Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in South Plainfield, NJ

Compare 6 child daycare & preschools in South Plainfield. Average rating: 4.76/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

South Plainfield, New Jersey at a glance

Programs
6
Avg rating
4.76/5
Parent reviews
52
Top rated (4.5+)
6

South Plainfield has 6 licensed child daycare & preschools with 52 parent reviews averaging 4.76/5.6 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 75% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 07080 zip code, averaging 4.76 stars across 11 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in South Plainfield

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.

  1. 1
    Greatstart Early Learning Of South Plainfield
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    4001 Hadley Road, Suite F, South Plainfield, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 103 children

    Parents consistently praise Greatstart Early Learning as an exceptional daycare with a strong educational curriculum, caring and experienced staff, and a clean, safe environment. Children are described as well-prepared for kindergarten and showing significant developmental progress in academic skills, social-emotional learning, and life skills.

    Experienced and stable staff with low turnoverstrong academic curriculum emphasizing reading and mathclean and well-maintained facilitycaring and patient teachers
  2. 2
    Petits Enfants Academy LLC
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    1 Cragwood Road, South Plainfield, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 132 children

    Petits Enfants Academy LLC receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers, clean facilities, and Montessori-based curriculum. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, strong teacher-child relationships, and communication app that keeps them updated throughout the day. The center is recommended for both infant care and pre-K programs.

    Kind and caring teachersclean and spacious classroomsMontessori curriculumcommunication app with photos and videos
  3. 3
    Creative Kids Academy
    4.64 score
    5(9)

    1615 Clinton Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 61 children

    Creative Kids Academy receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff led by Director Mr. Dan. Parents report their children experience significant academic, social, and emotional growth, with excellent kindergarten preparation and a welcoming family-like environment.

    Caring and professional stafffamily atmospherestrong academic and social-emotional learningcreative and engaging activities

Rating Distribution

Based on 8 daycares with Google ratings in South Plainfield

4.5 - 5.0
6
4.0 - 4.4
2
3.0 - 3.9
0
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in South Plainfield, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.68avg rating
6 daycares · 6 rated

Before or After School Daycare

5avg rating
5 daycares · 2 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

South Plainfield zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
0708011
4.76
6

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in South Plainfield (29–176 children)

Small

up to 30 children

1

Medium

31–75 children

3

Large

76–150 children

5

Very Large

150+ children

2

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in South Plainfield based on parent reviews

Greatstart Early Learning Of South Plainfield

4.9(20)

4001 Hadley Road, Suite F, South Plainfield, NJ

Parents consistently praise Greatstart Early Learning as an exceptional daycare with a strong educational curriculum, caring and experienced staff, and a clean, safe environment. Children are described as well-prepared for kindergarten and showing significant developmental progress in academic skills, social-emotional learning, and life skills.

Experienced and stable staff with low turnoverstrong academic curriculum emphasizing reading and mathclean and well-maintained facility

Petits Enfants Academy LLC

5(10)

1 Cragwood Road, South Plainfield, NJ

Petits Enfants Academy LLC receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers, clean facilities, and Montessori-based curriculum. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, strong teacher-child relationships, and communication app that keeps them updated throughout the day. The center is recommended for both infant care and pre-K programs.

Kind and caring teachersclean and spacious classroomsMontessori curriculum

Creative Kids Academy

5(9)

1615 Clinton Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ

Creative Kids Academy receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff led by Director Mr. Dan. Parents report their children experience significant academic, social, and emotional growth, with excellent kindergarten preparation and a welcoming family-like environment.

Caring and professional stafffamily atmospherestrong academic and social-emotional learning

A Small World

5(4)

810 Hamilton Blvd, South Plainfield, NJ

Parents at A Small World highlight the owner's long-standing dedication and the staff's welcoming, family-like care as key reasons for their satisfaction. While one child experiences typical separation anxiety, families report feeling safe and comfortable from enrollment through daily attendance.

Owner's 27 years of experiencewelcoming and comfortable enrollment processstaff described as amazing and caring

The Bookhouse INC.

