Ohio Licensed Step Up To Quality Gold Fully Insured Publicly funded child care accepted

Lil' Sneakers University · Mentor, Ohio

Little Steps. Big Futures.Child care, preschool, and before and after school programs in Mentor, Ohio

Helping children learn, grow and thrive from 6 weeks to 13 years, in a bright, safe place where every day is hands-on.

  • Ohio Licensed
  • Step Up To Quality Gold
  • Fully Insured

Prefer to talk? Call (440) 255-6011, Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Smiling children sitting together at circle time
Toddler crawling through a play tunnel

Find Your Little Sneaker's Program

A classroom for every age and stage

Pick your child's age to see their day, their teachers and what they'll learn.

Beyond the Classroom

More than day care

The best days at LSU happen when kids get to do, make and discover.

Illustration: summer camp adventures
Summer

Summer Camp Adventures

When school is out, school-age kids spend full days at LSU with weekly themes, outdoor games, projects and field trips.

Illustration: field trips and exploration
Out and about

Field Trips and Exploration

Kids head out into Mentor and beyond on field trips, with transportation provided by LSU. Learning sticks when you can see it and touch it.

Illustration: creative learning and discovery
Every day

Creative Learning and Discovery

Paint, build, sing, pour and experiment. Children explore what interests them at their own pace, and the process matters more than a perfect finished product.

See Everything Kids Do Here

A day at LSU

From first hug to last pickup

A typical day. Each room follows its own schedule.

  1. 5:30 a.m.

    Doors open

    Early drop-off and a calm, cozy start

  2. Morning

    Learning centers

    Blocks, books, art and circle time

  3. Late morning

    Outside we go

    Running, climbing and fresh air

  4. Midday

    Lunch and rest

    Family-style meals, then naps

  5. Afternoon

    Explore and create

    Music, science and pretend play

  6. Until 6:30 p.m.

    School-age crew

    Snack, homework help and pickup

See the daily schedule for each age

Help paying for child care

LSU accepts Ohio's publicly funded child care. If your family qualifies, the state pays part of your tuition directly to LSU, and we'll help you through the steps.

See If You Qualify

Why families choose LSU

We're rated Gold, Ohio's highest quality rating. Here's what that means for your child's day.

How We Compare

Take the first step

Meet your child's teachers, see the classrooms and ask anything. Tours take about 30 minutes.

Book a Tour

Hold a spot

Know your start date? Tell us the program and we'll tell you where your child stands.

Hold a Spot

Meet Your Child's Teachers

The faces your child will see every morning

Our teachers know every child by name and every parent by face. They plan each week around what the kids are curious about, and they keep learning every year.

Meet Your Child's Teachers

Parent stories are coming soon.

We only share real reviews from LSU families, with their first name and the date. Read reviews

Teacher with children at work in a sunny classroom

Questions parents ask first

What ages does LSU care for?

LSU cares for children from 6 weeks to 13 years old. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers attend full-day care, and school-age children come for before-school care, after-school care and school-break care.

What are LSU's hours?

LSU is open Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Holiday closures are posted on the calendar.

How much does child care at LSU cost?

Tuition depends on your child's age and weekly schedule, so the director shares current rates on your tour or by phone. LSU accepts Ohio publicly funded child care for families who qualify.

How do I schedule a tour at LSU?

Use the tour request form or call (440) 255-6011. Tours take about 30 minutes and you are welcome to bring your child.

See every question and answer

Every great journey starts with a little step.

Come see LSU in person. Bring your questions and your little sneaker.

Or call (440) 255-6011, Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.