
Compare 355 daycare centers in Washington. Average rating: 4.24/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Washington has 355 licensed daycares with 2,043 parent reviews averaging 4.24/5.117 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 57% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 20004 (avg 5 stars), while 20016 has the largest selection (15 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
330 -332 Kennedy St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 76 children
Love and Care CDC receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. They consistently praise the caring, attentive staff who create a warm, safe environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Parents highlight strong developmental progress, excellent communication, and genuine care from teachers who treat children as their own.
114 Kennedy St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 62 children
Loving Care Day Nursery receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and attentive staff. Parents report their children are happy, comfortable, and making strong developmental progress in a well-organized, nurturing environment. The facility is noted for flexible hours, excellent communication, and treating children with genuine care.
1700 G St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 74 children
Small Savers CDC is a highly-regarded Montessori-based daycare in Washington, DC with perfect 5/5 ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the experienced and loving teachers, child-centered curriculum that fosters independence and confidence, and clean, well-equipped facility. The center is noted as reasonably priced for DC and maintains strong communication with families.
900 Massachusetts Ave Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 54 children
Bambini Play & Learn receives universally positive reviews from parents whose children attended from infancy through pre-K. Parents consistently praise the loving, nurturing teachers, Spanish language immersion program, nutritious meals, enrichment activities, and warm community atmosphere that made children eager to attend daily.
3400 International Dr Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 85 children
Parents consistently praise BCDC for its caring, experienced staff with notably low turnover, beautiful facilities, and strong community atmosphere. The center is commended for developmentally appropriate activities, enrichment programs, and individualized attention to each child's needs. Families report feeling fortunate and grateful for their experience across multiple years of enrollment.
1250 24th St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Capital Kids II receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and exceptional staff. Parents highlight significant developmental growth in their children, noting the teachers' genuine care, flexibility, and commitment to each child's individual needs. The facility is described as a special community where children thrive academically and emotionally.
474 Ridge St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children
Early Learner Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the center's caring, patient staff and nurturing environment. Parents consistently highlight director Ms. Chakera's commitment to child development, communication, and creating a family-like atmosphere. Children reportedly show significant growth in learning and development while enjoying their time at the center.
127 Kennedy St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children
Happy Feet LLC receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. They consistently praise the caring, dedicated staff led by director Laura Gallego, the clean and organized facility with outdoor space, and the affordable pricing for the DC area. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and well-prepared for school transitions.
3133 Dumbarton St Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 27 children
Parents consistently praise The Children's House of Washington (CHOW) as an exceptional Montessori preschool with highly experienced, caring teachers who foster academic excellence and individual child development. Multiple families report their children thriving academically and socially in a warm, intimate community setting with strong long-term outcomes.
1300 Pennsylvania Ave Nw, Washington, DC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
Triangle Tots receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and well-rounded curriculum combining academics, STEM, and creative activities. Parents consistently highlight strong teacher-child bonds, excellent communication through daily photos and updates, and a secure facility with convenient location near Metro. Families report their children thriving across all age groups from infants through pre-K, with particular appreciation for the center's responsiveness and professional approach.
Based on 205 daycares with Google ratings in Washington
Top qualities mentioned across 2,043 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in Washington, based on parent reviews
Washington zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20004 | 5 | 5 | 1 | |
| 20015 | 8 | 4.92 | 6 | |
| 20003 | 14 | 4.8 | 5 | |
| 20037 | 7 | 4.72 | 3 | |
| 20016 | 15 | 4.71 | 10 | |
| 20008 | 8 | 4.7 | 5 | |
| 20007 | 14 | 4.7 | 5 | |
| 20010 | 11 | 4.43 | 6 | |
| 20018 | 14 | 4.37 | 2 | |
| 20036 | 5 | 4.33 | 1 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in Washington (6–500 children)
Small
up to 30 children
88
Medium
31–75 children
141
Large
76–150 children
93
Very Large
150+ children
33
Highest rated daycares in Washington based on parent reviews
330 -332 Kennedy St Nw, Washington, DC
Love and Care CDC receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. They consistently praise the caring, attentive staff who create a warm, safe environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Parents highlight strong developmental progress, excellent communication, and genuine care from teachers who treat children as their own.
114 Kennedy St Nw, Washington, DC
Loving Care Day Nursery receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and attentive staff. Parents report their children are happy, comfortable, and making strong developmental progress in a well-organized, nurturing environment. The facility is noted for flexible hours, excellent communication, and treating children with genuine care.
