Children at daycare

18 Child Daycare & Preschools in Dorchester, Massachusetts

Browse all 18 child daycare & preschools in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Dorchester

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

    185 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 110 children

    Yawkey Konbit Kreyol Center is highly regarded by parents as one of the best daycare options in Dorchester. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, quality programming, and extensive community resources available. The facility is described as a welcoming place where children can play and learn.

    Caring and nice staffquality daycare programabundant community resourcesstrong community involvement
  2. 2

    01135 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 57 children

    Parents consistently praise THE PAUL R. MCLAUGHLIN CENTER for its dedicated staff, engaging teachers, and strong sense of community. Multiple reviewers highlight multi-generational attendance and the organization's positive impact on children's development and long-term memories. The center is recognized for going above and beyond in childcare and creating a supportive family environment.

    Caring and engaged staffexperienced teachersstrong sense of communitysafe environment
  3. 3
    Abcd Early Headstart
    4.45 score
    4.9(5)

    198 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester, MA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 80 children

    ABCD Early Headstart in Dorchester receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviews highlight caring and friendly staff, strong teacher-child relationships, healthy meals, and confident child development. The center has earned trust across multiple generations of families.

    caring and attentive staffgood communication with parentshealthy foodchildren develop confidence and early language skills
  4. 4

    198 Geneva Ave, Dorchester, MA · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 325 children

    Parents consistently praise Gertrude E. Townsend Dorchester Headstart as an excellent facility with caring, friendly staff who provide attentive care and healthy meals. One parent noted multi-generational enrollment, with family members attending for over 17 years. Children reportedly develop confidence and early communication skills.

    Caring and friendly staffattentive to children's needshealthy food providedgood communication with parents
  5. 5

    1 Worrell Street, Dorchester, MA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 20 children

    Parents praise Leahy Holloron Community Center Preschool Program for its excellent staff and wide range of activities. The facility is particularly noted for its swimming pool with quality maintenance and swim instruction programs. Families appreciate the school-based and after-school programs, youth leagues, and various recreational classes offered.

    Excellent and helpful staffpatient instructorsswimming pool with lessonsclean and well-maintained facilities
  6. 6

    42 Charles Street, Dorchester, MA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 124 children

    AU CO Preschool / Viet Aid After School Programs is a community center in Dorchester that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the friendly and helpful staff, including specific teachers like Co Cassie, and appreciate the welcoming community atmosphere and activities offered.

    Dedicated stafffriendly environmenthelpful community servicesengaging activities like dance parties
  7. 7

    77 Lawrence Avenue, Dorchester, MA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 52 children

    This YMCA location in Dorchester receives consistently positive feedback with a 4.3/5 rating. Reviews highlight excellent facilities, cleanliness, attentive staff, and strong community atmosphere, though some members note the gym lacks a traditional heavy-lifting environment.

    Swimming poolmodern equipmentexcellent staffclean facilities
  8. 8

    71 Pleasant Street, Dorchester, MA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 26 children

    This YMCA facility receives consistently high ratings from members who praise its cleanliness, modern equipment, and attentive staff. Members highlight the swimming pool, fitness classes, and welcoming community atmosphere as key strengths. One reviewer noted the facility feels more oriented toward casual fitness and seniors rather than serious weightlifters.

    Clean and well-organized facilityexcellent staff and instructorsswimming poolmodern equipment
  9. 9

    35 Brookford Street, Dorchester, MA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 36 children

    This YMCA location in Dorchester receives consistently high ratings (mostly 5/5 stars) with praise for facilities, cleanliness, and staff attentiveness. Reviews highlight excellent swimming pools, modern equipment, diverse fitness classes, and strong community atmosphere. Most reviewers are long-term members who appreciate the facility's continuous improvements and welcoming environment.

    Swimming poolmodern equipmentclean and well-organized facilityattentive an
  10. 10
    Holland Community Center
    4.24 score
    4.3(20)

    85 Olney Street, Dorchester, MA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Holland Community Center is highly rated by parents and community members as a welcoming facility with caring and professional staff. The center offers various programs including after-school care, fitness classes, and sports leagues that serve children and families in the Dorchester area.

    Caring and professional staffwelcoming environmentclean facilitiesgood after-school programs

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Dorchester based on parent reviews

Yawkey Konbit Kreyol Center

4.7(12)

185 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA

Yawkey Konbit Kreyol Center is highly regarded by parents as one of the best daycare options in Dorchester. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, quality programming, and extensive community resources available. The facility is described as a welcoming place where children can play and learn.

Caring and nice staffquality daycare programabundant community resources

The Paul R. Mclaughlin Center

4.6(20)

01135 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA

Parents consistently praise THE PAUL R. MCLAUGHLIN CENTER for its dedicated staff, engaging teachers, and strong sense of community. Multiple reviewers highlight multi-generational attendance and the organization's positive impact on children's development and long-term memories. The center is recognized for going above and beyond in childcare and creating a supportive family environment.

