
Compare 35 child daycare & preschools in East Orange. Average rating: 4.1/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
East Orange has 35 licensed child daycare & preschools with 280 parent reviews averaging 4.1/5.The largest concentration is in 07017 with 28 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.
200 Midland Ave, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Middleton Early Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, nurturing environment, and strong academic and social development outcomes. Parents highlight the convenient location near Glen Ridge, engaging curriculum with enrichment programs, and strong sense of community. Multiple families report their children thrive academically and emotionally while genuinely enjoying attending school.
115 S. Munn Avenue, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 146 children
Community Day Nursery receives consistently high praise from parents who report a warm, family-like atmosphere with caring and professional staff. Parents emphasize the personalized attention their children receive, including staff remembering each child's name, and note the cleanliness and welcoming environment of the facility.
1 4th Ave., East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
One Step Ahead Learning Center receives universal praise from parents who highlight the director Ms. Marlene's leadership, staff dedication, and focus on academic and social development. Parents consistently mention a clean facility, caring teachers, and a Christian-based environment that makes families feel supported.
122 Brighton Avenue, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children
Buzzing Bees Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's professionalism, educational quality, and caring approach. Parents consistently report that their children have thrived developmentally and academically while feeling safe and happy at the facility. The center is noted for its cleanliness, smooth operations, and responsive communication with parents.
180 Lincoln Street, East Orange, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 158 children
East Orange YMCA-Bowser After School Program receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with particular praise for swimming instruction, staff professionalism, and safe environment. Parents highlight quality programming including summer camps, basketball, and therapeutic activities. Multiple reviewers commend specific staff members for their patience and expertise.
100 N Arlington Ave, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 97 children
East Orange YMCA Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with strong commendations for swimming instruction, summer camp programs, and staff professionalism. Parents appreciate the safe environment, diverse activities including basketball and therapy services, and the individual attention instructors provide to children of all skill levels.
98 Greenwood Avenue, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children
Parents consistently praise the East Orange YMCA After School Enrichment Program for its excellent staff, professional instructors, and quality programming in swimming, basketball, and summer camps. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere, safe environment, and individual attention given to children of all abilities. One parent noted the facility could benefit from upgrades for better accommodation.
520 William Street, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children
Parents consistently praise Nursery Rhyme Academy for its caring, attentive staff and clean, safe facility. Children show enthusiasm for attending daily and demonstrate notable developmental progress. The center is commended for strong communication, structured activities, and special holiday celebrations organized by the owner.
159 N Munn Ave, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 145 children
Parents praise the East Orange YMCA/Turrell's Gym for its excellent staff, quality programs, and affordable pricing. The facility offers diverse amenities including a pool, basketball gym, and computer room, with positive feedback on after-school programs and summer activities like swimming classes and karate.
91 South Harrison Street, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 149 children
Three Stages Learning Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and dedicated staff. Parents highlight the facility's cleanliness, safety, educational quality, and family-like atmosphere. Many report long-term loyalty, with some families using the center for over a decade.
Based on 32 daycares with Google ratings in East Orange
Top qualities mentioned across 280 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in East Orange, based on parent reviews
East Orange zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07018 | 15 | 4.19 | 2 | |
| 07017 | 28 | 4.07 | 8 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in East Orange (25–256 children)
Small
up to 30 children
6
Medium
31–75 children
19
Large
76–150 children
16
Very Large
150+ children
3
Highest rated daycares in East Orange based on parent reviews
200 Midland Ave, East Orange, NJ
Middleton Early Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, nurturing environment, and strong academic and social development outcomes. Parents highlight the convenient location near Glen Ridge, engaging curriculum with enrichment programs, and strong sense of community. Multiple families report their children thrive academically and emotionally while genuinely enjoying attending school.
115 S. Munn Avenue, East Orange, NJ
Community Day Nursery receives consistently high praise from parents who report a warm, family-like atmosphere with caring and professional staff. Parents emphasize the personalized attention their children receive, including staff remembering each child's name, and note the cleanliness and welcoming environment of the facility.
1 4th Ave., East Orange, NJ
One Step Ahead Learning Center receives universal praise from parents who highlight the director Ms. Marlene's leadership, staff dedication, and focus on academic and social development. Parents consistently mention a clean facility, caring teachers, and a Christian-based environment that makes families feel supported.
122 Brighton Avenue, East Orange, NJ
Buzzing Bees Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's professionalism, educational quality, and caring approach. Parents consistently report that their children have thrived developmentally and academically while feeling safe and happy at the facility. The center is noted for its cleanliness, smooth operations, and responsive communication with parents.
100 N Arlington Ave, East Orange, NJ
East Orange YMCA Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with strong commendations for swimming instruction, summer camp programs, and staff professionalism. Parents appreciate the safe environment, diverse activities including basketball and therapy services, and the individual attention instructors provide to children of all skill levels.
98 Greenwood Avenue, East Orange, NJ
Parents consistently praise the East Orange YMCA After School Enrichment Program for its excellent staff, professional instructors, and quality programming in swimming, basketball, and summer camps. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere, safe environment, and individual attention given to children of all abilities. One parent noted the facility could benefit from upgrades for better accommodation.
There are 35 child daycare & preschools in East Orange, New Jersey, making up 80% of the 44 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 East Orange have an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 across 32 rated facilities, with 31% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.4 stars. Our analysis covers 280 parent reviews. Parents in East Orange most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, caring and professional staff, and safe environment.