1700 G St Nw, Washington, DC
Small Savers CDC is a highly-regarded Montessori-based daycare in Washington, DC with perfect 5/5 ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the experienced and loving teachers, child-centered curriculum that fosters independence and confidence, and clean, well-equipped facility. The center is noted as reasonably priced for DC and maintains strong communication with families.
900 Massachusetts Ave Nw, Washington, DC
Bambini Play & Learn receives universally positive reviews from parents whose children attended from infancy through pre-K. Parents consistently praise the loving, nurturing teachers, Spanish language immersion program, nutritious meals, enrichment activities, and warm community atmosphere that made children eager to attend daily.
3400 International Dr Nw, Washington, DC
Parents consistently praise BCDC for its caring, experienced staff with notably low turnover, beautiful facilities, and strong community atmosphere. The center is commended for developmentally appropriate activities, enrichment programs, and individualized attention to each child's needs. Families report feeling fortunate and grateful for their experience across multiple years of enrollment.
1250 24th St Nw, Washington, DC
Capital Kids II receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and exceptional staff. Parents highlight significant developmental growth in their children, noting the teachers' genuine care, flexibility, and commitment to each child's individual needs. The facility is described as a special community where children thrive academically and emotionally.
Washington, District of Columbia offers a robust selection of 355 childcare facilities, ranging from small community-based programs to larger academies. Parents frequently highlight clean, safe, and welcoming environments as the defining characteristics of these centers. The directory highlights standout options in neighborhoods like 20005, where facilities maintain exceptional average ratings.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Washington have an average rating of 4.24 out of 5 across 205 rated facilities, with 57% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.24 stars. Our analysis covers 2,043 parent reviews. Parents in Washington most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, safe environment, and welcoming environment.
When choosing a daycare in Washington, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 355 results
Curious Mind Child Development Center in Washington, DC receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate its small, intimate setting combined with professional care standards. Parents highlight the warm, loving staff, strong caregiver-child ratios, bilingual Spanish instruction, and seamless communication through the Brightwheel app. Multiple families report their children thriving and forming strong bonds with staff and peers.
Toddlers on the Hill is a Montessori-style center highly praised by most parents for its warm, knowledgeable teachers, individualized attention, outdoor activities, and children's developmental progress. However, one parent reported experiencing discriminatory treatment during the enrollment process.
Parents consistently praise Newlen Early Childhood School Readiness Center for its nurturing, caring staff who treat children as individuals and foster strong developmental growth. The facility is described as clean, professional, well-organized, and affordable, with excellent communication between staff and parents. Children reportedly enjoy attending and show significant progress in speech, academics, and social-emotional development.
Toddlers on the Hill is a Montessori-style daycare highly praised by most parents for its warm, knowledgeable teachers, individualized attention, and strong developmental outcomes. Children reportedly thrive academically and emotionally, with notable improvements in speech, social skills, and confidence. However, one parent reported experiencing discriminatory treatment during the enrollment process.
Parents highlight the nurturing environment where staff and teachers know children and families personally, noting visible positive changes in their children. Reviewers describe the staff as kind and express strong appreciation for the quality of care, with some noting emotional attachment to the program.
Parents praise Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center for its unique museum-based curriculum, enriching educational experiences, and caring staff who support children's academic, social, and emotional development. The program offers hands-on learning activities, regular museum visits, and healthy meal options. While one parent noted minor issues were handled professionally, overall satisfaction is very high.
Parents praise Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center II for its unique museum-based curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and caring educators who foster social-emotional development alongside academics. The program offers enriching field trips, healthy meals, and play-based learning that parents find valuable despite higher costs compared to other local options. Most reviews highlight children's improved behavior, confidence, and love of learning.
Multiple parents highlight the center's engaging curriculum, dedicated staff, and strong safety protocols, noting that their children are happy and thriving. One reviewer expresses confusion, while others appreciate the balance of in-person interaction and structured activities.
National Children's Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all recent reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight excellent staff, clean and safe facilities, compassionate teachers, and innovative programming including outdoor learning spaces. Children are reported to be excited and happy about attending.
Most reviews praise the preschool program, highlighting caring and creative teachers, strong curriculum tailored to children's interests, and excellent administration. However, many reviews in the dataset appear to be for other JCC facilities (theater, gym, fitness classes) rather than the preschool itself, making it difficult to assess comprehensive parent feedback.