Caring and engaged staffexperienced teachersstrong sense of community

Au Co Preschool / Viet Aid After School Programs

4.5(19)

42 Charles Street, Dorchester, MA

AU CO Preschool / Viet Aid After School Programs is a community center in Dorchester that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the friendly and helpful staff, including specific teachers like Co Cassie, and appreciate the welcoming community atmosphere and activities offered.

Dedicated stafffriendly environmenthelpful community services

Holland Community Center

4.3(20)

85 Olney Street, Dorchester, MA

Holland Community Center is highly rated by parents and community members as a welcoming facility with caring and professional staff. The center offers various programs including after-school care, fitness classes, and sports leagues that serve children and families in the Dorchester area.

Caring and professional staffwelcoming environmentclean facilities

Small Wonders Nursery School

5(1)

105 Victory Road, Dorchester, MA

Ashmont Nursery School

5(1)

1 Ashmont St, Dorchester, MA

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Dorchester, Massachusetts

There are 18 child daycare & preschools in Dorchester, Massachusetts, making up 56% 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 Dorchester, 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 Dorchester

Showing 18 results

Small Wonders Nursery School
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
105 Victory Road, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 371-3010
Ashmont Nursery School
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1 Ashmont St, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 282-6063
Kid'S First Daycare And Learning Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1190 Adams Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 296-9061
Yawkey Konbit Kreyol Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Yawkey Konbit Kreyol Center is highly regarded by parents as one of the best daycare options in Dorchester. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, quality programming, and extensive community resources available. The facility is described as a welcoming place where children can play and learn.

Caring and nice staffquality daycare programabundant community resources
Address
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 506-6930
The Paul R. Mclaughlin Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Parents consistently praise THE PAUL R. MCLAUGHLIN CENTER for its dedicated staff, engaging teachers, and strong sense of community. Multiple reviewers highlight multi-generational attendance and the organization's positive impact on children's development and long-term memories. The center is recognized for going above and beyond in childcare and creating a supportive family environment.

Caring and engaged staffexperienced teachersstrong sense of community
Address
01135 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 288-7120
Au Co Preschool / Viet Aid After School Programs
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

AU CO Preschool / Viet Aid After School Programs is a community center in Dorchester that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the friendly and helpful staff, including specific teachers like Co Cassie, and appreciate the welcoming community atmosphere and activities offered.

Dedicated stafffriendly environmenthelpful community services
Address
42 Charles Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 822-3717 EXT 22
Holland Community Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Holland Community Center is highly rated by parents and community members as a welcoming facility with caring and professional staff. The center offers various programs including after-school care, fitness classes, and sports leagues that serve children and families in the Dorchester area.

Caring and professional staffwelcoming environmentclean facilities
Address
85 Olney Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 635-5144
Excel Academy INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
1105 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 282-9100
Bradshaw Children'S Learning Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
64 Bradshaw St, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 282-2327
Crispus Attucks Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Crispus Attucks Children's Center in Dorchester receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the quality of care, friendly and dedicated staff, and developmental progress of children. However, one parent raised concerns about facility cleanliness, frequent illness, and lack of support for special needs children.

Friendly and attentive staffquality of careteacher dedication
Address
105 Crawford Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 445-1420
Schoen Family Community Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Parents consistently praise the staff and caring environment at this center. Reviews highlight the supportive community atmosphere and staff dedication to families, particularly single mothers and families in need. The facility receives high marks for service quality and overall care.

Caring and excellent staffsupportive community environmentwelcoming atmosphere
Address
90 Cushing Avenue, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 287-1900
Uccc @ Bird Street Youth Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.8
Address
500 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 282-6110
Boys And Girls Clubs Of Dorchester
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester for exceptional staff engagement and long-term family involvement spanning generations. The facility is noted for providing enriching experiences, tutoring programs, safe care, and strong community relationships. Multiple reviewers report being members themselves as children and now enrolling their own children.

Dedicated and caring staffstrong teacher-student relationshipstutoring programs
Address
35 Deer Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 288-7120
Greenwood Shalom Tutoring Zone And Summer Enrichment
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
378a Washington Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 282-1464
Wesley Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
29 Stanton Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 436-5800
Epiphany School Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
230 Centre Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 326-0425
Anthony Perkins Community Center After School Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
155 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 635-5146
College Bound Dorchester Early Education At Dorchester Place
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
18 Samoset Street, Dorchester, MA
Phone
(617) 506-5910

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Frequently asked questions

There are 18 child daycare & preschools daycares in Dorchester, Massachusetts, out of 32 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 Dorchester, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Massachusetts's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Massachusetts)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Dorchester offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 18 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 11 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 Massachusetts 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 Dorchester for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Dorchester must be licensed by Massachusetts'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.