Children at daycare

70 Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, Missouri

Browse all 70 child daycare & preschools in Columbia, Missouri. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbia

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

    4914 Prairieridge St, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    Latter House Childcare Center (also referred to as Destiny Learning Center) receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, compassionate staff and supportive family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's Christ-centered curriculum, individualized attention to children's needs including special needs support, and strong communication with families. Multiple reviewers describe the center as a blessing and village that supports not only the children but the entire family.

    Caring and compassionate staffChrist-centered curriculum with character development focusindividualized attention to each child's needsspecial needs accommodation
  2. 2

    4006 W Broadway, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Bright Star Learning Center LLC (also called Learning Star Preschool) has perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, dedicated staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight the school's focus on child development, creative learning activities, responsive communication, and the strong bonds children form with teachers and peers. Families report children thrive emotionally and academically, with several noting positive long-term impacts into middle and high school years.

    Warm and caring teachersresponsive communication with parentscreative activities and learning opportunitiessafe and nurturing environment
  3. 3
    Rock Bridge Preschool
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    102 Sieville Ave, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

    Rock Bridge Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, family-like environment and strong leadership of owner/director Amanda. Parents highlight the small center's personalized attention, effective curriculum preparation for kindergarten, and excellent communication with families. Staff are described as kind, loving, and genuinely invested in each child's development and well-being.

    Caring and loving teachersFamily-like environmentStrong owner/director leadershipSmall intimate setting
  4. 4

    1626 Towne Dr, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

    A Galaxy of Stars Child Care Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the professional, caring staff and welcoming environment. Parents consistently highlight the owner's hands-on involvement, strong curriculum preparation for kindergarten, regular photo/video updates, and family-like treatment of children. The center is noted for its cleanliness, diversity and inclusion focus, reasonable pricing, and community values.

    Professional and caring staffowner actively present and accessiblefamily-like treatment of childrencurriculum-focused learning
  5. 5

    800 Gray Oak Dr, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 18 children

    Hawthorne Educational Services is highly rated for providing assessment tools and intervention resources for students with behavioral and learning challenges. Reviews highlight the effectiveness of their screening assessments, intervention manuals, and educational resources used by teachers, schools, and clinics. Customers consistently praise the quality of materials, ease of ordering, and helpful customer service.

    Comprehensive assessment toolsclear and practical intervention strategiesdual school and home versions availablehelpful customer service
  6. 6
    End Of The Rainbow Cdc
    4.64 score
    4.8(20)

    2505 Old 63 South, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 159 children

    End of the Rainbow CDC in Columbia receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewed parents who praise the welcoming, caring staff and strong developmental focus. Parents consistently highlight the director team (Shane and Nikki) and teachers as invested professionals who create a family-like environment where children thrive academically and socially.

    Caring and welcoming staffstrong academic and social developmentclean facilityorganized curriculum with daily updates via app
  7. 7

    5855 Scott Blvd, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

    End of the Rainbow Southwest receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the welcoming, caring staff and directors (Shane and Nikki) for creating a family-like environment. Parents consistently report their children are happy, safe, and developing well academically and socially, with many expressing they would never leave if not for relocation.

    Caring and welcoming staffstrong leadership (Shane and Nikki)family-like atmosphereorganized and fun curriculum
  8. 8
    A Good Start INC
    4.64 score
    4.8(20)

    101 N Grace Ln, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children

    A Good Start Inc is a family-owned preschool in Columbia, Missouri with consistently excellent reviews. Parents praise the staff for being loving yet firm, providing strong academic preparation that leaves children ahead for kindergarten, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where children thrive developmentally and socially.

    Caring and loving staffstrong academic curriculumexcellent kindergarten readiness preparationclean and well-organized facility
  9. 9

    6405 Highway 40 W, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Parents consistently praise Jades Preschool and Daycare for its caring, family-oriented environment where children thrive academically and socially. Staff members are described as genuinely loving and attentive to individual children's needs, with strong curriculum, quality nutrition, and enrichment activities like sign language and Spanish instruction.