4.2(3)

140 Front Street, South Plainfield, NJ

One parent highly recommends the center for its top-notch teaching staff and significant academic progress in reading, math, and social skills. However, another parent reports that their child failed to learn basic concepts before kindergarten, resulting in academic struggles upon entering school.

top-notch teaching staffstrong academic progress in reading and mathemphasis on manners and character traits

Lil Big Ones LLC - Durham Plaza

4(4)

134 Durham Ave, South Plainfield, NJ

Several parents describe Lil Big Ones as a comfortable and educational environment with caring teachers and clean facilities, while one reviewer strongly criticizes the ownership for prioritizing profit over child care.

Warm and clean environmentgood learning outcomescaring and patient teachers

Map

Daycare types in South Plainfield

Child Daycare & Preschools 6Before or After School Daycare 5

Child Daycare & Preschools in South Plainfield, New Jersey

There are 6 child daycare & preschools in South Plainfield, New Jersey, making up 55% of the 11 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 South Plainfield have an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 across 8 rated facilities, with 75% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 52 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in South Plainfield, 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 South Plainfield

Showing 6 results

Creative Kids Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Creative Kids Academy receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff led by Director Mr. Dan. Parents report their children experience significant academic, social, and emotional growth, with excellent kindergarten preparation and a welcoming family-like environment.

Caring and professional stafffamily atmospherestrong academic and social-emotional learning
Address
1615 Clinton Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ
Phone
(908) 753-4477
A Small World
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents at A Small World highlight the owner's long-standing dedication and the staff's welcoming, family-like care as key reasons for their satisfaction. While one child experiences typical separation anxiety, families report feeling safe and comfortable from enrollment through daily attendance.

Owner's 27 years of experiencewelcoming and comfortable enrollment processstaff described as amazing and caring
Address
810 Hamilton Blvd, South Plainfield, NJ
Phone
(908) 754-5400
Petits Enfants Academy LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Petits Enfants Academy LLC receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teachers, clean facilities, and Montessori-based curriculum. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, strong teacher-child relationships, and communication app that keeps them updated throughout the day. The center is recommended for both infant care and pre-K programs.

Kind and caring teachersclean and spacious classroomsMontessori curriculum
Address
1 Cragwood Road, South Plainfield, NJ
Phone
(908) 205-0069
Greatstart Early Learning Of South Plainfield
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Greatstart Early Learning as an exceptional daycare with a strong educational curriculum, caring and experienced staff, and a clean, safe environment. Children are described as well-prepared for kindergarten and showing significant developmental progress in academic skills, social-emotional learning, and life skills.

Experienced and stable staff with low turnoverstrong academic curriculum emphasizing reading and mathclean and well-maintained facility
Address
4001 Hadley Road, Suite F, South Plainfield, NJ
Phone
(908) 755-9669
The Bookhouse INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

One parent highly recommends the center for its top-notch teaching staff and significant academic progress in reading, math, and social skills. However, another parent reports that their child failed to learn basic concepts before kindergarten, resulting in academic struggles upon entering school.

top-notch teaching staffstrong academic progress in reading and mathemphasis on manners and character traits
Address
140 Front Street, South Plainfield, NJ
Phone
(732) 485-5822
Lil Big Ones LLC - Durham Plaza
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Several parents describe Lil Big Ones as a comfortable and educational environment with caring teachers and clean facilities, while one reviewer strongly criticizes the ownership for prioritizing profit over child care.

Warm and clean environmentgood learning outcomescaring and patient teachers
Address
134 Durham Ave, South Plainfield, NJ
Phone
(908) 757-2004

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Frequently asked questions

There are 6 child daycare & preschools daycares in South Plainfield, New Jersey, out of 11 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in South Plainfield have an average Google rating of 4.76 out of 5 across 8 rated facilities. About 75% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in South Plainfield, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • 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
South Plainfield offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 6 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 5 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in New Jersey typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in South Plainfield for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in South Plainfield must be licensed by New Jersey's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.