Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Hartford, CT

Compare 38 daycare centers in Hartford. Average rating: 4.36/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Hartford, Connecticut at a glance

Daycares
38
Avg rating
4.36/5
Parent reviews
305
Top rated (4.5+)
15

Hartford has 38 licensed daycares with 305 parent reviews averaging 4.36/5.15 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 47% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 06105 (avg 4.41 stars), while 06106 has the largest selection (14 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Hartford

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    400 Woodland St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 52 children

    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating. However, the majority of reviews appear to be about the facility as a church rather than as a daycare center. One parent specifically mentions their daughter's progress and praises the staff and administration.

    Staff described as kind and welcomingchild made significant progresswarm and inviting atmosphereclean and spacious facilities
  2. 2

    206 Collins St, Hartford, CT · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 20 children

    The reviews provided do not pertain to the daycare center but rather to Sigourney Mews apartment complex. No actual daycare reviews are available for evaluation.

    None applicable to daycare services
  3. 3

    70 Whitney St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children

    HOPE Child Care Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents. Staff are described as passionate, welcoming, and helpful, with strong emphasis on early childhood learning outcomes. Parents highlight academic progress, safe location, reasonable pricing, and positive communication.

    Passionate and kind staffwelcoming environmentacademic learning progress (alphabetnumbers
  4. 4

    53 Wadsworth St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

    Catholic Charities Therapeutic Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents and clients. Reviewers highlight the respectful, caring, and professional staff, particularly facilitator Vernette Tyson. The center is noted for its diverse programs including parenting classes, pre-K school, behavioral health services, and financial assistance.

    Respectful and caring staffknowledgeable facilitatorswell-organized programscultural celebration recognition
  5. 5

    1 State St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children

    Parents consistently praise Joni's Childcare and Preschool for its caring, professional staff and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Children reportedly feel comfortable, happy, and show significant academic and social growth in a nurturing environment. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report long-term satisfaction with the facility.

    Caring and professional staffdaily communication via app and pickup reportsstrong child development and learning emphasiswelcoming environment for infants
  6. 6

    1695 Main Street, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 256 children

    Parents consistently praise Women's League Child Development Center for its dedicated, caring staff and supportive, family-oriented environment. Children show cognitive development and engagement, with parents noting their kids thrive academically and socially. The center is highlighted as affordable and convenient for working families.

    Caring and dedicated staffchild cognitive developmentengaging activitiesfamily-friendly atmosphere
  7. 7

    261 Locust St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 349 children

    Parents generally praise CDI Head Start - Locust Center as a great place for children with caring and helpful staff. However, one parent raised concerns about potential bias toward minorities and young mothers, and questioned whether their child was learning adequately. Most reviews are positive with little substantive detail provided.

    caring staffhelpful staffchildren enjoy attendingexcellent care
  8. 8

    170 Douglas St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 142 children

    Douglas Street Early Care & Education receives mostly positive reviews (4.3/5 rating), with parents praising caring teachers, nurturing environment, and supportive services. However, one negative review raised serious concerns about staff qualifications and child care standards. Reviews highlight the center's play-based approach and assistance with family services.

    Caring and wonderful teachersnurturing environmentplay-based learning (playtimestories
  9. 9

    450 Broad St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 74 children

    Capitol Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising caring staff, engaging curriculum, and supportive environment. However, one parent reported negative experiences with the preschool head teacher's handling of high-energy children and noted strict policies around masks, nutrition, and parent access.

    Loving and communicative teachersengaging curriculumNAEYC accreditationprofessional staff
  10. 10

    170 Sigourney St, Hartford, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Early Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews, with parents praising the interactive community involvement, variety of programs and activities, and friendly staff who create a respectful learning environment. However, concerns have been raised about parking and entrance management during pickup times, and a few parents noted behavioral issues among children and occasional boredom.

    Interactive community engagementvariety of sports and activities (footballbasketballcheerleading

Rating Distribution

Based on 32 daycares with Google ratings in Hartford

4.5 - 5.0
15
4.0 - 4.4
13
3.0 - 3.9
4
Below 3
0

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 305 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Safe environment
3
2Clean facilities
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Hartford zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
0610511
4.41
4
0610614
4.28
5
061205
4.08
1

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Hartford (20–349 children)

Small

up to 30 children

4

Medium

31–75 children

22

Large

76–150 children

8

Very Large

150+ children

4

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Hartford based on parent reviews

Kings Chapel Early Care & Education Ctr

4.8(20)

400 Woodland St, Hartford, CT

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating. However, the majority of reviews appear to be about the facility as a church rather than as a daycare center. One parent specifically mentions their daughter's progress and praises the staff and administration.

