Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Montclair, NJ
Compare 16 child daycare & preschools in Montclair. Average rating: 4.79/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Montclair, New Jersey at a glance
- Programs
- 16
- Avg rating
- 4.79/5
- Parent reviews
- 127
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 12
Montclair has 16 licensed child daycare & preschools with 127 parent reviews averaging 4.79/5.12 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 86% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 07042 zip code, averaging 4.77 stars across 19 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Montclair
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.
- 1Park Street Academy4.8 score5(20)
46 Park Street, Montclair, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 105 children
Park Street Academy is a highly regarded preschool in Montclair praised for its nurturing environment, well-structured curriculum, and strong sense of community. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, personalized approach to child development, and enriching extracurricular activities. The school is credited with preparing children academically for kindergarten while fostering social-emotional growth and lasting family friendships.
Warm and caring teache - 2Mmo Programs4.74 score5(14)
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children
MMO Programs receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, nurturing staff and directors who genuinely care for children. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, experience strong social and emotional growth, and benefit from enriching, fun activities. The center is also noted for accommodating work schedules and offering extended hours through 6:30 PM.
warm and nurturing staffattentive teachersgenuine care for childrenenriching and fun activities - 3Early Explorers LLC4.67 score5(10)
67 Church Street, Montclair, NJ · Church Daycare · Capacity: 46 children
Early Explorers LLC receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the warm, family-like atmosphere and experienced staff led by owner Gary. Parents highlight exceptional care across academic, social, and emotional development, with children leaving well-prepared for kindergarten. The facility is described as a hidden gem that balances structured learning with play-based exploration in a nurturing, home-like environment.
Warmnurturing staff; experienced caregivers; strong sense of community; excellent communication with parents; balanced academics and play-based learning; small class sizes; child confidence and independence; safeclean facility; social and emotional development; caring owner; flexible approach; children well-prepared for kindergarten - 4Watchung Coopeative Nursery School4.58 score5(7)
24 N Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ · Church Daycare · Capacity: 30 children
Watchung Cooperative Nursery School is a highly-regarded play-based preschool where parents consistently praise the warm community, individualized child-centered learning approach, and nurturing environment. Parents particularly value the cooperative model that allows them to participate in classroom activities and build strong connections with other families. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially in this supportive setting.
play-based learningchild-centered approachstrong sense of communityparental involvement opportunities - 5Building Blocks University Early Childhood Enrichment4.53 score4.9(7)
85a Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 82 children
Building Blocks University Early Childhood Enrichment receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents highlight the caring teachers, strong academic preparation for kindergarten, clean facilities, and enrichment programs. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report high satisfaction with their experiences.
Caring and nurturing teachersexcellent kindergarten preparationclean facilityenrichment programs (yoga - 6Parkside Montessori School INC.4.5 score5(5)
53 Norwood Ave, Montclair, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 60 children
Parents consistently praise Parkside Montessori School for its certified Montessori teachers who genuinely implement the Montessori philosophy. Children reportedly arrive home happy daily and show enthusiasm for school. The staff is described as dedicated and caring, with multi-year families noting the school consistently exceeds expectations.
Certified Montessori teachersauthentic Montessori curriculum implementationchild enthusiasm and happinessdedicated staff - 7Anny'S Playhouse Child Development Center LLC4.44 score4.8(6)
213 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Parents consistently praise Serendipity (note: reviews reference this name, not the listed center name) for its caring staff, strong teacher-child relationships, and welcoming environment. Director Ms. Jennifer is highlighted as kind, professional, and responsive. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in learning, and excited to attend.
Caring and kind staffstrong teacher-child relationshipsdirector Ms. Jennifer is responsive and availablesecure facility with code entry and pickup verification - 8Montclair Ymca(Hillside)School-Age Child Care4.4 score4.5(20)
54 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children
Parents praise the Montclair YMCA school-age childcare program for its professional and caring staff who provide structured, engaging activities. The facility is well-maintained, offers diverse programs (aftercare, summer camp, staycation), and creates a welcoming, safe environment where children thrive.
Professional and caring staffstructured and enriching activitieswelcoming atmospherewell-maintained facilities - 9Neighborhood Child Care Center INC.4.21 score4.3(11)
30 Maple Ave, Montclair, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 103 children
Neighborhood Child Care Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, family-like community atmosphere, and long-standing reputation for quality care. However, one parent reported serious concerns about inadequate support and sudden termination of their child with autism and ADHD, along with neglect of basic care needs.
Dedicated and loving staffstrong sense of communitymulti-generational families returnchild safety and well-being prioritized
Rating Distribution
Based on 14 daycares with Google ratings in Montclair
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Montclair, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Montclair zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07042 | 19 | 4.77 | 11 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Montclair (30–379 children)
Small
up to 30 children
2
Medium
31–75 children
6
Large
76–150 children
11
Very Large
150+ children
3
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Montclair based on parent reviews
Park Street Academy
46 Park Street, Montclair, NJ
Park Street Academy is a highly regarded preschool in Montclair praised for its nurturing environment, well-structured curriculum, and strong sense of community. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, personalized approach to child development, and enriching extracurricular activities. The school is credited with preparing children academically for kindergarten while fostering social-emotional growth and lasting family friendships.