    Caring and attentive stafffamily-like atmospherestrong academic resultsage-appropriate curriculum
  10. 10

    2601 N Stadium Blvd, Columbia, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Parents consistently praise Wee Care E.L.C. for its caring, nurturing staff and safe, clean environment that supports children's overall development. The center is commended for strong communication with parents, creative learning activities, and staff dedication to each child's physical, emotional, and academic growth.

    caring and nurturing staffsafe environmentclean and well-maintained facilitiesstrong parent communication

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Columbia based on parent reviews

Latter House Childcare Center LLC

5(19)

4914 Prairieridge St, Columbia, MO

Latter House Childcare Center (also referred to as Destiny Learning Center) receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, compassionate staff and supportive family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's Christ-centered curriculum, individualized attention to children's needs including special needs support, and strong communication with families. Multiple reviewers describe the center as a blessing and village that supports not only the children but the entire family.

Caring and compassionate staffChrist-centered curriculum with character development focusindividualized attention to each child's needs

Bright Star Learning Center LLC

5(18)

4006 W Broadway, Columbia, MO

Bright Star Learning Center LLC (also called Learning Star Preschool) has perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, dedicated staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight the school's focus on child development, creative learning activities, responsive communication, and the strong bonds children form with teachers and peers. Families report children thrive emotionally and academically, with several noting positive long-term impacts into middle and high school years.

Warm and caring teachersresponsive communication with parentscreative activities and learning opportunities

Rock Bridge Preschool

5(10)

102 Sieville Ave, Columbia, MO

Rock Bridge Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, family-like environment and strong leadership of owner/director Amanda. Parents highlight the small center's personalized attention, effective curriculum preparation for kindergarten, and excellent communication with families. Staff are described as kind, loving, and genuinely invested in each child's development and well-being.

Caring and loving teachersFamily-like environmentStrong owner/director leadership

A Galaxy Of Stars Child Care Center LLC

4.8(20)

1626 Towne Dr, Columbia, MO

A Galaxy of Stars Child Care Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the professional, caring staff and welcoming environment. Parents consistently highlight the owner's hands-on involvement, strong curriculum preparation for kindergarten, regular photo/video updates, and family-like treatment of children. The center is noted for its cleanliness, diversity and inclusion focus, reasonable pricing, and community values.

Professional and caring staffowner actively present and accessiblefamily-like treatment of children

Hawthorne Educational Services INC

4.8(20)

800 Gray Oak Dr, Columbia, MO

Hawthorne Educational Services is highly rated for providing assessment tools and intervention resources for students with behavioral and learning challenges. Reviews highlight the effectiveness of their screening assessments, intervention manuals, and educational resources used by teachers, schools, and clinics. Customers consistently praise the quality of materials, ease of ordering, and helpful customer service.

Comprehensive assessment toolsclear and practical intervention strategiesdual school and home versions available

End Of The Rainbow Cdc

4.8(20)

2505 Old 63 South, Columbia, MO

End of the Rainbow CDC in Columbia receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewed parents who praise the welcoming, caring staff and strong developmental focus. Parents consistently highlight the director team (Shane and Nikki) and teachers as invested professionals who create a family-like environment where children thrive academically and socially.

Caring and welcoming staffstrong academic and social developmentclean facility

Map

Browse by type in Columbia

Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, Missouri

There are 70 child daycare & preschools in Columbia, Missouri, making up 88% of the 80 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia

Showing 70 results

Down To Earth Preschool LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
201 E Old Plank Rd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 441-0656
Rock Bridge Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Rock Bridge Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, family-like environment and strong leadership of owner/director Amanda. Parents highlight the small center's personalized attention, effective curriculum preparation for kindergarten, and excellent communication with families. Staff are described as kind, loving, and genuinely invested in each child's development and well-being.

Caring and loving teachersFamily-like environmentStrong owner/director leadership
Address
102 Sieville Ave, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 443-5711
Bright Star Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Bright Star Learning Center LLC (also called Learning Star Preschool) has perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, dedicated staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight the school's focus on child development, creative learning activities, responsive communication, and the strong bonds children form with teachers and peers. Families report children thrive emotionally and academically, with several noting positive long-term impacts into middle and high school years.

