Best Daycare Centers in Bethesda, MD
Compare 32 daycare centers in Bethesda. Average rating: 4.47/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Bethesda, Maryland at a glance
- Daycares
- 32
- Avg rating
- 4.47/5
- Parent reviews
- 160
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 9
Bethesda has 32 licensed daycares with 160 parent reviews averaging 4.47/5.9 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 82% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 20817 (avg 4.74 stars), while 20814 has the largest selection (13 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Bethesda
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.
- 1Zoia'S Childcare4.71 score5(12)
10020 Sinnott Dr, Bethesda, MD · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 12 children
Zoia's Childcare in Bethesda receives consistently perfect 5-star reviews from parents. Parents praise the caring staff, warm environment, and their children's enthusiasm about attending. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (2+ years) with strong bonds formed between staff and children.
Caring and attentive staffwarm and nurturing environmentclean and safe facilityorganized structure with age-appropriate activities - 2Rock Spring Childrens Center4.64 score4.8(20)
10401 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda, MD · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 176 children
Rock Spring Children's Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the stable, experienced staff, warm family-oriented environment, and comprehensive services. Parents consistently highlight the quality of care across all age groups and the center's strong preparation of children for elementary school.
Highly experienced and stable staff with minimal turnover (many teachers with 10-20 years tenure)warm and attentive teachersexcellent communication with parents (photos and videos daily)included amenities (formula - 3Mcca River Road @ Unitarian Church4.56 score4.7(20)
6301 River Rd, Bethesda, MD · Church Daycare · Capacity: 58 children
This is not a daycare facility - it is a Unitarian church in Bethesda, Maryland that hosts various community events and religious services. Reviews describe it as a beautiful building and welcoming community space used for weddings, performances, church services, and gatherings.
Beautiful and picturesque locationwelcoming congregationlovely buildingstrong music program - 4Concord St Andrews Methodist Church4.47 score4.7(10)
5910 Goldsboro Rd, Bethesda, MD · Church Daycare · Capacity: 69 children
Concord St Andrews Methodist Church in Bethesda is highly regarded as a welcoming and community-oriented facility. While most reviews praise the church's atmosphere, leadership, and support for local organizations, the reviews primarily focus on the church itself rather than the Bethesda Preparatory Preschool daycare program specifically.
Welcoming and friendly communityPastor Alex's leadershiplive-streaming servicesbeautiful building - 5The Family Academy Of Bethesda4.41 score4.7(7)
4324 Montgomery Ave, Bethesda, MD · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 112 children
The Family Academy of Bethesda receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight caring, creative teachers, strong child development outcomes, and inclusive cultural practices. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and emotionally. The center is noted for its Montessori-style approach and professional, responsive staff.
Caring and selective teacher hiringchild-centered Montessori programstrong academic curriculum balanced with play-based learningcultural inclusivity - 6Ymca Ayrlawn Childrens Center4.34 score4.5(11)
5650 Oakmont Ave, Bethesda, MD · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 214 children
Parents consistently praise the YMCA Ayrlawn Children's Center for its loving, caring staff who create a welcoming environment where children are excited to attend. The preschool program is particularly highlighted as excellent preparation for elementary school, with children developing strong friendships and receiving strong teacher support. A few parents noted that summer camps and sports programs may appear disorganized, though this did not detract from the quality of the core preschool program.
Caring and loving staffchildren excited to attendstrong teacher-child relationshipsexcellent preschool preparation
Rating Distribution
Based on 11 daycares with Google ratings in Bethesda
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Bethesda, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Bethesda zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20817 | 10 | 4.74 | 5 | |
| 20814 | 13 | 4.5 | 4 | |
| 20816 | 7 | 0 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Bethesda (12–214 children)
Small
up to 30 children
6
Medium
31–75 children
14
Large
76–150 children
10
Very Large
150+ children
2
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Bethesda based on parent reviews
Zoia'S Childcare
10020 Sinnott Dr, Bethesda, MD
Zoia's Childcare in Bethesda receives consistently perfect 5-star reviews from parents. Parents praise the caring staff, warm environment, and their children's enthusiasm about attending. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (2+ years) with strong bonds formed between staff and children.
Rock Spring Childrens Center
10401 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda, MD
Rock Spring Children's Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the stable, experienced staff, warm family-oriented environment, and comprehensive services. Parents consistently highlight the quality of care across all age groups and the center's strong preparation of children for elementary school.
Mcca River Road @ Unitarian Church
6301 River Rd, Bethesda, MD
This is not a daycare facility - it is a Unitarian church in Bethesda, Maryland that hosts various community events and religious services. Reviews describe it as a beautiful building and welcoming community space used for weddings, performances, church services, and gatherings.
Concord St Andrews Methodist Church
5910 Goldsboro Rd, Bethesda, MD
Concord St Andrews Methodist Church in Bethesda is highly regarded as a welcoming and community-oriented facility. While most reviews praise the church's atmosphere, leadership, and support for local organizations, the reviews primarily focus on the church itself rather than the Bethesda Preparatory Preschool daycare program specifically.
Edgemoor Childrens Center
4805 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD
A parent with nearly three years of experience highlights the center's NAEYC accreditation, low staff turnover, and family-like atmosphere, while another notes the benefit of competitive teacher pay and daily communication. A few reviewers also mention caring staff and significant learning outcomes for their children.
The Family Academy Of Bethesda
4324 Montgomery Ave, Bethesda, MD
The Family Academy of Bethesda receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight caring, creative teachers, strong child development outcomes, and inclusive cultural practices. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and emotionally. The center is noted for its Montessori-style approach and professional, responsive staff.
