Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Rutherford, NJ
Compare 11 child daycare & preschools in Rutherford. Average rating: 4.24/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Rutherford, New Jersey at a glance
- Programs
- 11
- Avg rating
- 4.24/5
- Parent reviews
- 207
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 7
Rutherford has 11 licensed child daycare & preschools with 207 parent reviews averaging 4.24/5.7 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 47% of rated programs, well above average.The largest concentration is in 07070 with 16 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Rutherford
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.
- 1Tiny Sprouts4.67 score5(10)
84 Kip Avenue, Rutherford, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 27 children
Tiny Sprouts is a highly-rated center-based daycare in Rutherford, NJ with 9 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the qualified staff, strong teacher-to-child ratios, engaging curriculum with extracurricular activities, and excellent communication. Children reportedly adjust well, learn quickly, and enjoy attending.
Qualified and nurturing teachersstrong teacher-to-child ratiosclean and well-organized classroomsengaging curriculum with extracurricular - 2The Children'S Place Early Care & Learning Center4.67 score5(10)
276 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children
The Children's Place Early Care & Learning Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and passionate staff. Parents consistently highlight the center's focus on both education and play, with children showing strong developmental progress and enthusiasm for attending. The owner and staff are frequently commended for their individual attention, professionalism, and genuine care.
Warm and welcoming atmosphereattentive and caring staffpassionate about child developmentengaging educational and creative activities - 3Rutherford Montessori School4.64 score5(9)
128 West Passaic Avenue, Rutherford, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 76 children
Rutherford Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff, warm welcoming environment, and strong Montessori curriculum that prepares children academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight the individualized attention, cleanliness, communication from leadership (particularly Ms. Diane), and the noticeable developmental growth their children experience across all age groups from infants through Pre-K.
- 4Learn Smart Preschool4.56 score4.7(20)
145 Mortimer Ave, Rutherford, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Learn Smart Preschool in Rutherford receives consistently high praise from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting the staff's genuine care, individualized attention to each child's development, and inclusive environment. Parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and social-emotional growth.
Caring and knowledgeable staffindividualized child development supportinclusive classroom settingsstrong special needs support with dedicated behavioral therapists - 5The Meadow'S School4.56 score4.7(20)
102 Borough Street, Rutherford, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 108 children
The Meadows School in Rutherford, NJ receives consistently high praise from parents who report excellent staff care, strong early childhood education outcomes, and a nurturing environment. Parents highlight the school's attentiveness to individual child needs, enriching activities, and strong communication with families. Multiple families credit the school with preparing their children academically and emotionally for kindergarten and beyond.
caring and attentive staffstrong academics (countinglettersbasic math) - 6Schoolhouse Early Learning Center LLC4.29 score4.4(13)
168 Chestnut Street, Rutherford, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children
Schoolhouse Early Learning Center in Rutherford receives unanimous praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, modern communication app with daily updates, and well-structured learning environment. Multiple families have enrolled siblings and some continue attending despite relocating due to their strong satisfaction.
Caring and loving staffclean and organized facilitiesreal-time app updates with photos and messagesexperienced director Danielle - 7Goldilocks Children Learning Center INC.3.78 score3.7(14)
110 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 53 children
Parents consistently praise Goldilocks Children Learning Center for its caring, experienced staff, engaging curriculum, and nurturing environment. Children reportedly transition smoothly, develop strong academic skills, and enjoy attending daily. The director, Ms. Anna, is frequently highlighted for her understanding, accommodating approach and partnership with families.
Affordable pricingcaring and patient staffsafe and welcoming environmentrich activity program including field trips - 8Meadowlands Area Ymca-Sacc - Sylvan School3.6 score3.5(20)
109 Sylvan St, Rutherford, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
The Meadowlands Area YMCA-SACC in Rutherford receives mostly positive feedback for its facilities, cleanliness, and staff professionalism. However, reviews highlight concerns about inconsistent facility maintenance, staffing during peak times, and some instances of staff unprofessionalism. Parents appreciate the diverse programs and amenities but note issues with scheduling and equitable treatment.
Clean facilitiesprofessional and friendly staffdiverse programs ( - 9Meadowlands Area Ymca-Sacc - Lincoln School3.6 score3.5(20)
414 Montross Ave, Rutherford, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
Reviews for Meadowlands Area YMCA-SACC are mixed, with most praising the facility's cleanliness, staff professionalism, and diverse programming. However, some parents express concerns about maintenance standards, staffing during peak times, and inconsistent staff behavior.
Clean facilitiesprofessional and friendly staffdiverse programming (swimminggymnastics - 10Meadowlands Area Ymca-Sacc - Washington School3.6 score3.5(20)
89 Wood St, Rutherford, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 100 children
Reviews praise the YMCA facility for its cleanliness, diverse programming, and professional staff. However, concerns are raised about maintenance inconsistencies, staff professionalism issues, and scheduling limitations for family activities.
Clean facilitiesdiverse programming and classesprofessional and friendly staff memberspool amenities
Rating Distribution
Based on 15 daycares with Google ratings in Rutherford
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 207 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Rutherford, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Rutherford zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07070 | 16 | 4.24 | 7 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Rutherford (27–257 children)
Small
up to 30 children
3
Medium
31–75 children
6
Large
76–150 children
6
Very Large
150+ children
1
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Rutherford based on parent reviews
Tiny Sprouts
84 Kip Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
Tiny Sprouts is a highly-rated center-based daycare in Rutherford, NJ with 9 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the qualified staff, strong teacher-to-child ratios, engaging curriculum with extracurricular activities, and excellent communication. Children reportedly adjust well, learn quickly, and enjoy attending.
