
Compare 24 child daycare & preschools in Manchester. Average rating: 4.62/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Manchester has 24 licensed child daycare & preschools with 332 parent reviews averaging 4.62/5.19 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 63% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 03102 (avg 4.78 stars), while 03103 has the largest selection (16 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
2020 Goff Falls Road, Manchester, NH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise Manchester Child Development Center for its nurturing, home-like environment and dedicated staff who foster children's academic, social, and emotional growth. The center offers enriching activities, learning programs, and a welcoming atmosphere where children are excited to attend. One parent noted the owner can be dismissive, though this was an isolated concern.
340 Varney Street, Manchester, NH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire's Manchester Division as an excellent after-school program. Reviews highlight engaging activities, supportive staff, and a welcoming environment that helps girls develop social skills and confidence. The facility recently underwent outdoor improvements and provides meals for children.
435 South Main Street, Manchester, NH · Headstart Programs · Capacity: -999 children
Manchester Head Start West receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with staff praised for patience, kindness, and genuine care toward children. The center supports dual language learners and offers family engagement opportunities. However, one parent reported a serious incident involving a staff member who allegedly hit students, citing inadequate transparency and delayed action from administration.
152 Prospect Street, Manchester, NH · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children
Jewish Federation Preschool (Temple Adath Yeshurun) in Manchester receives consistently positive feedback from families. Parents praise the warm, welcoming, and inclusive community atmosphere, along with Rabbi Beth's exceptional ability to connect with children and teach engagingly. The facility is noted for strong religious education programs, well-organized community events, and responsive leadership.
1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 117, Manchester, NH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Apple Blossoms Child Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents highlight exceptional teacher care and engagement, strong academic and social development in children, and flexible scheduling that accommodates working families. The center emphasizes outdoor play, communication with parents, and individualized attention to each child's needs.
300 Kelley Street, Manchester, NH · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children
St. Peter's Home Day Care in Manchester receives consistently high praise from parents. All 10 recent reviews are 5-star ratings, highlighting the caring staff, clean facilities, excellent outdoor spaces, strong sense of community, and nurturing learning environment where children are happy and engaged.
191 South Jewett Street, Manchester, NH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Little Rising Stars Child Care Center in Manchester, NH receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and personalized attention given to children. Parents highlight strong communication, healthy meals prepared on-site, secure facilities, and individualized care including accommodation of special needs like food allergies. The center's 20+ year track record and small class sizes contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere that parents feel supports their children's development.
30 Mechanic St, Manchester, NH · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents praise the YMCA Downtown Manchester Child Development Center for its warm, welcoming staff and quality child care programs. The facility offers excellent amenities including a pool, multiple gyms, and well-organized sports and camp programs. Families appreciate the professional, friendly team and overall family-oriented environment.
100 Aurore Street, Manchester, NH · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children
Parents praise the YMCA's School's Out Program for its warm, welcoming staff and well-maintained facilities. The program offers quality childcare, sports programs, and a strong swim instruction program. Families appreciate the friendly atmosphere and professional team members.
1066 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children
Parents praise the YMCA's School's Out Program for its warm, welcoming staff and well-maintained facilities. The facility offers quality childcare, sports programs, and a strong swim instruction program. Most reviewers highlight the friendly and helpful team as a major strength.
Based on 30 daycares with Google ratings in Manchester
Top qualities mentioned across 332 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in Manchester, based on parent reviews
Manchester zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03102 | 10 | 4.78 | 7 | |
| 03103 | 16 | 4.61 | 5 | |
| 03109 | 6 | 4.6 | 3 | |
| 03104 | 9 | 4.54 | 3 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in Manchester (– children)
Small
up to 30 children
0
Medium
31–75 children
0
Large
76–150 children
0
Very Large
150+ children
0
Highest rated daycares in Manchester based on parent reviews
2020 Goff Falls Road, Manchester, NH
Parents consistently praise Manchester Child Development Center for its nurturing, home-like environment and dedicated staff who foster children's academic, social, and emotional growth. The center offers enriching activities, learning programs, and a welcoming atmosphere where children are excited to attend. One parent noted the owner can be dismissive, though this was an isolated concern.
133 Wayne Street, Manchester, NH
Parents at Ste. Marie Child Care Center highlight a supportive and affordable environment where children, including those who were previously shy, gain confidence and social skills. Reviewers appreciate the staff's dedication, the engaging curriculum that makes learning fun, and the regular progress reports provided to families.
340 Varney Street, Manchester, NH
Parents consistently praise Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire's Manchester Division as an excellent after-school program. Reviews highlight engaging activities, supportive staff, and a welcoming environment that helps girls develop social skills and confidence. The facility recently underwent outdoor improvements and provides meals for children.
491 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH
Parents describe this center as an exceptional and highly recommended environment where children eagerly attend school daily. Reviewers highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong safety measures as key reasons for their satisfaction.
1 Sundial Avenue, Suite 117, Manchester, NH
Apple Blossoms Child Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents highlight exceptional teacher care and engagement, strong academic and social development in children, and flexible scheduling that accommodates working families. The center emphasizes outdoor play, communication with parents, and individualized attention to each child's needs.
191 South Jewett Street, Manchester, NH
Little Rising Stars Child Care Center in Manchester, NH receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and personalized attention given to children. Parents highlight strong communication, healthy meals prepared on-site, secure facilities, and individualized care including accommodation of special needs like food allergies. The center's 20+ year track record and small class sizes contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere that parents feel supports their children's development.