Staff described as kind and welcomingchild made significant progresswarm and inviting atmosphere

Sigourney Mews Early Learning Center

4.8(20)

206 Collins St, Hartford, CT

The reviews provided do not pertain to the daycare center but rather to Sigourney Mews apartment complex. No actual daycare reviews are available for evaluation.

None applicable to daycare services

Hope Child Care Learning Center

5(5)

70 Whitney St, Hartford, CT

HOPE Child Care Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents. Staff are described as passionate, welcoming, and helpful, with strong emphasis on early childhood learning outcomes. Parents highlight academic progress, safe location, reasonable pricing, and positive communication.

Passionate and kind staffwelcoming environmentacademic learning progress (alphabet

Catholic Charities Therapeutic Learning Center

4.6(20)

53 Wadsworth St, Hartford, CT

Catholic Charities Therapeutic Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents and clients. Reviewers highlight the respectful, caring, and professional staff, particularly facilitator Vernette Tyson. The center is noted for its diverse programs including parenting classes, pre-K school, behavioral health services, and financial assistance.

Respectful and caring staffknowledgeable facilitatorswell-organized programs

Joni'S Childcare And Preschool Of Hartford

4.5(20)

1 State St, Hartford, CT

Parents consistently praise Joni's Childcare and Preschool for its caring, professional staff and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Children reportedly feel comfortable, happy, and show significant academic and social growth in a nurturing environment. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report long-term satisfaction with the facility.

Caring and professional staffdaily communication via app and pickup reportsstrong child development and learning emphasis

Women'S League Child Development Center INC

4.5(20)

1695 Main Street, Hartford, CT

Parents consistently praise Women's League Child Development Center for its dedicated, caring staff and supportive, family-oriented environment. Children show cognitive development and engagement, with parents noting their kids thrive academically and socially. The center is highlighted as affordable and convenient for working families.

Caring and dedicated staffchild cognitive developmentengaging activities

Map

Daycare Centers in Hartford, Connecticut

There are 38 daycare centers in Hartford, Connecticut. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Hartford have an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 across 32 rated facilities, with 47% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 305 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Hartford, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Hartford

Showing 38 results

Hyland Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents report high satisfaction with the staff, noting that teachers are loving and effective, particularly in teaching life skills to children with special needs. Reviewers also appreciate the clean environment, good nutrition, and affordable pricing based on income.

supportive staffeffective teaching for special needsclean facility
Address
355 New Britain Ave, Fl 1, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 757-0701
Right Place School Readiness Child & Family Center- Hartford
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

A single parent highlights the enjoyable environment and specific staff members, noting that their child likes attending. Another review specifically commends a preschool teacher for being awesome, though no negative experiences are reported.

enjoyable environmentspecific staff memberschild enjoys attending
Address
123 Sigourney St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 543-8488
Our Lady Of Fatima Day Care Center
Church Daycare
5

One parent highlights the center's long-term value, noting it cared for their children over many years with kindness and dedication. Another reviewer appreciates the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and daily home-cooked meals.

long-term care experienceloving environmentdedicated staff
Address
20 Madison Ave, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 233-8037
Metzner Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent highlights the center's exceptional care, noting that teachers provided significant extra support to help their child succeed despite specific challenges. The reviewer expresses deep gratitude for the school's dedication and caring environment.

caring teachersextra help for children with challengessupportive environment
Address
680 Franklin Ave, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 757-0871
Hope Child Care Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

HOPE Child Care Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents. Staff are described as passionate, welcoming, and helpful, with strong emphasis on early childhood learning outcomes. Parents highlight academic progress, safe location, reasonable pricing, and positive communication.

