McKinley Daycare & Preschool in Akron, Ohio on Waterloo Road
Serving Akron families for 8+ years:
- Ages 6 weeks – 5 years (infant, toddler, & preschool programs)
- Open 6:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday–Friday
- GOLD‑rated (Ohio’s highest Step Up To Quality rating)
- State‑licensed, CPR‑certified teachers
- Title XX–approved childcare assistance
“The environment feels like a family. My son always comes home happy and excited to go back.” – Jhonae P.
Why Parents Choose McKinley on Waterloo Road
We believe caring for children is more than a job—it’s our calling.
Warm, consistent caregivers
Your child is known by name and greeted by familiar faces.
Secure, clean classrooms
Daily cleaning checklists and safety procedures parents can see.
Play-based learning
Activities that build social skills and prepare for kindergarten.
Flexible full-time and part-time options
Schedules that fit working Akron parents.
Schedule a Tour at McKinley Waterloo Road
Programs by Age
Choose the classroom that matches your child’s age and stage of development.
Infant Daycare (6 weeks–12 months)
A loving, secure infant classroom where your baby’s routine is followed and they’re cared for like family all day long.
You stay in the loop with daily updates from their teachers.
- Individualized care that follows your baby’s feeding and sleep routine, with daily communication home
- Safe sleep practices, clean environment, and developmentally appropriate sensory activities, plus free diapers, wipes, and formula included
Toddler Daycare (1–2 years)
A playful, structured toddler classroom where curious little ones can safely explore while building early social, emotional, and motor skills.
- Hands‑on learning through guided play that builds language, social skills, and coordination
- Consistent daily routines that grow independence, with free diapers and wipes included
Preschool Program (3–4 years)
A balanced preschool day that prepares your child for kindergarten through play‑based learning, early academics, and strong social skills.
- Early literacy, math, and science foundations woven into fun, age‑appropriate activities
- Curriculum that builds confidence, independence, and a lasting love of learning
Pre-K Program (4–5 years)
A focused Pre‑K classroom that gets your child ready for kindergarten with fun, structured learning and strong school‑readiness skills.
- Kindergarten‑readiness curriculum that builds letter recognition, early math, problem‑solving, and group learning skills
- Daily routines that grow confidence, independence, and the ability to follow classroom expectations
Schedule Your Tour at McKinley Waterloo Road
Come see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and get answers to your questions in person. Tours typically take 20–30 minutes.
No obligation and no payment due to schedule a tour.
- See your child’s age‑group classroom
- Meet the teachers and ask questions
- Learn about tuition, availability, and next steps
Request a Tour
We’ll call you within one business day to confirm your tour time.
By submitting, you agree we may contact you about enrollment at McKinley Waterloo Road
What Akron Parents Say About McKinley Waterloo Road
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by hundreds of Akron families since 2018
“My son has been coming here for over a year. He always comes home happy and excited to come back. He loves his teachers and they love him. Both directors, Sandra and Diana, are so helpful and the environment feels like a family.”
– Jhonae P.
“The director, Mrs. Sandra, is amazing. If any issues arise she promptly addresses them. The environment is inclusive and the teachers are pleasant. My child has developmental delays and has even begun to interact socially. Thank you, McKinley, for providing a safe place for my child to learn.”
– Endi P.
“My oldest daughter went to McKinley and is now in kindergarten. She learned so much before school. Now my youngest has been there about six months and has become more social and excited to go. The director has been so helpful, kind, and attentive, and communication has been thorough. The teachers are friendly at drop‑off and pick‑up.”
– Antonique A.
Listed on:
Safety, Quality, and Credentials You Can Trust
Your child’s safety and well‑being come first. McKinley Waterloo Road follows Ohio’s highest standards for licensing, staff training, and daily safety practices.
Our Standards
- State‑licensed center with regular inspections
- GOLD‑rated (Ohio’s highest Step Up To Quality rating)
- Comprehensive background checks and CPR/first‑aid–trained staff
- Secure entry, check‑in/check‑out, and authorized‑pickup procedures
- Health, sanitation, and allergy‑aware food practices
What This Means for Your Child
- Safe, supervised classrooms designed for each age group
- Clear routines and policies that keep children secure
- Teachers trained to respond calmly and correctly in emergencies
- Peace of mind knowing your child is in a vetted, high‑quality program
See Inside McKinley Waterloo Road
Here are a few photos of our classrooms, playground, and entrance.
Meet Our Director, Ms. Sandra
Center Director – Waterloo Road
I’m Ms. Sandra, the Director at McKinley Early Childhood Center – Waterloo. I’ve been part of the McKinley family since 2020 and have a deep passion for early childhood education and supporting the families we serve.
I’m committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn every day. Working closely with our teachers and families to support each child’s individual growth is the most rewarding part of my role.
Thank you for considering McKinley Waterloo for your child. I look forward to welcoming your family to our center and partnering with you in your child’s early learning journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions before your tour, here are answers to the ones parents ask most often.
Tuition depends on your child’s age, schedule, and any financial assistance (like Title XX). During your tour, we’ll review current tuition for your child’s age group and any discounts or assistance you may qualify for.
McKinley Waterloo Road is open 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Friday. We offer full‑time care and part‑time options based on classroom availability.
Some age groups do have a waitlist at certain times of year. On your tour, we’ll let you know current availability and, if you’d like to enroll, how to complete paperwork and pay a registration fee to hold your child’s spot.
You’ll see your child’s age‑group classroom, meet teachers and the center director, and get answers to all of your questions about curriculum, safety, routines, and tuition. Tours usually take 20–30 minutes.
After you enroll, we’ll give you a simple checklist. In general, families bring a change of clothes, any comfort items (like a blanket), and labeled bottles/diapers if needed for infants and toddlers.
Yes. We provide age‑appropriate meals and snacks that follow state guidelines. If your child has allergies or dietary needs, let us know so we can plan safely with you.
Still have questions? The easiest way to get answers is to schedule a tour.
Visit McKinley Waterloo Road
Conveniently located on Waterloo Road
McKinley Early Childhood Center – Waterloo Road
792 E Waterloo Rd
Akron, OH 44306
Parking & Drop‑Off
- Free parking available directly in front of the center
- Please use the main entrance and ring the bell to be let in
- Designated area for safe pick‑up and drop‑off