The Children'S Place Early Care & Learning Center
276 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ
The Children's Place Early Care & Learning Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and passionate staff. Parents consistently highlight the center's focus on both education and play, with children showing strong developmental progress and enthusiasm for attending. The owner and staff are frequently commended for their individual attention, professionalism, and genuine care.
Rutherford Montessori School
128 West Passaic Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
Rutherford Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff, warm welcoming environment, and strong Montessori curriculum that prepares children academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight the individualized attention, cleanliness, communication from leadership (particularly Ms. Diane), and the noticeable developmental growth their children experience across all age groups from infants through Pre-K.
Learn Smart Preschool
145 Mortimer Ave, Rutherford, NJ
Learn Smart Preschool in Rutherford receives consistently high praise from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting the staff's genuine care, individualized attention to each child's development, and inclusive environment. Parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and social-emotional growth.
Schoolhouse Early Learning Center LLC
168 Chestnut Street, Rutherford, NJ
Schoolhouse Early Learning Center in Rutherford receives unanimous praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, modern communication app with daily updates, and well-structured learning environment. Multiple families have enrolled siblings and some continue attending despite relocating due to their strong satisfaction.
A Plus Academy
38 Ames Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
Parents highlight that their children have enjoyed a joyful and engaging learning environment at A Plus Academy, noting significant growth and happiness. Reviewers appreciate the facility's cleanliness, spaciousness, and the dedicated nature of the staff.
Map
Daycare types in Rutherford
Child Daycare & Preschools in Rutherford, New Jersey
There are 11 child daycare & preschools in Rutherford, New Jersey, making up 69% of the 16 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 Rutherford have an average rating of 4.24 out of 5 across 15 rated facilities, with 47% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.49 stars. Our analysis covers 207 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Rutherford, 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 Rutherford
Showing 11 results
Tiny Sprouts is a highly-rated center-based daycare in Rutherford, NJ with 9 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the qualified staff, strong teacher-to-child ratios, engaging curriculum with extracurricular activities, and excellent communication. Children reportedly adjust well, learn quickly, and enjoy attending.
- Address
- 84 Kip Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 531-0111
The Children's Place Early Care & Learning Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and passionate staff. Parents consistently highlight the center's focus on both education and play, with children showing strong developmental progress and enthusiasm for attending. The owner and staff are frequently commended for their individual attention, professionalism, and genuine care.
- Address
- 276 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 507-8811
Parents highlight that their children have enjoyed a joyful and engaging learning environment at A Plus Academy, noting significant growth and happiness. Reviewers appreciate the facility's cleanliness, spaciousness, and the dedicated nature of the staff.
- Address
- 38 Ames Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 933-8401
Rutherford Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff, warm welcoming environment, and strong Montessori curriculum that prepares children academically and socially. Parents consistently highlight the individualized attention, cleanliness, communication from leadership (particularly Ms. Diane), and the noticeable developmental growth their children experience across all age groups from infants through Pre-K.
- Address
- 128 West Passaic Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 842-1515
One parent describes the Rutherford Cooperative Day Nursery as a safe and fun environment where children learn effectively while making friends. The reviewer highlights the quality of the teachers and notes that the cooperative structure offers a positive experience for both children and parents.
- Address
- 32 Ridge Rd, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 438-0899
Learn Smart Preschool in Rutherford receives consistently high praise from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting the staff's genuine care, individualized attention to each child's development, and inclusive environment. Parents report significant improvements in their children's learning and social-emotional growth.
- Address
- 145 Mortimer Ave, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 438-7633
Schoolhouse Early Learning Center in Rutherford receives unanimous praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, modern communication app with daily updates, and well-structured learning environment. Multiple families have enrolled siblings and some continue attending despite relocating due to their strong satisfaction.
- Address
- 168 Chestnut Street, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 933-5100
One parent highlights effective communication and timely updates from staff member Jessica L., while another offers unrelated comments about Pokémon Go and a general sentiment. A single negative review warns against the summer camp, citing poorly trained staff.
- Address
- 30 Woodland Ave, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 935-0014
Parents consistently praise Goldilocks Children Learning Center for its caring, experienced staff, engaging curriculum, and nurturing environment. Children reportedly transition smoothly, develop strong academic skills, and enjoy attending daily. The director, Ms. Anna, is frequently highlighted for her understanding, accommodating approach and partnership with families.
- Address
- 110 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 460-1770
Feedback is sharply divided, with some parents praising the affordable cost and happy, well-learned children, while others cite severe hygiene issues including a damp basement, strange odors, and health problems like rashes and fevers. Several reviewers criticize the facility's physical environment, noting it is located in a basement with poor airflow and potentially unclean staff attire.
- Address
- 56 W Passaic Ave, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 933-0580
Lightbridge Academy-Rutherford receives universal 5-star reviews praising exceptional teacher dedication, caring staff, and positive child development. Parents highlight individual teachers' commitment to personalized attention, creating safe and nurturing learning environments, and supporting smooth transitions. The facility is described as a welcoming, family-like community where children thrive academically and emotionally.
- Address
- 201 Route 17 North, Rutherford, NJ
- Phone
- (201) 372-0049
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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 — 11 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 5 facilities