Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Lancaster, SC

Compare 14 daycare centers in Lancaster. Average rating: 4.15/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Lancaster, South Carolina at a glance

Daycares
14
Avg rating
4.15/5
Parent reviews
58
Top rated (4.5+)
3

Lancaster has 14 licensed daycares with 58 parent reviews averaging 4.15/5.The largest concentration is in 29720 with 14 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lancaster

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
    Buford Child Care
    4.2 score
    4.3(10)

    1699 North Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Buford Child Care receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most parents praising the caring, knowledgeable staff, strong educational programs, and secure facility. However, two older negative reviews allege staff misconduct and poor care conditions. The facility appears to serve infants through school-age children with programs including Pre-K.

    caring and loving staffconsistent teacherseducational curriculumsecure locked facility
  2. 2
    Greater New Hope Child Development Ctr
    4.12 score
    4.2(8)

    1401 Old Landfords Road, Lancaster, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Greater New Hope Child Development Center receives mostly positive reviews, with many parents praising the caring staff and clean facility. However, some parents have concerns about health policy enforcement, closure decisions, and the adequacy of meals and activities.

    Amazing and friendly staffclean facilitystaff treats children like familywelcoming atmosphere for parents
  3. 3
    Rising S.T.A.R.S. Cdc LLC
    4.1 score
    4.2(5)

    620 Lancaster By Pass East, Lancaster, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Rising S.T.A.R.S. CDC LLC receives mixed reviews. The majority of parents praise the caring staff, clean environment, and quality educational programs. However, one parent reported safety concerns including grab marks and scratch injuries caused by staff.

    Wonderful and caring staffclean and safe environmentstrong parental communicationquality learning programs

Rating Distribution

Based on 10 daycares with Google ratings in Lancaster

4.5 - 5.0
3
4.0 - 4.4
5
3.0 - 3.9
1
Below 3
1

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Lancaster, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.36avg rating
13 daycares · 9 rated

Headstart Programs

2.3avg rating
1 daycares · 1 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Lancaster zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
2972014
4.15
3

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Lancaster (– children)

Small

up to 30 children

0

Medium

31–75 children

0

Large

76–150 children

0

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Lancaster based on parent reviews

Davis Child Care '2

4.8(3)

1483 Lynwood Drive, Lancaster, SC

One parent reports a positive experience with amazing teachers for their children between 2017 and 2018, while another review from 17 years ago describes a lifelong positive outcome. A third, minimal review offers a single thumbs-up emoji. No specific negative aspects regarding the facility or staff are mentioned in the available feedback.

Amazing teacherspositive long-term outcomes for former attendeesbrief positive acknowledgement

Communication Station

5(2)

313 Moore Street, Lancaster, SC

Buford Child Care

4.3(10)

1699 North Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC

Buford Child Care receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most parents praising the caring, knowledgeable staff, strong educational programs, and secure facility. However, two older negative reviews allege staff misconduct and poor care conditions. The facility appears to serve infants through school-age children with programs including Pre-K.

caring and loving staffconsistent teacherseducational curriculum

Greater New Hope Child Development Ctr

4.2(8)

1401 Old Landfords Road, Lancaster, SC

Greater New Hope Child Development Center receives mostly positive reviews, with many parents praising the caring staff and clean facility. However, some parents have concerns about health policy enforcement, closure decisions, and the adequacy of meals and activities.

Amazing and friendly staffclean facilitystaff treats children like family

Rising S.T.A.R.S. Cdc LLC

4.2(5)

620 Lancaster By Pass East, Lancaster, SC

Rising S.T.A.R.S. CDC LLC receives mixed reviews. The majority of parents praise the caring staff, clean environment, and quality educational programs. However, one parent reported safety concerns including grab marks and scratch injuries caused by staff.

Wonderful and caring staffclean and safe environmentstrong parental communication

Tender Hearts Academy

4.3(1)

2318 Cane Mill Road, Lancaster, SC

Map

Daycare types in Lancaster

Child Daycare & Preschools 13Headstart Programs 1

Daycare Centers in Lancaster, South Carolina

There are 14 daycare centers in Lancaster, South Carolina. 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 Lancaster have an average rating of 4.15 out of 5 across 10 rated facilities, with 30% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.36 stars. Our analysis covers 58 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster

Showing 14 results

Communication Station
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
313 Moore Street, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 283-4445
Kidz Day Care Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1318 Charlotte Hwy, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 285-4434
Davis Child Care '2
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

One parent reports a positive experience with amazing teachers for their children between 2017 and 2018, while another review from 17 years ago describes a lifelong positive outcome. A third, minimal review offers a single thumbs-up emoji. No specific negative aspects regarding the facility or staff are mentioned in the available feedback.

Amazing teacherspositive long-term outcomes for former attendeesbrief positive acknowledgement
Address
1483 Lynwood Drive, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 286-1208
Buford Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Buford Child Care receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most parents praising the caring, knowledgeable staff, strong educational programs, and secure facility. However, two older negative reviews allege staff misconduct and poor care conditions. The facility appears to serve infants through school-age children with programs including Pre-K.

caring and loving staffconsistent teacherseducational curriculum
Address
1699 North Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 286-4177
Tender Hearts Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
2318 Cane Mill Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 285-4773
Rising S.T.A.R.S. Cdc LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Rising S.T.A.R.S. CDC LLC receives mixed reviews. The majority of parents praise the caring staff, clean environment, and quality educational programs. However, one parent reported safety concerns including grab marks and scratch injuries caused by staff.

Wonderful and caring staffclean and safe environmentstrong parental communication
Address
620 Lancaster By Pass East, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 285-7776
Greater New Hope Child Development Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Greater New Hope Child Development Center receives mostly positive reviews, with many parents praising the caring staff and clean facility. However, some parents have concerns about health policy enforcement, closure decisions, and the adequacy of meals and activities.

Amazing and friendly staffclean facilitystaff treats children like family
Address
1401 Old Landfords Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 289-6303
Angels " R" Us
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
854 Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 289-1927
Happy Times Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

Parents highlight the family-oriented, Christian environment and engaging activities, though one account alleges severe negligence and hygiene issues by the owner. Additionally, a separate complaint cites unprofessional waiting list management and long delays for enrollment.

family atmosphereChristian valuesengaging crafts
Address
2235 Mcilwain Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 285-4566
Southside Early Childhood Center
Headstart Programs
2.3
Address
500 Hampton Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 283-3915
A Step Above Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools

A Step Above CDC receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, strong communication, and educational curriculum. Parents report their children thrive emotionally and academically, with many describing the center as family-oriented and welcoming. Multiple reviews highlight staff going above and beyond to support children's development and address parental concerns.

Caring and loving staffexcellent communication with parentsstrong curriculum and learning outcomes
Address
1854 W. Meeting Street, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 285-8722
Fresh Anointing Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2376 Airport Road, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 577-1529
Burbee Place Early Care And Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
830 West Meeting Street, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 313-9015
Carolina Christian Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1850 Kershaw Camden Highway, Lancaster, SC
Phone
(803) 285-5565

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Frequently asked questions

There are 14 all daycares in Lancaster, South Carolina. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Lancaster have an average Google rating of 4.15 out of 5 across 10 rated facilities. About 30% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Lancaster, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with South Carolina's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in South Carolina)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Lancaster offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 13 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 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 South 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 Lancaster for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Lancaster must be licensed by South 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.