When choosing a daycare in East Orange, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 35 results
Parents highlight a loving environment and effective teaching methods that make them happy with their children's care. One parent specifically noted the helpful admission process facilitated by staff member Ms. Melicia.
Middleton Early Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, nurturing environment, and strong academic and social development outcomes. Parents highlight the convenient location near Glen Ridge, engaging curriculum with enrichment programs, and strong sense of community. Multiple families report their children thrive academically and emotionally while genuinely enjoying attending school.
Reviewers highlight the center as one of the best preschools in East Orange, noting a very loving environment for children. Parents specifically appreciate the supportive admission process led by Ms. Melicia and the way staff teach and love their kids.
One parent expresses deep gratitude for the services provided at Carlotta's Kids #2. The available feedback is limited to a single positive comment without specific details on operations or staff interactions.
One Step Ahead Learning Center receives universal praise from parents who highlight the director Ms. Marlene's leadership, staff dedication, and focus on academic and social development. Parents consistently mention a clean facility, caring teachers, and a Christian-based environment that makes families feel supported.
Community Day Nursery receives consistently high praise from parents who report a warm, family-like atmosphere with caring and professional staff. Parents emphasize the personalized attention their children receive, including staff remembering each child's name, and note the cleanliness and welcoming environment of the facility.
Reviewers highlight the academy's creative, hands-on teaching and academic results, though one parent criticizes a mandatory early arrival fee that restricts drop-off times. Positive feedback emphasizes the professional and friendly staff, while negative concerns focus on rigid scheduling policies.
Buzzing Bees Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's professionalism, educational quality, and caring approach. Parents consistently report that their children have thrived developmentally and academically while feeling safe and happy at the facility. The center is noted for its cleanliness, smooth operations, and responsive communication with parents.
East Orange YMCA Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with strong commendations for swimming instruction, summer camp programs, and staff professionalism. Parents appreciate the safe environment, diverse activities including basketball and therapy services, and the individual attention instructors provide to children of all skill levels.
Parents praise the East Orange YMCA/Turrell's Gym for its excellent staff, quality programs, and affordable pricing. The facility offers diverse amenities including a pool, basketball gym, and computer room, with positive feedback on after-school programs and summer activities like swimming classes and karate.
Parents consistently praise the East Orange YMCA After School Enrichment Program for its excellent staff, professional instructors, and quality programming in swimming, basketball, and summer camps. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere, safe environment, and individual attention given to children of all abilities. One parent noted the facility could benefit from upgrades for better accommodation.
Parents highlight the staff's family-oriented approach and the owner's flexibility with work hours, noting that the environment is so engaging some children enjoy returning even after graduating. However, one caller reported being screamed at and having a phone call hung up on by the office staff during an inquiry.
Parents consistently praise Nursery Rhyme Academy for its caring, attentive staff and clean, safe facility. Children show enthusiasm for attending daily and demonstrate notable developmental progress. The center is commended for strong communication, structured activities, and special holiday celebrations organized by the owner.
Three Stages Learning Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and dedicated staff. Parents highlight the facility's cleanliness, safety, educational quality, and family-like atmosphere. Many report long-term loyalty, with some families using the center for over a decade.
Three Stages Childcare Center receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate the caring, dedicated staff and safe, clean facilities. Parents highlight the center's educational focus, individual attention to child development, and family-like atmosphere. Many families have used the center for extended periods, indicating strong satisfaction and trust.
Zadie's of the Oranges receives mostly positive reviews praising staff care, cleanliness, and child development activities. However, parents cite high costs ($250/week) and one serious safety concern involving a reported incident of physical discipline and inadequate management response.
One parent reports a negative experience characterized by rude staff and an unpleasant odor resembling old shrimp, which led them to leave immediately without viewing the facility. This single review highlights significant concerns regarding staff demeanor and cleanliness.
Isaiah House Infants & Tiny Tots Day Care receives consistently positive feedback with all reviews rating 4-5 stars. Parents and program participants praise the caring and professional staff, clean facilities, community events, and comprehensive support services including meals, housing assistance, and laundry facilities. The facility is noted as affordable and welcoming to families seeking help.
One parent reports that despite their daughter attending for nearly three years, she has not achieved basic literacy skills such as spelling simple two-letter words.
Zadie's Early Childhood Center receives mixed reviews with ratings ranging from 1-5 stars. Positive reviews highlight caring staff, child development, and peace of mind, while negative reviews cite serious concerns including allergy mismanagement, unsafe conditions, high staff turnover, and inadequate supervision.
Unable to provide summary. The reviews provided are for VA East Orange Medical Center, a Veterans Affairs hospital, not for Lil Tykes Learning Center daycare. No actual daycare reviews are available to summarize.
One parent describes Mr. Gorham and Mrs. Crawlee as kind and helpful, noting the classrooms are welcoming and clean while appreciating the nice neighborhood. However, other feedback highlights significant dissatisfaction, citing understaffing, poor management, and dishonesty from the director, alongside mixed experiences where one child enjoyed their time despite parental concerns.
One parent describes a positive experience with kind staff and clean classrooms, while another finds the environment unsatisfying despite their child's enjoyment. Conversely, a third reviewer reports severe issues including understaffing, poor management, and dishonesty from the director.
Reviews are mixed and mostly focus on the facility's food pantry services rather than daycare operations. One parent reported negative experiences with summer camp organization, citing poor staff identification, rigid entry policies, and scheduling issues.
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