Passionate and kind staffwelcoming environmentacademic learning progress (alphabet
Address
70 Whitney St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 232-1872
Warburton Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
420 Brookfield Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 525-0697
Cdi Head Start - Heritage Center
Headstart Programs
4.9

One parent describes the program as helpful and genuine, while another notes it addresses childcare needs with free after-school and summer camp options. A third reviewer highlights the organization's generosity through a Christmas store that helps families afford gifts, and a fourth praises the staff's thoughtfulness and dedication to serving the community.

helpful and genuine stafffree after-school programfree summer camp
Address
175 Enfield St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 994-6408
Kings Chapel Early Care & Education Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 5/5 rating. However, the majority of reviews appear to be about the facility as a church rather than as a daycare center. One parent specifically mentions their daughter's progress and praises the staff and administration.

Staff described as kind and welcomingchild made significant progresswarm and inviting atmosphere
Address
400 Woodland St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 560-0387
Sigourney Mews Early Learning Center
Headstart Programs
4.8

The reviews provided do not pertain to the daycare center but rather to Sigourney Mews apartment complex. No actual daycare reviews are available for evaluation.

None applicable to daycare services
Address
206 Collins St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 206-1314
Ss Cyril & Methodius School Readiness Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

One parent reports that their child is doing well at the program. The feedback provided is limited to a single positive experience without specific details on curriculum or staff interactions.

Child is doing good
Address
45 Groton St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 206-9265
Paraiso Infantil
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
45 Wadsworth Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 524-6853
Catholic Charities Therapeutic Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Catholic Charities Therapeutic Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents and clients. Reviewers highlight the respectful, caring, and professional staff, particularly facilitator Vernette Tyson. The center is noted for its diverse programs including parenting classes, pre-K school, behavioral health services, and financial assistance.

Respectful and caring staffknowledgeable facilitatorswell-organized programs
Address
53 Wadsworth St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 527-1124
Joni'S Childcare And Preschool Of Hartford
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Joni's Childcare and Preschool for its caring, professional staff and strong communication through daily updates and photos. Children reportedly feel comfortable, happy, and show significant academic and social growth in a nurturing environment. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report long-term satisfaction with the facility.

Caring and professional staffdaily communication via app and pickup reportsstrong child development and learning emphasis
Address
1 State St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 549-2422
Cdi Head Start - Locust Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents generally praise CDI Head Start - Locust Center as a great place for children with caring and helpful staff. However, one parent raised concerns about potential bias toward minorities and young mothers, and questioned whether their child was learning adequately. Most reviews are positive with little substantive detail provided.

caring staffhelpful staffchildren enjoy attending
Address
261 Locust St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 498-4346
Women'S League Child Development Center INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Women's League Child Development Center for its dedicated, caring staff and supportive, family-oriented environment. Children show cognitive development and engagement, with parents noting their kids thrive academically and socially. The center is highlighted as affordable and convenient for working families.

Caring and dedicated staffchild cognitive developmentengaging activities
Address
1695 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 524-5969
Richard Battles Day Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents highlight the caring nature of the staff, noting that children are treated like family and enjoy engaging, collaborative activities. Reviewers appreciate the visible involvement of leadership and report positive developmental outcomes, including growing independence and learned skills.

caring and friendly staffengaging creative activitiesvisible director and supervisor involvement
Address
30 Battles Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 549-4380
Capitol Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Capitol Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising caring staff, engaging curriculum, and supportive environment. However, one parent reported negative experiences with the preschool head teacher's handling of high-energy children and noted strict policies around masks, nutrition, and parent access.

Loving and communicative teachersengaging curriculumNAEYC accreditation
Address
450 Broad St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 240-0330
Douglas Street Early Care & Education
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Douglas Street Early Care & Education receives mostly positive reviews (4.3/5 rating), with parents praising caring teachers, nurturing environment, and supportive services. However, one negative review raised serious concerns about staff qualifications and child care standards. Reviews highlight the center's play-based approach and assistance with family services.

Caring and wonderful teachersnurturing environmentplay-based learning (playtime
Address
170 Douglas St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 560-5460
Boys & Girls Clubs Of Hartford Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Early Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews, with parents praising the interactive community involvement, variety of programs and activities, and friendly staff who create a respectful learning environment. However, concerns have been raised about parking and entrance management during pickup times, and a few parents noted behavioral issues among children and occasional boredom.

