Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Jefferson City, MO
Compare 40 child daycare & preschools in Jefferson City. Average rating: 4.27/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Jefferson City, Missouri at a glance
- Programs
- 40
- Avg rating
- 4.27/5
- Parent reviews
- 182
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 17
Jefferson City has 40 licensed child daycare & preschools with 182 parent reviews averaging 4.27/5.17 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 57% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 65101 zip code, averaging 4.47 stars across 26 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
- 1Little Sprout'S Clubhouse LLC4.75 score5(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 - 2The Academy Of Innovative Learners4.62 score5(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 - 3Learning Connection Child Development Center LLC4.58 score5(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 - 4Early Explorers Preschool LLC4.56 score4.7(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 - 5Show Me Child Care Center INC.4.55 score5(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 - 6The Discovery Place4.48 score4.7(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 - 7Presbyterian Preschool4.4 score4.8(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 - 8Joy & Gladness Children Academy LLC4.36 score4.5(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 - 9Courtyard Early Learning Center4.08 score4.1(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 - 10Y-Care @ The Y4.08 score4.1(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
Rating Distribution
Based on 30 daycares with Google ratings in Jefferson City
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 182 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Jefferson City, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Jefferson City zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65101 | 26 | 4.47 | 12 | |
| 65109 | 23 | 3.97 | 5 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Jefferson City (16–177 children)
Small
up to 30 children
6
Medium
31–75 children
27
Large
76–150 children
14
Very Large
150+ children
2
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Jefferson City based on parent reviews
Little Sprout'S Clubhouse LLC
332 County Road 501, Jefferson City, MO
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.
The Academy Of Innovative Learners
2216 Stonehill Rd, Jefferson City, MO
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.
Learning Connection Child Development Center LLC
136 Scott Station Rd, Jefferson City, MO
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.
Early Explorers Preschool LLC
1735 Southwest Blvd, Jefferson City, MO
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.
Show Me Child Care Center INC.
2702 E Mccarty St, Jefferson City, MO
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.
The Discovery Place
1448 Aaron Ct, Jefferson City, MO
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.
Map
Daycare types in Jefferson City
Browse by type in Jefferson City
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.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Jefferson City have an average rating of 4.27 out of 5 across 30 rated facilities, with 57% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.45 stars. Our analysis covers 182 parent reviews.
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.
All Child Daycare & Preschools in Jefferson City
Showing 40 results
- Address
- 100 Dix Rd, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 761-3196
- Address
- 1410 Hough Park, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 761-3196
- Address
- 1123 Charm Villa Dr, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 893-7312
- Address
- 301 Pioneer Trail Dr, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 634-2582
- Address
- 116 Commerce Dr, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 556-5559
- Address
- 1514 Saint Marys Blvd, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 635-2777
- Address
- 327 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 636-0707
- Address
- 301 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 680-9304
- Address
- 601 Scott Station Rd, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 298-3229
Parents consistently praise the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City for providing a positive, enriching experience for their children. Staff members are highlighted as caring, dedicated professionals who support both academic growth and character development. The facility offers diverse programs and exposure to different cultures.
- Address
- 1105 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO
- Phone
- (573) 634-2582
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Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 40 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 1 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 5 facilities