
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
Bright Beginnings receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff and family-oriented environment. However, there are concerns about operational issues including drop-off/pick-up safety, traffic management, and reports of children arriving home hungry, thirsty, and in soiled conditions.
One former student who attended as a child reports a positive overall experience but highlights significant concerns regarding peer interactions and staff responsiveness. The reviewer notes that bullying was prevalent and that staff failed to intervene when incidents occurred.
One parent highlights the school's reliability and staff consistency, while another describes the center as horrible. The limited feedback presents a stark contrast between positive experiences with staff retention and severe dissatisfaction.
Home Away from Home receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring staff, engaging activities, and exceptional support during challenging times like the pandemic. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, personalized attention to children's needs, and affordable pricing. One parent noted organizational and communication issues but still rated the center highly overall.
Parents consistently praise Happy Faces for providing affordable, caring childcare with a no-frills approach focused on practical child development. Teachers are described as loving and attentive, with strong communication through photos and updates. The facility is noted for being clean, flexible, and responsive to parents' needs.
Lia's Rainbow receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the attentive and compassionate staff, clean facility, and director Ms. Taylor's leadership. Parents report their children are happy, well-cared for, and in a secure learning environment. One detailed response addresses a dispute with a former parent regarding late pickup fees and a subsequent incident.
Parents report an exceptional and warm environment with experienced teachers who genuinely care for the children. One family highlights the benefits of full Spanish immersion and ample outdoor time, while another praises the staff's dedication to their child's development.
One parent highlights the staff as attentive and caring, while another criticizes management for unprofessional handling of a reservation cancellation, citing ignored emails and unreturned calls regarding a refund.
Parents praise the daycare's clean facilities, caring and professional staff, and positive child interactions. However, some parents express concerns about organizational issues, management communication, and a decline in quality compared to previous years.
Growing Seeds Child Development Center receives mixed reviews with strong polarization. Three parents praised the teachers, director, and overall care quality, while two parents reported significant concerns about organization and professionalism.
One parent reports that the facility previously served as their daycare from 1995 to 1997. Another review characterizes the camp as poorly managed, citing specific behavioral incidents involving girls in the computer lab. A third comment appears to be an incomplete fragment with no substantive feedback.
Parents consistently praise Loving Care Day Nursery for its welcoming, attentive staff and nurturing environment. Children reportedly thrive academically and emotionally, with parents feeling confident leaving their children in care. The center is noted for organized activities, educational programming, and strong communication with families.
Parents praise the daycare's clean facilities, caring and professional staff, and positive interactions with children. However, some recent reviews indicate concerns about organization, management professionalism, and changes in the center's culture compared to previous years.
Reviews are largely positive with parents praising the center's caring staff and community support for families in need. However, most reviews appear to reference the Paradise apartments residential community rather than the daycare center itself, making it difficult to assess actual childcare quality.
Parents praise the daycare's clean facilities, professional and caring staff, and child engagement activities. However, some recent reviews express concerns about organizational issues, management changes, and impersonal policy-focused interactions with parents.
These reviews are not for the daycare program at this location, but rather for the YMCA fitness facility itself. The reviews describe a mixed experience with a well-equipped gym that has cleanliness and management issues.
Peaches N Cream has a long history in the Washington, DC area with a longstanding director. However, recent reviews reveal significant concerns about staff behavior, favoritism, classroom management practices, and the neighborhood safety. Experiences vary greatly, with some praising the facility's longevity and cleanliness while others report serious issues with teaching quality and discipline.
One parent reports serious safety concerns, alleging that staff were careless and failed to communicate about a child's swollen eye or other injuries while distracted. Another review claims the environment is unsafe and neglectful, with staff appearing inattentive to children's needs. The center's director clarifies that older negative reviews refer to a previous business iteration, noting the current facility is fully renovated and open for ages 6 months to 5 years.
Kuumba Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews praising its wholesome environment, experienced teachers, fresh vegan food, and strong focus on African and Black history education. However, some parents report issues with inconsistent staffing, strict appearance policies, and concerning leadership behavior.
One parent reports severe safety concerns, alleging staff negligence and dishonesty regarding a child's injured eye and lack of communication. Another review criticizes the environment as unsafe and uncaring, citing physical injury to a child and a separate incident of car break-in during pickup. A response from the center director clarifies that older negative reviews may refer to a previous business iteration and highlights current renovations and bilingual programs.
Dawn to Dusk Child Development Center has highly polarized reviews. Long-term parents praise the staff's friendliness, patience, strong teacher-child bonds, and school-like curriculum preparation. However, several parents report serious concerns including inadequate supervision, lack of curriculum, health/safety issues, and poor staff responsiveness.
Quickie Becky Child Care has received predominantly negative reviews with serious concerns about sanitation, staff professionalism, health safety, and communication. Only two positive reviews mentioned general satisfaction, while multiple parents reported inadequate facilities, lack of documentation, language barriers, payment handling issues, and allegations of physical abuse.
Dawn to Dusk Child Dev. Center II receives mixed reviews with strong polarization between parents. Some parents praise the staff's friendliness, patience, and school-like structure, reporting their children thrived there for years. However, other parents report serious concerns including staff neglect, inappropriate discipline, lack of curriculum, inadequate supervision, and hygiene issues.
One parent highlights excellent academic preparation and sign language instruction, while another criticizes the facility for being dirty, unsanitary, and having unprofessional staff. A separate review alleges physical abuse by a teacher and calls for the center to be closed.
MANA Bilingual Child Development Center receives highly polarized reviews with no middle ground. Five-star reviews praise the bilingual Spanish-English curriculum, caring staff, and family-oriented atmosphere, while one-star reviews cite serious concerns including inadequate special needs support, staff professionalism issues, safety incidents, poor hygiene, potential discrimination, and unprofessional management practices.
This appears to be reviews for DC Superior Court, not a daycare center. Reviews are mixed, with praise for judges, courthouse staff professionalism, and cleanliness, but complaints about rude reception staff, confusing procedures, and administrative inefficiencies.
Woodbridge Day Care Center IV receives mixed reviews with significant polarization. Positive reviews praise specific staff members (Ms. Sharon, Ms. Mia) for attentiveness, communication, and child development support. Negative reviews cite unprofessionalism, poor communication, disorganization, and safety concerns.
One parent reports a safety concern regarding an always-open side gate, while another describes an incident involving the assault of a child with special needs and alleges staff negligence.
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