Interactive community engagementvariety of sports and activities (footballbasketball
Address
170 Sigourney St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 929-7375
Cdi Head Start - T.D. Ritter Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Parents praise CDI Head Start's staff for being welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. The center is noted for its quality curriculum, excellent teachers, and comprehensive support services. All reviews are highly positive with consistent 5-star ratings.

Friendly and welcoming front desk staffknowledgeable and helpful employeesexcellent teachers
Address
555 Windsor St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 994-6414
Capital Community College Laboratory School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

This listing appears to be mislabeled as a daycare; the reviews are actually for Capital Community College, a higher education institution in Hartford, Connecticut. Reviewers consistently praise the college's supportive environment, accessible staff, quality instruction, and resources for student success.

friendly and professional staffaccessible professors and academic counselorssupportive college environment
Address
950 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 906-5238
Hartford Neighborhood Centers
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

One reviewer describes the center as a good place for initial study support for children, noting that food assistance is also available upon registration. A second review details a food pantry service for Hartford residents, outlining strict ID and utility bill requirements alongside specific operating hours.

supports early educationprovides food assistance
Address
38 Lawrence St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 251-6517
Myrta Daycare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

One parent highlights the owner's attentiveness and the teachers' quality, noting that their twins enjoy the program and found enrollment straightforward. Conversely, a separate review reports unauthorized enrollment and a language barrier that prevents English communication.

attentive owneramazing teachershappy children
Address
75 Zion St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 308-2417
New Beginnings Early Learning Center
Before or After School Daycare
4

One parent describes a warm, family-like environment with staff who are friendly, patient, and professional, while another parent reports serious safety concerns, alleging prejudice and unprofessionalism that resulted in unexplained injuries to their child.

friendly and professional staffpatient teachersfamily-like atmosphere
Address
70 Forest Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 597-1573
Ymca Child Care @ Noah Webster
Before or After School Daycare
4

One parent reports that while the facility is affordable, conveniently located, and features friendly staff, it may not suit families with infants due to safety concerns and screen time policies. The reviewer notes difficulties with communication and inconsistent supervision practices, suggesting the program is better suited for older, more mobile children.

affordableconvenient locationfriendly director
Address
5 Cone St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 695-5421
Trinity College Comm Child Center- Campus Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Trinity College Community Child Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from most parents who praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and developmental support provided on a safe college campus. However, two parents reported serious concerns including unresponsive administration to safety issues, alleged teacher misconduct, and policy disputes that led to program dismissals.

Warm and nurturing staffclean facilitiessafe college campus environment
Address
300 Summit Street Clemens, Building, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 297-5207
Ywca Growing Tree Elc
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

One parent highlights the friendly staff and their child's happiness, while another reports a dispute over refunds for unused care provided through a 'Care 4 Kids' program, alleging the center withheld funds and failed to resolve the issue with payroll. This second reviewer also criticizes the center's strict enforcement of late payment policies compared to their handling of financial disputes.

Nice staffchild is happy
Address
195-205 Garden Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 548-2003
Trinity College Comm Child Center-Life Science
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Trinity College Community Child Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from most parents, who praise the clean facilities, warm staff, and developmental support. However, two negative reviews cite serious concerns including alleged staff misconduct, dismissive administration, facility maintenance issues, and violations of parental consent regarding child photos and medical testing practices.

Clean facilitieswarm and caring staffcollege campus learning en
Address
300 Summit Street Life Science, Building, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 297-2530
Village Early Childhood Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Feedback for this location is limited, with one parent reporting a lack of communication and an inability to reach a supervisor. Another comment appears to be a location address rather than a service review.

None mentioned
Address
105 Spring St, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 236-4511
Pequenin Children Multicultural Readiness Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

PEQUENIN Children Multicultural Readiness Academy receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the caring teachers, clean facility, and academic preparation for preschool. However, two parents reported serious concerns including physical restraint, spanking, language barriers, and inappropriate handling of behavioral issues.

Empathetic and caring teachersclean and organized facilitygood academic preparation for preschool
Address
1400 Park Street, Hartford, CT
Phone
(860) 951-0400

Page 1 of 2· 38 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 38 all daycares in Hartford, Connecticut. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Hartford have an average Google rating of 4.36 out of 5 across 32 rated facilities. About 47% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Hartford, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Connecticut's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Connecticut)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Hartford offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 32 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 3 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Connecticut typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Hartford for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Hartford must be licensed by Connecticut's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.