Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Washington,

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, at a glance

Daycares
355
Avg rating
4.24/5
Parent reviews
2,043
Top rated (4.5+)
117

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.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Washington

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
    Love And Care Cdc
    4.78 score
    5(18)

    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.

    Caring and patient staffsafe and welcoming environmentchildren feel happy and comfortablewell-organized activities
  2. 2

    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.

    Caring and patient staffsafe and welcoming environmentstrong child development and learning outcomesflexible hours
  3. 3

    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.

    Experienced and loving teachersMontessori curriculumchild-centered approachspacious and bright facility
  4. 4
    Bambini Play & Learn
    4.75 score
    5(15)

    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.

    Caring and attentive teachersbilingual Spanish education with lasting language skillsnutritious mealsmusic and yoga activities
  5. 5

    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.

    Experienced and stable teaching staff with long tenurewarm and loving caregiversstrong parent communitydevelopmentally appropriate curriculum and activities
  6. 6
    Capital Kids II
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    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.

    Warm and nurturing environmentexceptional teachers and leadershipchild development and growthsmall class sizes and good student-to-teacher ratios
  7. 7
    Early Learner Academy
    4.71 score
    5(12)

    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.

    Patient and caring staffsafe and loving environmentchild development and learning outcomesregular parent communication and updates
  8. 8
    Happy Feet LLC
    4.71 score
    5(12)

    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.

    Caring and dedicated staff with low turnoverresponsive and communicative directorclean facility with outdoor spaceaffordable pricing for DC area
  9. 9

    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.

    Montessori curriculum effectivenessexperienced and caring teachersstrong academic outcomes (reading and math above grade level)individual attention and small class sizes
  10. 10
    Triangle Tots
    4.69 score
    5(11)

    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.

    Caring and dedicated teachersstrong teacher-child relationshipsbalanced curriculum combining academics and playSTEM and literacy activities

Rating Distribution

Based on 205 daycares with Google ratings in Washington

4.5 - 5.0
117
4.0 - 4.4
35
3.0 - 3.9
33
Below 3
20

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 2,043 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
16
2Safe environment
11
3Welcoming environment
7
4Welcoming community
6
5Caring staff
6
6Clean facilities
6
7Welcoming atmosphere
5
8Children excited to attend
5

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Washington zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
200045
5
1
200158
4.92
6
2000314
4.8
5
200377
4.72
3
2001615
4.71
10
200088
4.7
5
2000714
4.7
5
2001011
4.43
6
2001814
4.37
2
200365
4.33
1

Facility Sizes

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

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Washington based on parent reviews

Love And Care Cdc

5(18)

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.

Caring and patient staffsafe and welcoming environmentchildren feel happy and comfortable

Loving Care Day Nursery

5(18)

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.

Caring and patient staffsafe and welcoming environmentstrong child development and learning outcomes

Federal Home Loan Bank Board Small Savers Cdc

5(15)

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.

Experienced and loving teachersMontessori curriculumchild-centered approach

Bambini Play & Learn

5(15)

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.

Caring and attentive teachersbilingual Spanish education with lasting language skillsnutritious meals

Broadcasters Child Development Center

4.9(20)

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.

Experienced and stable teaching staff with long tenurewarm and loving caregiversstrong parent community

Capital Kids II

4.9(20)

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.

Warm and nurturing environmentexceptional teachers and leadershipchild development and growth

Map

Daycare Centers in Washington,

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.

All Daycare Centers in Washington

Showing 355 results

Kids Come First
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

Feedback for KIDS COME FIRST in Washington, DC, is sharply divided, with one parent praising the comfortable atmosphere and welcoming staff, while others report severe hygiene issues and unprofessional conduct. Critics allege the center is unsanitary with pest infestations, resulting in frequent illnesses for children, and describe the environment as chaotic and unsafe.

comfortable environmentwelcoming staffgood vibe
Address
1720 Minnesota Ave Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 678-1100
Kids Come First - Unit 2
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent highlights the comfortable environment and welcoming staff, while others report severe issues including unsanitary conditions with visible pests, staff unprofessionalism, and inadequate supervision leading to child injuries and illness. Several reviewers also note favoritism among staff and a disconnect between advertised and actual classroom conditions.

comfortable environmentwelcoming staff
Address
200 K St Nw, Suite 2, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 733-1213
Kids Come First IV
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent highlights a comfortable environment and welcoming staff, while two others report severe issues including unsanitary conditions with roaches, unprofessional staff behavior, favoritism, and safety concerns such as insect bites and frequent illnesses. The few reviews so far mention both positive atmosphere and significant health and safety failures.

comfortable environmentwelcoming staff
Address
1310 Ridge Pl Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 889-4000
Edward C. Mazique @ Tyler House
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

Reviews focus primarily on the Tyler House residential complex rather than the daycare itself. Parents express serious concerns about safety, maintenance, and building conditions, with only a few positive comments about spacious apartments and 24-hour security.