Warm and caring teachersresponsive communication with parentscreative activities and learning opportunities
Address
4006 W Broadway, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 445-2418
Ready Set Learn Early Childhood Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Wee Care E.L.C. for its caring, nurturing staff and safe, clean environment that supports children's overall development. The center is commended for strong communication with parents, creative learning activities, and staff dedication to each child's physical, emotional, and academic growth.

caring and nurturing staffsafe environmentclean and well-maintained facilities
Address
2601 N Stadium Blvd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 446-7757
Latter House Childcare Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Latter House Childcare Center (also referred to as Destiny Learning Center) receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring, compassionate staff and supportive family-like environment. Parents highlight the center's Christ-centered curriculum, individualized attention to children's needs including special needs support, and strong communication with families. Multiple reviewers describe the center as a blessing and village that supports not only the children but the entire family.

Caring and compassionate staffChrist-centered curriculum with character development focusindividualized attention to each child's needs
Address
4914 Prairieridge St, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 474-5888
Meadowlark School LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
705 N Providence Rd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 823-6502
Jades Preschool And Daycare LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Jades Preschool and Daycare for its caring, family-oriented environment where children thrive academically and socially. Staff members are described as genuinely loving and attentive to individual children's needs, with strong curriculum, quality nutrition, and enrichment activities like sign language and Spanish instruction.

Caring and attentive stafffamily-like atmospherestrong academic results
Address
6405 Highway 40 W, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 445-0785
Sprout Academy Pre-School LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Sprout Academy Pre-School LLC in Columbia, Missouri receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff leadership under Ms. Susan, and well-rounded curriculum. Parents report significant developmental gains in their children's speech, social skills, and academic preparation for kindergarten, with strong Christian values integrated throughout the program.

caring and dedicated teachersnurturing environmentstrong leadership
Address
600 Silvey St, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 881-1674
Country Side Nursery School
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1320 S Fairview Rd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 445-4111
Garden Gate School LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
107 Park Hill Ave, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 449-8753
Carousel Playschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2601 W Broadway, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 445-5777
United Community Schoolhouse
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
613 N Providence Rd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 449-0340
Little Ones Day Out Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3201 I 70 Dr Nw, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 445-2661
A Galaxy Of Stars Child Care Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

A Galaxy of Stars Child Care Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the professional, caring staff and welcoming environment. Parents consistently highlight the owner's hands-on involvement, strong curriculum preparation for kindergarten, regular photo/video updates, and family-like treatment of children. The center is noted for its cleanliness, diversity and inclusion focus, reasonable pricing, and community values.

Professional and caring staffowner actively present and accessiblefamily-like treatment of children
Address
1626 Towne Dr, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 474-0715
Hawthorne Educational Services INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Hawthorne Educational Services is highly rated for providing assessment tools and intervention resources for students with behavioral and learning challenges. Reviews highlight the effectiveness of their screening assessments, intervention manuals, and educational resources used by teachers, schools, and clinics. Customers consistently praise the quality of materials, ease of ordering, and helpful customer service.

Comprehensive assessment toolsclear and practical intervention strategiesdual school and home versions available
Address
800 Gray Oak Dr, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 874-1710
End Of The Rainbow Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

End of the Rainbow CDC in Columbia receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewed parents who praise the welcoming, caring staff and strong developmental focus. Parents consistently highlight the director team (Shane and Nikki) and teachers as invested professionals who create a family-like environment where children thrive academically and socially.

Caring and welcoming staffstrong academic and social developmentclean facility
Address
2505 Old 63 South, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 442-7979
End Of The Rainbow Southwest
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

End of the Rainbow Southwest receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the welcoming, caring staff and directors (Shane and Nikki) for creating a family-like environment. Parents consistently report their children are happy, safe, and developing well academically and socially, with many expressing they would never leave if not for relocation.

Caring and welcoming staffstrong leadership (Shane and Nikki)family-like atmosphere
Address
5855 Scott Blvd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 356-1984
A Good Start INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

A Good Start Inc is a family-owned preschool in Columbia, Missouri with consistently excellent reviews. Parents praise the staff for being loving yet firm, providing strong academic preparation that leaves children ahead for kindergarten, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where children thrive developmentally and socially.