Mmo Programs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
MMO Programs receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, nurturing staff and directors who genuinely care for children. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, experience strong social and emotional growth, and benefit from enriching, fun activities. The center is also noted for accommodating work schedules and offering extended hours through 6:30 PM.
Building Blocks University Early Childhood Enrichment
85a Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
Building Blocks University Early Childhood Enrichment receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents highlight the caring teachers, strong academic preparation for kindergarten, clean facilities, and enrichment programs. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report high satisfaction with their experiences.
Anny'S Playhouse Child Development Center LLC
213 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ
Parents consistently praise Serendipity (note: reviews reference this name, not the listed center name) for its caring staff, strong teacher-child relationships, and welcoming environment. Director Ms. Jennifer is highlighted as kind, professional, and responsive. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in learning, and excited to attend.
Montclair Ymca(Hillside)School-Age Child Care
54 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ
Parents praise the Montclair YMCA school-age childcare program for its professional and caring staff who provide structured, engaging activities. The facility is well-maintained, offers diverse programs (aftercare, summer camp, staycation), and creates a welcoming, safe environment where children thrive.
Montclair Community Pre-K
49 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ
One parent highlights the program's long history and positive impact on their children's early education, while another specifically commends a teacher named Mrs. Muller. A third review offers a brief endorsement of the school as a great institution.
Map
Daycare types in Montclair
Child Daycare & Preschools in Montclair, New Jersey
There are 16 child daycare & preschools in Montclair, New Jersey, making up 73% of the 22 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 Montclair have an average rating of 4.79 out of 5 across 14 rated facilities, with 86% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 127 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Montclair, 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 Montclair
Showing 16 results
MMO Programs receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, nurturing staff and directors who genuinely care for children. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend, experience strong social and emotional growth, and benefit from enriching, fun activities. The center is also noted for accommodating work schedules and offering extended hours through 6:30 PM.
- Address
- 40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 744-6521
Park Street Academy is a highly regarded preschool in Montclair praised for its nurturing environment, well-structured curriculum, and strong sense of community. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, personalized approach to child development, and enriching extracurricular activities. The school is credited with preparing children academically for kindergarten while fostering social-emotional growth and lasting family friendships.
- Address
- 46 Park Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 783-1900
Parents describe Shomrei Emunah Preschool as a warm, welcoming community that functions as a second home, offering strong religious education and social opportunities for both children and families. Reviewers highlight the excellent, play-based curriculum and the supportive involvement of the new Rabbi, noting that the center has helped them build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
- Address
- 67 Park Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 746-5031
One parent highlights the program's long history and positive impact on their children's early education, while another specifically commends a teacher named Mrs. Muller. A third review offers a brief endorsement of the school as a great institution.
- Address
- 49 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 509-4500
One parent describes the staff and people as absolutely amazing, noting they are glad to have brought their two children there for additional support during the school year. The review highlights a positive experience with the center-based care. No specific drawbacks were mentioned in the available feedback.
- Address
- 11 Pine Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 746-0553
Building Blocks University Early Childhood Enrichment receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents highlight the caring teachers, strong academic preparation for kindergarten, clean facilities, and enrichment programs. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and report high satisfaction with their experiences.
- Address
- 85a Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 744-7200
Parents consistently praise Serendipity (note: reviews reference this name, not the listed center name) for its caring staff, strong teacher-child relationships, and welcoming environment. Director Ms. Jennifer is highlighted as kind, professional, and responsive. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in learning, and excited to attend.
- Address
- 213 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 509-0030
Parents praise the Montclair YMCA school-age childcare program for its professional and caring staff who provide structured, engaging activities. The facility is well-maintained, offers diverse programs (aftercare, summer camp, staycation), and creates a welcoming, safe environment where children thrive.
- Address
- 54 Orange Rd, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 509-9641
Neighborhood Child Care Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring staff, family-like community atmosphere, and long-standing reputation for quality care. However, one parent reported serious concerns about inadequate support and sudden termination of their child with autism and ADHD, along with neglect of basic care needs.
- Address
- 30 Maple Ave, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 744-4228
One reviewer highly recommends the center, praising its large, beautiful home-like setting, experienced staff, and the evident happiness of the children. Another parent offers a brief endorsement of the staff, while a third criticizes the director for inappropriate involvement in a private family court matter.
- Address
- 32 Pleasant Ave, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 744-5905
- Address
- 20 Edgemont Rd, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 509-6089
- Address
- 32 Cedar Ave, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 509-8386
- Address
- 14 Garden Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 655-9758
Montclair Child Development Center receives consistently high praise from parents for its clean, safe, and well-equipped facility. Parents highlight the caring, professional staff, strong educational foundation, and exceptional support services including workshops and social worker assistance. The center is particularly valued by low-income families as an affordable, stable resource that treats families like community members.
- Address
- 33 Fulton Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 783-0220
- Address
- 603 Grove Street, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 655-9756
- Address
- 87 Mt. Hebron Rd, Montclair, NJ
- Phone
- (973) 509-4159
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with New Jersey's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in New Jersey)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 16 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 3 facilities