How do I choose the right daycare in Hickory?

When choosing a daycare in Hickory, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with North Carolina's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in North Carolina) Safety measures and cleanliness Daily routines and educational curriculum Parent reviews and ratings Location and hours that fit your schedule

What types of daycare are available in Hickory?

Hickory offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 21 facilities Headstart Programs — 2 facilities Church Daycare — 5 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 13 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 Centers in Hickory, North Carolina (41 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in North Carolina?

Daycare costs in North Carolina 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 Hickory for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Hickory

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.

Christ Church Child Development Center

4.64 score

4.8(20)

2416 Zion Church Road, Hickory, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

These reviews are for Christ Church, a religious facility, not a daycare center. All 10 reviews praise the church's welcoming congregation, Pastor Charles's sermons, worship quality, and community atmosphere. No reviews specifically address childcare services or the child development center.

welcoming and friendly congregationquality sermons and worshipactive children's ministrymultiple locations and online services

Mt Bethel Umc Child Development Center

4.43 score

4.6(13)

9042 Nc Hwy 127 North, Hickory, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise MT BETHEL UMC Child Development Center for providing a safe, family-oriented environment where children are happy and well-cared for. The facility is part of a welcoming church community with warm, caring staff. All reviews are positive with no significant concerns raised.

Safe environmentfamily-orientedchildren happy and smilingwarm and welcoming staff

Hickory Foundation Ymca Child Dev. Ctr.

4.32 score

4.4(20)

701 1st St Nw, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

This YMCA facility receives consistently high praise for its welcoming, family-like atmosphere and diverse programming. Members highlight the quality of instructors, cleanliness of the facility, and inclusive approach to fitness for all ages and ability levels. The staff is noted as exceptionally friendly and helpful.

Variety of classes and programstop-notch instructorsclean facilityfriendly and helpful staff

First Baptist Church Child Development Center

4.31 score

4.4(18)

339 2nd Ave Nw, Hickory, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

First Baptist Church Child Development Center in Hickory, NC receives consistently high praise from families. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, quality of care from staff, and strong ministry programs for children and youth. The facility is noted for its beautiful downtown location and warm community environment.

Welcoming and warm staffkind and amazing childcare workersstrong youth and children's ministriesbiblical teaching

Footsteps Child Care Center LLC

4.24 score

4.3(20)

5122 Fleetwood Drive, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Footsteps Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents who report their children are happy, engaged, and learning. Staff members, including owner Don, are described as caring, attentive, and accommodating. Parents appreciate the clean facility, daily communication, flexible hours, and structured learning activities.

Caring and attentive staffowner involvementchildren excited to attenddaily parent communication and reports

Catawba Ridge Child Development Center

4.19 score

4.3(9)

1635 20th Avenue Drive N E, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Catawba Ridge CDC receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring staff, safe environment, and long-term family relationships. However, two recent negative reviews cite serious concerns including understaffing, inconsistent classroom assignments, poor security practices, and unprofessional teacher behavior toward children.

Caring and family-like staffsafe environmentreasonable priceslong-term enrollment stability

Tender Care Child Development Center

4.12 score

4.2(7)

3375 Nc Hwy 127s, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Tender Care Child Development Center receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the facility as excellent with caring, professional staff and highlight Mrs. Sue as exceptional. However, two negative reviews report serious concerns including unprofessional staff behavior, poor communication about behavioral issues, and an incident involving a sheriff's deputy.

caring and professional staffexperienced teachers across all age groupscomfortable environmentMrs. Sue's leadership

Northlakes Academy INC

4.07 score

4.1(11)

5638 Grace Chapel Road, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Northlakes Academy receives mostly positive reviews praising the caring staff, engaging curriculum, and quality care. However, a few parents report concerns about food provision, rising tuition costs, and management practices.

Caring and loving staffengaging weekly themed curriculumchildren thrive academically and emotionallylong-term families

Children'S Academy #2

3.85 score

3.8(14)

3451 Highland Avenue, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents overwhelmingly praise Children's Academy #2 for its educated staff, child development outcomes, and family-oriented approach. Children are reported to be happy, well-cared for, and making strong academic progress. One parent raised concerns about upfront fee requirements under new management.

Educated and friendly staffstrong academics and child developmentdaily parent communicationconsistent availability

Children'S Academy I

3.85 score

3.8(14)

411 10th Ave Drive N E, Hickory, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Children's Academy I receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the educated staff, strong child development outcomes, and family-oriented approach. Parents consistently report their children are happy, well-cared for, and make significant developmental progress. One parent expressed concern about upfront fee policies under new management.

Educated and trained staffchild developmental progressfriendly and welcoming environmentdaily communication with parents

Daycare Centers in Hickory, North Carolina

There are 41 daycare centers in Hickory, North Carolina. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

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

Frequently asked questions

There are 41 all daycares in Hickory, North Carolina. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Hickory, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

Licensing status with North Carolina's regulatory agency
Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in North Carolina)
Safety measures and cleanliness
Daily routines and educational curriculum
Parent reviews and ratings
Location and hours that fit your schedule

Hickory offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 21 facilities
Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Church Daycare — 5 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 13 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 North Carolina 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 Hickory for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Hickory must be licensed by North Carolina'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.

41 Daycare Centers in Hickory, North Carolina