Caring and loving staffstrong academic curriculumexcellent kindergarten readiness preparation
Address
101 N Grace Ln, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 234-1637
Bright Start Academy INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Bright Start Academy (also known as O2B Kids) for its caring, dedicated staff and nurturing environment. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting strong teacher-child relationships, developmental enrichment, and excellent communication with families. The facility is described as clean, well-organized, and feeling like family.

Caring and dedicated staffwarm and nurturing environmentstrong teacher-child relationships
Address
3250 Bearfield, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 447-0005
Academy Of Early Childhood Learning
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Academy of Early Childhood Learning for its dedicated, compassionate staff and safe, nurturing environment. Children show measurable growth in confidence, social skills, and academic readiness. The facility offers a structured curriculum with hands-on activities and is well-organized with good parent communication.

caring and experienced staffsafe and clean facilitystructured age-appropriate curriculum
Address
3210 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 441-0101
Precious Hearts Learning Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Precious Hearts Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents emphasize the family-like atmosphere, strong staff communication, quality curriculum, and child development outcomes across multiple age groups and programs.

Family-oriented environmentcaring and professional staffstrong child development (cognitive
Address
2700 Ballenger Ln, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 474-2073
Tiger Tots Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Tiger Tots Academy receives consistently high praise from parents across multiple locations in Columbia. Parents highlight the caring, dedicated staff who provide both quality childcare and educational development, with children showing enthusiasm for attending. The facility is noted for strong communication with parents, reasonable pricing, and flexible hours.

Caring and attentive staffeducational curriculum (multilingual instructionacademics)
Address
606 Claudell Ln, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 447-0919
Bright Start Academy INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Bright Start Academy Inc (O2B Kids) in Columbia, Missouri receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviews highlight exceptional teacher quality, cleanliness, effective communication, and strong child development outcomes across all age groups.

Attentive and caring teachers by name (Ms. JessicaCarlieNaye
Address
4300 Rainbow Trout, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 447-3400
The Curators Of The University Of Missouri
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

These reviews appear to be mislabeled for a daycare center. The listings are actually reviews of the University of Missouri campus, medical facilities, and academic programs rather than a childcare facility. All reviews are highly positive about the university experience.

Beautiful campus with gothic architecturelarge and well-maintained groundsexcellent academic programs and experienced professors
Address
5151 S Highway 163, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 673-2026
The Curators Of The University Of Missouri
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

The reviews provided do not appear to be for a daycare center. Instead, they are reviews of the University of Missouri campus, medical facilities, and academic programs. This represents a significant data mismatch with the listed facility type of 'CENTER BASED' daycare.

Beautiful campusfriendly and excellent staffstrong academic programs
Address
2200 Nifong Blvd W, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 886-2850
The Language Tree
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

The Language Tree is a highly-rated dual language immersion preschool in Columbia, Missouri, where parents report children are excited to attend and show strong academic and language development. Parents consistently praise the caring, dedicated staff, strong leadership, small class ratios, low teacher turnover, and nurturing environment that balances academics with social-emotional growth.

Dual language programs (Spanish and French)strong academic foundationchildren eager to attend
Address
2311 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 424-2517
The Curators Of The University Of Missouri
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

These reviews appear to be for the University of Missouri, not a daycare center. The reviews describe a large university campus with beautiful architecture, strong academic programs, and friendly staff. This listing contains no actual daycare reviews.

Beautiful campusexperienced facultystrong academics
Address
8130 West Highway 40, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 884-2582
Green Meadows Preschool INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Green Meadows Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with 9 out of 10 recent reviews giving 5-star ratings. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, clean facilities, and strong developmental support for children from infants through pre-K. One parent expressed concerns about changes following the center's sale to corporate ownership.

Attentive and caring staffstaff not distracted by phonesnurturing environment
Address
1000 Green Meadows Rd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 449-3359
Little Blessing Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
600 Wilkes Blvd, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 442-8479
Walnut Street Dayschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
2505 E Walnut, Columbia, MO
Phone
(573) 874-4970

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Frequently asked questions

There are 70 child daycare & preschools daycares in Columbia, Missouri, out of 80 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 Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Missouri's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Missouri)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Columbia offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 70 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 4 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 3 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 3 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 Missouri 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 Columbia for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Columbia must be licensed by Missouri'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.