Spacious apartments24-hour securityprofessional building maintenance staff
Address
1200 North Capitol St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 462-3375
Kids Come First - Unit 5
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent highlights a comfortable environment and welcoming staff, while others report serious concerns regarding unsanitary conditions, unprofessional behavior, and inadequate supervision. Reviewers mention issues such as pest infestations, staff dress code violations, favoritism, and children falling ill or sustaining injuries.

comfortable environmentwelcoming staffgood vibe
Address
200 K St Nw, Suite 5, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 733-1213
Nccfd Carver Terrace
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.6

Note: These reviews appear to be for a residential apartment complex, not a daycare center. The reviews indicate significant maintenance issues, pest problems, poor management responsiveness, and safety concerns at the property.

Some staff members praised for helpfulnessmaintenance team responsive to requestsapartment units themselves described as fairly nice
Address
2229 M St Ne, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 388-7560
Children First INC. Of Washingtondc
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.5

Children First Inc. is a pediatric practice (not a daycare) with highly praised doctors, particularly Dr. Satuyi, but severe administrative and operational issues. Parents consistently report poor phone communication, long wait times, disorganization, missed follow-ups on lab results and medical records, and unprofessional staff behavior across multiple locations.

Caring and professional doctorsDr. Satuyi specifically praised for kindness and competencelong-term
Address
1725 I St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 466-6088
Little Angels Child Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.4

Little Angels Child Care Center receives mixed reviews with highly polarized experiences. Positive reviewers praise the educational curriculum, structured environment, and child development outcomes, while negative reviewers cite serious concerns about staff professionalism, administrative inflexibility, and alleged inappropriate child handling practices.

Christian-based educational curriculumstructured learning environmentpromotes child independence
Address
2214 Naylor Rd Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 584-2015
Woodbridge Day Care Center III
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.4

One parent reports that the center failed to remove their son from the billing system after withdrawal and charged for canceled summer field trips, while another describes hearing staff arguing and cursing in front of children.

Address
424 Irving St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 370-6288
Wibble Wobble Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

One parent describes a highly unprofessional interaction with the center's director, citing discriminatory behavior toward disabled individuals and inappropriate remarks regarding staff qualifications.

Address
1 Randle Circle Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 582-1011
Tucker'S Day Care Center I
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

Tucker's Day Care Center has highly polarized reviews. One long-term parent praised academic excellence and student advancement, but multiple recent parents reported serious safety concerns including staff hitting children, unexplained injuries, poor communication policies, and unprofessional management. Most reviewers advise against enrolling.

Academic curriculumstudents advanced in schoollong-term enrollment option
Address
3215 11th Pl Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 562-0703
Tucker'S Day Care Center II
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

Tucker's Day Care Center II has one highly positive long-term review praising academic advancement and care, but six recent reviews report serious concerns including staff physically hitting children, poor management communication, inadequate injury documentation, unsanitary conditions, and disrespectful treatment of families.

Academic instructionchildren advanced in schoolconsistent meal service
Address
3219 9th Pl Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 562-2044
Lena Sears Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

One parent reports serious safety concerns, alleging that staff failed to secure a child's belongings and suggesting the absence of cameras enables theft. Another reviewer describes an unprofessional admission process, noting that staff were rude and distasteful during a phone inquiry about infant availability.

Address
3456 Pennsyvania Ave Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 584-7761
Creative Korner Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.2

Creative Korner Early Learning Center has highly polarized reviews. Two parents praise the director, staff, cleanliness, learning activities, and responsiveness to feedback. However, eight parents report serious concerns including meal denial, missing supplies, understaffing, unprofessional staff, poor hygiene, and alleged child abuse by an employee.

Responsive director and ownerlearning activitiesclean facility (per some reviews)
Address
3223 23rd St Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 889-2093
Kids Are People Too Cdc V
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.1

One parent highlights positive interactions with specific staff members, while three others report severe operational issues including unprofessional conduct, arbitrary exclusion of children via sick policies, and alleged misuse of personal belongings. Another reviewer alleges retaliation and a refusal to readmit their child following a negative review, citing staff hostility and inconsistent health enforcement.

Supportive front desk staffengaging teachersearly morning hours
Address
4315 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave Ne, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 397-1200
Goldies Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

Experiences at this center are sharply divided, with one parent reporting a safe and loved environment while others cite significant issues including high staff turnover, poor communication, and unprofessional behavior. Additional complaints highlight inconsistent classroom transitions and a disconnected contact number, leading some families to withdraw their children due to declining care quality.

Safe environmentClean facilityFriendly atmosphere
Address
6226 3rd St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 722-4412
Goldies Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

Feedback for Goldies Child Development Center is sharply divided, with one parent describing a safe, clean, and friendly environment while others report significant operational failures. Critics cite high teacher turnover, poor communication, and unprofessional staff behavior as major drawbacks to the program.

