How do I choose the right daycare in South Portland?

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

What types of daycare are available in South Portland?

South Portland offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 19 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.

Child Daycare & Preschools in South Portland, Maine (19 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Maine?

Daycare costs in Maine 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 South Portland for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in South 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.

Lighthouse School & Child Care Center

4.48 score

4.7(11)

525 Highland Avenue, South Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 163 children

Parents consistently praise Lighthouse School & Child Care Center for its caring and nurturing environment. The facility is described as clean, safe, and well-organized with engaging activities, and staff are frequently noted as warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in children's well-being. Multiple parents report their children thrived there and chose to stay rather than transition to other options.

Caring and compassionate staffwarm and loving environmentclean and safe facilitywell-organized

Shining Star Child Development Center

4.06 score

4.1(8)

60 Darling Ave, South Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children

Shining Star Child Development Center receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff, welcoming environment, and educational benefits. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about staffing levels, supervision during nap times, and the center's ability to support children with trauma or special needs.

Friendly and caring staffconsistent hourscolorful and welcoming infant roomregular photo/update communication with parents

Building Blocks Day Care - South Portland

3.68 score

3.5(9)

100 Westbrook St Thornton Hgts Un, South Portland, ME · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children

Building Blocks Day Care receives mixed reviews with strong praise from most families but serious concerns from a few parents. The majority of reviewers highlight excellent staff, safety, communication, and a nurturing environment, while a small number report communication breakdowns, inadequate support for children with autism spectrum disorder, and disorganization.

Experiencedstableand caring staff; strong parent-teacher communication; daily photo and activity

Child Daycare & Preschools in South Portland, Maine

There are 19 child daycare & preschools in South Portland, Maine, making up 95% of the 20 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 South Portland, 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 19 child daycare & preschools daycares in South Portland, Maine, out of 20 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

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

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

South Portland offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 19 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 Maine 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 South Portland for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in South Portland must be licensed by Maine'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.

19 Child Daycare & Preschools in South Portland, Maine

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in South Portland

Top Rated

Lighthouse School & Child Care Center

Children'S Time Child Development Center

Mainely Childcare LLC

South Portland Nursing Home Daycare

Shining Star Child Development Center

Roots & Fruits

Map

Daycare types in South Portland

Browse by type in South Portland