29 Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland, Maine
Browse all 29 child daycare & preschools in Portland, Maine. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Portland
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.
- 1Catherine Morrill Day Nursery4.62 score5(8)
96 Danforth Street, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 85 children
Catherine Morrill Day Nursery receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, nurturing environment and skilled teachers. Parents highlight excellent communication through the BrightWheel app with daily updates and photos, smooth transitions for new students, and a welcoming community that supports socioeconomic diversity.
caring and compassionate staffnurturing atmosphereexcellent daily communication and updatessmooth transition support for new students - 2Portside Learning Center4.56 score4.7(20)
1976 Washington Avenue, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 62 children
Portside Learning Center receives consistent 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring, experienced staff, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive educational programs. Parents report their children are academically well-prepared for kindergarten while also developing social-emotional skills and confidence. The center's extensive outdoor space, specialized classes (Spanish, yoga, dance, mindfulness), and frequent field trips are frequently cited as standout f
- 3Goldman Family Preschool4.53 score4.7(15)
1342 Congress Street, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
Goldman Family Preschool is highly rated for its exceptional support of children with special needs and medical conditions, with parents praising the expertise and empathy of staff, particularly Director Mary Lily. The center is NAEYC-accredited and fosters a warm, inclusive community environment that welcomes family involvement and serves the broader Portland area.
Expert staff support for special needs and medical conditionscompassionate and professional teachersstrong director leadershipNAEYC accreditation - 4Children'S Nursery School4.5 score5(5)
159 State Street, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Parents consistently praise Children's Nursery School as an exceptional early childhood experience with dedicated, caring teachers. Families highlight the unique cooperative model that allows parent involvement and appreciate the warm community environment where children develop kindness, compassion, and a love of learning.
Caring and dedicated teacherscooperative model with parent involvementwarm and supportive communityfocus on teaching kindness and compassion - 5St. Elizabeths Child Dev Center4.5 score5(5)
87 High Street, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children
St. Elizabeth's Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently positive feedback from parents. All reviews praise the caring and experienced staff, nutritious meals prepared on-site, frequent outdoor play opportunities, and convenient hours until 5pm. Parents report their children are happy, well-adjusted, and thriving in the program.
Caring and experienced staffon-site cook provides breakfast/lunch/snacksoutdoor play in all weatherexcellent playground - 6The Academy For Active Learners LLC4.48 score4.6(20)
134 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 156 children
The Academy for Active Learners receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring and responsive staff, strong communication, clean facilities, and developmentally enriching curriculum that prepares children well for kindergarten.
Caring and attentive staffconsistent daily communication with parentsclean and well-maintained facilityhealthy meal options included - 7Growing Learners Child Care Center4.31 score4.5(8)
970 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children
Growing Learners has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the teachers' warmth, professionalism, and attentive care. However, two recent negative reviews cite concerns about staff supervision, high turnover, frequent closures, and communication issues.
Kind and patient teachersgood communication with parentsthoughtful childcare philosophyorganized activities - 8Gentle Wings4.24 score4.3(20)
1001 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 12 children
These reviews do not appear to be for a daycare center but rather for a BBQ/smoked meat restaurant called 'Smoked' in Portland, Maine. The reviews consistently praise the food quality, portion sizes, and service, with most customers highly satisfied with their dining experience.
Excellent food qualitygenerous portion sizesfriendly and attentive staffflavorful smoked meats (wings - 9Children'S House4.23 score4.4(7)
415 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Children's House is a small, multilingual daycare in Portland, Maine with predominantly positive reviews. Most parents praise the caring staff, welcoming environment, and owner's personal attention to children and families. One negative review cites safety concerns and staffing issues.
Smallhomey atmospheremultilingual staff and ownercaring and respectful staff - 10Ymca Of Southern Maine- Portland Sacc4.16 score4.2(20)
70 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children
These reviews are about the YMCA facility itself, not the daycare program. Reviewers praise the gym equipment, pool, staff friendliness, and community mission. The facility offers various amenities including fitness classes, basketball courts, and financial assistance programs.
Clean facilitiesfriendly and helpful staffaffordable membership options with financial assistancediverse amenities (pool
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Portland based on parent reviews
Catherine Morrill Day Nursery
96 Danforth Street, Portland, ME
Catherine Morrill Day Nursery receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, nurturing environment and skilled teachers. Parents highlight excellent communication through the BrightWheel app with daily updates and photos, smooth transitions for new students, and a welcoming community that supports socioeconomic diversity.
Portside Learning Center
1976 Washington Avenue, Portland, ME
Portside Learning Center receives consistent 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring, experienced staff, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive educational programs. Parents report their children are academically well-prepared for kindergarten while also developing social-emotional skills and confidence. The center's extensive outdoor space, specialized classes (Spanish, yoga, dance, mindfulness), and frequent field trips are frequently cited as standout f
Goldman Family Preschool
1342 Congress Street, Portland, ME
Goldman Family Preschool is highly rated for its exceptional support of children with special needs and medical conditions, with parents praising the expertise and empathy of staff, particularly Director Mary Lily. The center is NAEYC-accredited and fosters a warm, inclusive community environment that welcomes family involvement and serves the broader Portland area.
Children'S Nursery School
159 State Street, Portland, ME
Parents consistently praise Children's Nursery School as an exceptional early childhood experience with dedicated, caring teachers. Families highlight the unique cooperative model that allows parent involvement and appreciate the warm community environment where children develop kindness, compassion, and a love of learning.
