How do I choose the right daycare in Jefferson City?

When choosing a daycare in Jefferson City, 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

What types of daycare are available in Jefferson City?

Jefferson City offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities Headstart Programs — 1 facilities Church Daycare — 3 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 5 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 Jefferson City, Missouri (40 Results)

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

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 Jefferson City for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Jefferson City

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.

Little Sprout'S Clubhouse LLC

4.75 score

5(15)

332 County Road 501, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children

Little Sprouts Clubhouse LLC, run by Sonu, receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the nurturing, home-based environment and individualized care. Parents consistently highlight the healthy home-cooked meals, structured learning activities, developmental progress in their children, and celebratory approach to holidays and milestones. The facility is described as a loving second home where children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Attentive and caring providerhealthy nutritious home-cooked mealsstructured learning and age-appropriate activitiesdevelopmental progress in potty training/reading/writing/speech

The Academy Of Innovative Learners

4.62 score

5(8)

2216 Stonehill Rd, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

Parents consistently praise The Academy of Innovative Learners for its safe, clean, and educational environment with caring staff who treat children like their own. Children show significant developmental progress in speech, social skills, and academic learning, with high enthusiasm about attending daily. The center is noted for its strong curriculum, family-oriented approach, and committed ownership.

Developmental progress (speechpotty trainingvocabulary)loving and invested staff

Learning Connection Child Development Center LLC

4.58 score

5(7)

136 Scott Station Rd, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children

Learning Connection Child Development Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviewers praising the caring and knowledgeable staff who create an educational yet fun environment. Parents highlight strong child development outcomes, engaging activities, and family involvement, with many expressing they would continue using the center if location permitted.

caring and attentive teacherseducational and fun activitieschild development progresssafe environment

Early Explorers Preschool LLC

4.56 score

4.7(20)

1735 Southwest Blvd, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children

Early Explorers Preschool receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and genuinely caring staff. Parents highlight excellent communication, educational activities, strong teacher continuity, and the director's hands-on leadership. Families report their children thrive academically and emotionally in this safe, clean facility.

Warm and caring staffexcellent parent communication via app with daily photosengaging educational activities and lesson planssafe and clean environment

Show Me Child Care Center INC.

4.55 score

5(6)

2702 E Mccarty St, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 69 children

Parents consistently praise Show Me Child Care Center for its caring and professional environment. The owner, Julie, and her staff are highlighted for their genuine concern for children's wellbeing, strong communication with parents, and implementation of Conscious Discipline practices. Children are reported to thrive and develop well at the facility.

Caring and attentive owner and staffexcellent communication with parentsimplementation of Conscious Discipline approachchild development and growth

The Discovery Place

4.48 score

4.7(11)

1448 Aaron Ct, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 57 children

The Discovery Place is highly regarded by parents in Jefferson City, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring, experienced staff, safe learning environment, and strong kindergarten preparation. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report long-term satisfaction with the center.

Experienced and stable staff (many with 10+ years tenure)caring and loving teacherssafe environmentstrong academic preparation for kindergarten

Presbyterian Preschool

4.4 score

4.8(5)

324 Madison, Jefferson City, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 34 children

Reviews describe a welcoming faith-based community with friendly people and traditional services. Parents consistently praise the inclusive atmosphere and long-term commitment of members. All reviewers gave positive ratings with no complaints noted.

Welcoming and inclusive communityfriendly peopletraditional serviceslong-term member satisfaction

Joy & Gladness Children Academy LLC

4.36 score

4.5(13)

511 E Mccarty St, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

Joy & Gladness Children's Academy receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the facility's nurturing, Christian-based environment and educational quality. Parents highlight the owner/director LaKaisha's genuine compassion, professional staff, and commitment to child development, along with the center's cleanliness and community resource support. The daycare is described as a safe, loving space where working parents can feel confident their children are well cared for.

Owner/director's compassion and professionalismnurturing and educational environmentChristian valuescleanliness

Courtyard Early Learning Center

4.08 score

4.1(20)

1302 Creek Trail Dr, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children

Courtyard Early Learning Center receives uniformly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, curriculum-based learning, and safe environment. Parents consistently report their children are engaged, making developmental progress, and excited to attend. Leadership is noted as responsive and accommodating to family needs.

Kind and attentive staffcurriculum-based learningclean and well-maintained facilityengaging activities

Y-Care @ The Y

4.08 score

4.1(20)

424 Stadium Blvd, Jefferson City, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

Y-CARE @ THE Y in Jefferson City receives consistently positive feedback with all 5-star ratings. Parents praise the clean facilities, friendly and helpful staff, and appreciate the early hours, ample parking, and various programs including summer activities for children and fitness classes for adults. The facility is described as family-friendly and welcoming.

clean facilityfriendly staffhelpful staffearly hours

Child Daycare & Preschools in Jefferson City, Missouri

There are 40 child daycare & preschools in Jefferson City, Missouri, making up 82% of the 49 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 Jefferson City, 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 40 child daycare & preschools daycares in Jefferson City, Missouri, out of 49 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 Jefferson City, 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

Jefferson City offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities
Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
Church Daycare — 3 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 5 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 Jefferson City for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Jefferson City 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.

40 Child Daycare & Preschools in Jefferson City, Missouri