One parent highlights the center's amazing family atmosphere, while another inquires about eligibility for a free Child Development Associate program. The available feedback is limited and focuses on these specific positive aspects and program details.
Parents consistently praise Manley Science and Technology Center for its caring, professional staff and engaging learning environment. The facility is noted for strong communication with parents through the Brightwheel app, cleanliness, and the director's hands-on involvement. Children reportedly adjust well, enjoy attending, and show measurable academic progress.
Kiddie University Capitol Hill receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising staff warmth, quality care, and educational programming, though two detailed negative reviews cite concerns about staff professionalism, facility cleanliness, curriculum implementation, and inconsistent care quality.
Talentos is highly rated by most parents for its warm, nurturing environment and exceptional staff stability, with particular praise for bilingual education and strong teacher-child relationships. However, one parent reported the center failed to honor a guaranteed spot commitment made during enrollment.
One parent describes a positive experience with a specific teacher referred by a former colleague, while another highlights the staff and cleanliness. Conversely, a separate review strongly criticizes the location near a high school for poor management, rule violations, and dishonesty.
Easter Seals DC/MD/VA receives mostly positive reviews praising warm, welcoming staff and quality care, though two negative reviews cite communication issues and concerns about early intervention services. Four 5-star reviews highlight professional, loving teachers and strong child development, while two lower-rated reviews report poor follow-up on waitlist inquiries and resistance to providing needed therapeutic services.
Parents consistently praise Children's Hut for caring, attentive staff who provide educational instruction above typical age levels. Families highlight excellent communication, cleanliness, safety protocols, and the strong emotional bonds teachers develop with children. Multiple parents report significant developmental progress in speech, language, and school readiness.
While some parents highlight the convenient location and positive experience for their children, others report serious concerns regarding health safety, hygiene, and staff professionalism. Specific complaints include repetitive meals, lack of water, infrequent diaper changes, and inadequate cleaning of toys.
MINDBLOOM PRESCHOOL receives consistently high praise from parents for its multilingual immersion programs (Mandarin, Spanish, Arabic), strong academics, and caring staff leadership under Director Ms. Susan. Parents highlight significant language acquisition, above-average academic progress, and development of soft skills, along with excellent communication between school and families. The spacious classrooms, small student-teacher ratios, engaging activities including field
Home Away From Home Too Child Development Center in Washington, DC receives consistently high praise from parents, with all recent reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the caring and attentive staff, strong leadership under Director Joy Okolagbodi, nurturing environment, and excellent communication through the Brightwheel app. Children show notable development across social, emotional, and academic areas.
Parents praise Everbrook Academy for warm, caring staff with low turnover, excellent communication, quality facilities, and engaging educational activities. However, one parent raised serious concerns about lack of transparency regarding confirmed COVID and flu cases among staff, alleging ill employees were required to work around children without parent notification.
School for Friends receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated teachers, nurturing environment, and play-based curriculum that balances academic and social-emotional learning. Parents highlight the school's warm community culture, intentional teaching practices, and strong parent communication. One negative review cited concerns about teacher turnover.
Sunshine Early Learning Center receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the caring, dedicated staff and welcoming environment, with children forming strong bonds with teachers. However, some parents cite frequent and sometimes unexplained closures as a significant drawback affecting work schedules.
One parent describes the school as loving, affordable, and safe, while another simply calls it a great preschool. However, a critical review highlights strict sick policies that can cause significant work absences and notes that administrative staff are often unavailable.
One parent highly recommends the center for its loving, family-oriented staff and long-term care options. Conversely, another reviewer criticizes the director for employing too many family members, while a third expresses discomfort with staff affection and arguments observed in front of children.
One parent highlights the center's flexibility, excellent communication via the Child Pilot App, and patient staff who helped their son overcome separation anxiety. Another review offers a brief recommendation, citing nice management.
Note: The reviews provided appear to be for apartment/rental properties rather than the YMCA AT AVALON daycare center. Based on these reviews, staff members are highly praised for professionalism, responsiveness, and customer service. No actual daycare reviews were found.
Bright Beginnings receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff and family-oriented environment. However, concerns have been raised about drop-off/pick-up logistics, traffic safety, and reports of children arriving home hungry, thirsty, or with soiled diapers.
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