St. Elizabeths Child Dev Center
87 High Street, Portland, ME
St. Elizabeth's Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently positive feedback from parents. All reviews praise the caring and experienced staff, nutritious meals prepared on-site, frequent outdoor play opportunities, and convenient hours until 5pm. Parents report their children are happy, well-adjusted, and thriving in the program.
The Academy For Active Learners LLC
134 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME
The Academy for Active Learners receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring and responsive staff, strong communication, clean facilities, and developmentally enriching curriculum that prepares children well for kindergarten.
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Daycare types in Portland
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Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland, Maine
There are 29 child daycare & preschools in Portland, Maine, making up 91% of the 32 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Portland, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland
Showing 29 results
Catherine Morrill Day Nursery receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, nurturing environment and skilled teachers. Parents highlight excellent communication through the BrightWheel app with daily updates and photos, smooth transitions for new students, and a welcoming community that supports socioeconomic diversity.
- Address
- 96 Danforth Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 874-1115
- Address
- 1156 Broadway, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 699-2445
Parents consistently praise Children's Nursery School as an exceptional early childhood experience with dedicated, caring teachers. Families highlight the unique cooperative model that allows parent involvement and appreciate the warm community environment where children develop kindness, compassion, and a love of learning.
- Address
- 159 State Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 650-2431
- Address
- 237 Spring St, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 773-0426
- Address
- 535 Ocean Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 761-3922
St. Elizabeth's Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently positive feedback from parents. All reviews praise the caring and experienced staff, nutritious meals prepared on-site, frequent outdoor play opportunities, and convenient hours until 5pm. Parents report their children are happy, well-adjusted, and thriving in the program.
- Address
- 87 High Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 871-7444
- Address
- 19 Libby Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
Portside Learning Center receives consistent 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring, experienced staff, strong community atmosphere, and comprehensive educational programs. Parents report their children are academically well-prepared for kindergarten while also developing social-emotional skills and confidence. The center's extensive outdoor space, specialized classes (Spanish, yoga, dance, mindfulness), and frequent field trips are frequently cited as standout f
- Address
- 1976 Washington Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 797-7821
Goldman Family Preschool is highly rated for its exceptional support of children with special needs and medical conditions, with parents praising the expertise and empathy of staff, particularly Director Mary Lily. The center is NAEYC-accredited and fosters a warm, inclusive community environment that welcomes family involvement and serves the broader Portland area.
- Address
- 1342 Congress Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
The Academy for Active Learners receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring and responsive staff, strong communication, clean facilities, and developmentally enriching curriculum that prepares children well for kindergarten.
- Address
- 134 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 854-4000
Growing Learners has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the teachers' warmth, professionalism, and attentive care. However, two recent negative reviews cite concerns about staff supervision, high turnover, frequent closures, and communication issues.
- Address
- 970 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
Children's House is a small, multilingual daycare in Portland, Maine with predominantly positive reviews. Most parents praise the caring staff, welcoming environment, and owner's personal attention to children and families. One negative review cites safety concerns and staffing issues.
- Address
- 415 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 775-1112
- Address
- 721 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
These reviews do not appear to be for a daycare center but rather for a BBQ/smoked meat restaurant called 'Smoked' in Portland, Maine. The reviews consistently praise the food quality, portion sizes, and service, with most customers highly satisfied with their dining experience.
- Address
- 1001 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 874-9779
The Opportunity Alliance - Riverton Center receives consistently positive reviews, with parents praising the organization's community services, professional staff, and helpful resources. While some note occasional difficulties reaching the center by phone and application processing delays due to high demand, reviewers emphasize their gratitude for the support provided and overall quality of care.
- Address
- 102-104 Riverton Drive, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
ARWO Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with staff praised for being caring, nurturing, and attentive to individual children's needs. However, there are serious concerns raised by a small number of parents regarding inappropriate teacher behavior, financial mismanagement, and unresponsiveness to customer issues.
- Address
- 1037 Forest Ave, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
Circle Time Preschool has highly polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise the caring, experienced staff and child development support in the infant room. However, multiple negative reviews report serious concerns about the owner's (Donna's) management practices, including alleged discrimination, inconsistent policies, safety issues, billing disputes, and harassment.
- Address
- 1364 Washington Ave, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 797-0292
- Address
- 331 Cumberland Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 874-1073
- Address
- 856 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-8689
- Address
- 113 Coyle Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 761-0655
- Address
- 131 Spring St, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 347-0330
- Address
- 695 Stevens Avenue/Father Hayes, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 797-7073
Bright Horizons Children's Center in Portland receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with 8 out of 9 reviews giving 5-star ratings. Parents consistently praise the warm, caring staff, thoughtful curriculum, clean facilities, and strong child development outcomes. One review raises concerns about leadership and priorities.
- Address
- 2195 Congress St, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 575-7500
- Address
- 196 Allen Avenue, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 874-8165
- Address
- 1340 Riverside St, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 591-5367
- Address
- 360 Spring St, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 774-7863
- Address
- 110 Davis Farm Road, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 772-1959
- Address
- 156 High St, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 874-1115
- Address
- 251 Danforth Street, Portland, ME
- Phone
- (207) 575-7500
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Maine's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Maine)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 29 facilities
- Church Daycare — 1 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 2 facilities