Map
Daycare types in Bethesda
Browse by type in Bethesda
Daycare Centers in Bethesda, Maryland
There are 32 daycare centers in Bethesda, Maryland. 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 Bethesda have an average rating of 4.47 out of 5 across 11 rated facilities, with 82% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.7 stars. Our analysis covers 160 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Bethesda, 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 Bethesda
Showing 32 results
- Address
- 7500 Honeywell Ln, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 652-0117
A parent with nearly three years of experience highlights the center's NAEYC accreditation, low staff turnover, and family-like atmosphere, while another notes the benefit of competitive teacher pay and daily communication. A few reviewers also mention caring staff and significant learning outcomes for their children.
- Address
- 4805 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 907-4080
- Address
- 10100 Old Georgetown Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 897-5300
Zoia's Childcare in Bethesda receives consistently perfect 5-star reviews from parents. Parents praise the caring staff, warm environment, and their children's enthusiasm about attending. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (2+ years) with strong bonds formed between staff and children.
- Address
- 10020 Sinnott Dr, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 564-0040
Rock Spring Children's Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the stable, experienced staff, warm family-oriented environment, and comprehensive services. Parents consistently highlight the quality of care across all age groups and the center's strong preparation of children for elementary school.
- Address
- 10401 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 530-4526
Concord St Andrews Methodist Church in Bethesda is highly regarded as a welcoming and community-oriented facility. While most reviews praise the church's atmosphere, leadership, and support for local organizations, the reviews primarily focus on the church itself rather than the Bethesda Preparatory Preschool daycare program specifically.
- Address
- 5910 Goldsboro Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 229-5225
This is not a daycare facility - it is a Unitarian church in Bethesda, Maryland that hosts various community events and religious services. Reviews describe it as a beautiful building and welcoming community space used for weddings, performances, church services, and gatherings.
- Address
- 6301 River Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 229-0474
The Family Academy of Bethesda receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight caring, creative teachers, strong child development outcomes, and inclusive cultural practices. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and emotionally. The center is noted for its Montessori-style approach and professional, responsive staff.
- Address
- 4324 Montgomery Ave, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 656-5437
Parents consistently praise the YMCA Ayrlawn Children's Center for its loving, caring staff who create a welcoming environment where children are excited to attend. The preschool program is particularly highlighted as excellent preparation for elementary school, with children developing strong friendships and receiving strong teacher support. A few parents noted that summer camps and sports programs may appear disorganized, though this did not detract from the quality of the core preschool program.
- Address
- 5650 Oakmont Ave, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 530-8500
- Address
- 9000 Rockville Pk Bldg 64, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 496-5144
Feedback for this center is mixed, with one parent giving a five-star rating for a positive experience, while others highlight significant accessibility and staffing issues. A major concern is that the wheelchair accessible entrance is consistently locked, leaving no ADA access to public areas or the daycare center. Additionally, some parents describe the office staff as rude and dismissive of concerns.
- Address
- 8001 Lynbrook Dr, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 656-4891
- Address
- 7210 Hidden Creek Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 320-8832
- Address
- 6411 Ridge Dr, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 320-6780
CHILDKIND appears to be The Children's Inn, a residential facility for families with children undergoing medical treatment at NIH rather than a traditional daycare. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the welcoming, home-like environment, compassionate staff, and comprehensive amenities that support families during challenging medical situations.
- Address
- 9000 Rockville Pk Bldg T46 Nih, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 496-8357
Children in the Shoe E/W Towers receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the exceptional care, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the knowledgeable and caring staff, intentional curriculum, and individualized attention each child receives. Multiple families report their children have thrived developmentally and academically during their enrollment.
- Address
- 4330 & 4340 East West Hwy Ste, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 656-5056
Parents consistently praise Children in the Shoe-BCC for exceptional, warm, and developmentally appropriate care. Staff are described as skilled, compassionate, and dedicated, with notably low turnover rates. The center offers enriching activities, strong parent communication, and successfully transitions children from infancy through kindergarten.
- Address
- 4401 East-West Hway, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 654-9253
Parents consistently praise Childtime of Bethesda as an excellent daycare with caring, knowledgeable staff and a clean, safe facility. Children are reported to enjoy attending, and parents appreciate the daily communication via the SproutAbout app and structured curriculum. The center is noted for low staff turnover, strong director leadership, and a welcoming, inclusive community environment.
- Address
- 4550 Montgomery Ave Ste 250n, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 657-8181
- Address
- 4728 Western Ave, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 910-4728
- Address
- 7009 Wilson Ln, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 229-3004
- Address
- 8011 Old Georgetown Rd & 5017, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 656-9002
- Address
- 7305 River Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 365-6103
- Address
- 7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 229-6687
- Address
- 9201 Bardon Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 530-7682
Parents praise the caring staff and learning-focused curriculum at this military daycare, with most reporting very satisfied experiences. However, some parents have expressed frustration with the strict policies, difficult booking system for hourly care, and lengthy waitlist.
- Address
- 10400 Fernwood Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 380-1850
- Address
- 9101 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 657-4322
- Address
- 5100 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (202) 537-6900
- Address
- 5100 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (202) 537-6998
- Address
- 4800 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 229-6107
- Address
- 1 Westmoreland Cir, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 320-2020
- Address
- 5112 Allan Ter, Bethesda, MD
- Phone
- (301) 229-7055
Page 1 of 2· 32 results
Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Maryland's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Maryland)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 30 facilities
- Church Daycare — 2 facilities