Safe environmentClean facilitiesFriendly atmosphere
Address
6234 3rd St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 722-8665
Growth Spurts Child Learning Center @ Bethel
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

One parent highlights the low student-to-staff ratios and nurturing environment, while two others report severe issues including alleged staff violence, hygiene failures, and deceptive billing practices. These conflicting experiences range from praise for the family-friendly atmosphere to urgent warnings about safety and financial transparency.

low student to staff ratiosnurturing environmentfamily friendly atmosphere
Address
60 I St Sw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 484-0028
Growth Spurts Child Learning Center @ D Street
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

One parent highlights the low student-to-staff ratios and nurturing environment, while others report serious concerns regarding hygiene, safety, and billing practices. A few reviewers allege that staff members hit children, dispose of dirty diapers improperly, and fail to change soiled clothing or handle drop-off logistics adequately. Despite positive remarks about the family-friendly atmosphere, these critical complaints regarding care quality and staff conduct dominate the negative feedback.

low student to staff ratiosnurturing environmentfamily friendly atmosphere
Address
1802 D St Ne, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 544-2731
Growth Spurts Child Learning Center @ Stoneridge
Child Daycare & Preschools
2

One parent highlights low student-to-staff ratios and a nurturing, family-friendly environment, while two others report severe issues including alleged physical abuse, hygiene failures, and deceptive billing practices. These conflicting experiences suggest a significant divide between the center's operational standards and the expectations of some families.

low student to staff ratiosnurturing environmentfamily friendly atmosphere
Address
320 Anacostia Rd Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 256-6753
Bennett Babies Ll
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.9

Bennett Babies LL has received mixed to severely negative feedback from parents. While a few early reviews praised the friendly staff and welcoming environment, the majority of recent reviews report serious concerns including inadequate supervision, staff yelling at children, poor hygiene, lack of communication with parents, and documented incidents of child injury.

Friendly and welcoming stafffamily-friendly environmentclean facility
Address
701 Michigan Ave Ne, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 526-0440
Shining Star Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.8

Parents report widely conflicting experiences, with one parent praising the teachers for being nice and generous, while others allege severe misconduct including physical contact with a child and general abuse. These negative accounts describe staff as rude and horrible, urging caution regarding the safety of the children.

nice teachersgenerous staff
Address
5307 East Capitol St Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 506-5830
Shining Star 2 Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.8

Feedback for SHINING STAR 2 EARLY LEARNING CENTER is sharply divided, with one parent reporting positive experiences regarding staff kindness while others allege severe misconduct. Critics describe the staff as rude and abusive, with specific complaints about teachers making inappropriate physical contact with children and ignoring such incidents.

nice teachersgenerous staff
Address
5325 East Capitol St Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 506-5830
The Happy Kids Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1.7

The Happy Kids Learning Center has overwhelmingly negative reviews with one exception. Parents report serious concerns about staff professionalism, inadequate child care, lost belongings, poor communication, and unresolved refund issues. One parent praised academic outcomes and staff friendliness, but this is vastly outweighed by complaints.

Children excel academicallygreat communicationsweet and friendly staff
Address
3233 Pennsylvania Ave Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 581-0042
Mana Bilingual Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
1

One parent describes severe issues including unprofessional management, poor hygiene, and neglectful supervision, while another simply advises avoiding the facility. The reviews highlight significant concerns regarding staff conduct, health safety, and administrative practices.

None mentioned
Address
604 Kennedy St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 829-0309
District Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
301 A St Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 415-8402
Dc Preparatory Academy Anacostia
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1409 V St Se, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 729-3500
Dcjcc @ The Foundry United Methodist Church
Church Daycare

The reviews provided are for Foundry United Methodist Church, not its daycare program. Reviews praise the church's welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, progressive theology, and community support services. Parents appreciate the staff's kindness and the facility's accessibility accommodations.

Exceptional and kind staffwelcoming and inclusive environmentLGBTQ+ friendly
Address
1500 16th St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 777-3278
Ideal Academy Public Charter School
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6130 North Capitol St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 279-6660
Upo @ Roosevelt High School
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4301 13th St Nw, Washington, DC
Phone
(202) 238-4624

Page 7 of 12· 355 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 355 all daycares in Washington, . Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Washington have an average Google rating of 4.24 out of 5 across 205 rated facilities. About 57% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Washington, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with 's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in )
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Washington offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 351 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 3 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 1 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 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 Washington for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Washington must be licensed by '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.
The 20005 zip code is the best-rated area, maintaining a perfect 5/5 average rating across its 3 listed facilities.
Out of 355 total facilities, 119 have achieved a rating of 4.5 stars or higher based on parent feedback.
Analysis of 2050 parent reviews shows that cleanliness, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere are the most frequently mentioned positive traits.