There are 24 child daycare & preschools in Manchester, New Hampshire, making up 53% of the 45 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 Manchester have an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 across 30 rated facilities, with 63% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.73 stars. Our analysis covers 332 parent reviews. Parents in Manchester most frequently praise daycares for affordable pricing, clean facility, and clean facilities.
When choosing a daycare in Manchester, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 24 results
Parents describe this center as an exceptional and highly recommended environment where children eagerly attend school daily. Reviewers highlight the caring staff, clean facilities, and strong safety measures as key reasons for their satisfaction.
Parents at Ste. Marie Child Care Center highlight a supportive and affordable environment where children, including those who were previously shy, gain confidence and social skills. Reviewers appreciate the staff's dedication, the engaging curriculum that makes learning fun, and the regular progress reports provided to families.
One parent highlights Mrs. D for fostering reading skills, manners, and strong moral values, noting that children felt loved and ate well. Another adult reviewer reflects on positive core memories formed during their time at the center around age four.
Parents consistently praise Manchester Child Development Center for its nurturing, home-like environment and dedicated staff who foster children's academic, social, and emotional growth. The center offers enriching activities, learning programs, and a welcoming atmosphere where children are excited to attend. One parent noted the owner can be dismissive, though this was an isolated concern.
Parents highlight the center's affectionate staff, educational focus, and convenient meal program, noting significant progress in their children's development. Feedback also emphasizes the facility's cleanliness, safe location, and effective communication tools, with one parent mentioning affordability.
Parents consistently praise Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire's Manchester Division as an excellent after-school program. Reviews highlight engaging activities, supportive staff, and a welcoming environment that helps girls develop social skills and confidence. The facility recently underwent outdoor improvements and provides meals for children.
One parent highlights the center's structured, clean, and kind environment where their daughter learned significantly, expressing sadness at her upcoming departure. A single review lists an incorrect phone number as a negative point.
Apple Blossoms Child Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents highlight exceptional teacher care and engagement, strong academic and social development in children, and flexible scheduling that accommodates working families. The center emphasizes outdoor play, communication with parents, and individualized attention to each child's needs.
Little Rising Stars Child Care Center in Manchester, NH receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and personalized attention given to children. Parents highlight strong communication, healthy meals prepared on-site, secure facilities, and individualized care including accommodation of special needs like food allergies. The center's 20+ year track record and small class sizes contribute to a family-oriented atmosphere that parents feel supports their children's development.
One parent highlights exceptional academic and social growth, noting their child leaves with a smile due to individualized attention and a nurturing environment. Conversely, another review criticizes the center for not offering early opening hours.
Parents praise the YMCA Downtown Manchester Child Development Center for its warm, welcoming staff and quality child care programs. The facility offers excellent amenities including a pool, multiple gyms, and well-organized sports and camp programs. Families appreciate the professional, friendly team and overall family-oriented environment.
Parents highlight exceptional staff and teachers who have positively impacted their children's development. Reviewers express strong satisfaction with the center, noting that their children enjoy attending and appreciate the professional environment.
Little Frogs & Polliwogs Learning Center receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the caring staff, education-based curriculum, and supportive environment, but a minority report serious concerns about staff conduct, lack of curriculum in toddler classes, high turnover, and significant tuition increases.
ELEMENOPE PRINCIPLES CHILD LEARNING CENTER receives mostly positive reviews praising the caring staff, educational curriculum, and activities. However, one parent raised serious concerns about billing practices, regulatory violations, and alleged rough handling of children by staff.
Above and Beyond Child Care receives mixed reviews. Several parents praise the staff's warmth, care, and support for their children's development, particularly highlighting individual teachers. However, other parents report serious concerns about management responsiveness, chemical safety violations, and dismissive communication when raising health or care concerns.
Alpha-Bits Learning Center in Manchester receives polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise the staff's warmth, professionalism, and educational quality, with parents reporting comfort leaving their children in their care. Negative reviews report discriminatory behavior toward bilingual families, unprofessional management, and the center asking families to withdraw children for normal toddler behavior due to alleged staffing limitations.
Colorful Apples Learning Center in Manchester receives consistently high praise from parents. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and emotionally under the care of dedicated, long-term teachers who treat students like family. Parents appreciate the individualized attention, clean facilities, strong communication, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Easter Seals NH Child Development & Family Resource Center in Manchester receives consistently positive reviews across multiple services including preschool/child care, dental care, and support programs. Parents praise the friendly and compassionate staff, clean facilities, flexible hours for working parents, and comprehensive services including free/affordable dental care accepting Medicaid.
Parents report significant developmental progress in children, with high praise for specific teachers like Ms. Tina, Ms. Krista, Ms. Chantel, Allison, and Stephanie. However, serious concerns include alleged injuries (broken/cracked teeth, unexplained bruises) with claims of non-disclosure by management, inconsistent staff quality, frequent closures, facility layout issues, and strict late pickup fees.
Alpha-Bits Learning Center has extremely polarized reviews. A small number of parents praise the caring staff, cleanliness, and child development, while the majority report serious concerns including inadequate supervision, poor hygiene, unresponsive management, physical safety issues, and overly rigid classroom practices.
The World of Discovery in Manchester receives unanimously positive reviews from parents across multiple years of enrollment. Parents consistently praise the caring, dedicated staff and directors who treat children like family, provide excellent developmental support, and maintain strong communication. The center is noted for its organized curriculum, clean facility, engaging activities, and reasonable pricing.
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