-to-quality