Children at daycare

143 Child Daycare & Preschools in Raleigh, North Carolina

Browse all 143 child daycare & preschools in Raleigh, North Carolina. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Raleigh

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
    Guru Academy INC.
    4.79 score
    5(19)

    3922 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Guru Academy is highly praised by parents for its strong academic focus combined with genuine care from staff and owners. Children show enthusiasm for attending, demonstrate rapid learning progress, and form positive relationships with teachers. Parents consistently report their children are thriving both educationally and emotionally.

    Academic excellencecaring and patient staffowners genuinely invested in children's developmentchildren eager to attend
  2. 2

    5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Temple Beth Or Preschool receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents surveyed. Parents consistently praise the nurturing teachers, strong academic preparation, inclusive community, and warm environment where children thrive both academically and socially.

    Dedicated and nurturing teachersstrong academic curriculum aligned with Jewish valuesinclusive community welcoming to all familieschildren excited to attend
  3. 3

    1020 Penselwood Drive, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Denise's Learn and Play for its caring, attentive staff led by Ashley, with children showing strong academic and social development. Families appreciate the home-based environment, transparent communication, reasonable rates, and the staff's genuine affection for the children. Many parents have kept their children enrolled for multiple years and recommend the facility highly.

    Caring and attentive staffstructured preschool curriculumeducational activities (plantsshapes
  4. 4

    6941 Hilburn Dr, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Primrose School of Hilburn in Raleigh receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, professional staff and quality curriculum. Parents report their children are excited to attend, develop strong skills, and receive individualized attention and support. The school is commended for its responsive communication, developmental focus, and long-tenured staff.

    caring and loving staffresponsive communicationstrong curriculumchild develop
  5. 5

    1215 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise The Goddard School for its caring, invested teachers who help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school is noted for excellent communication, safety, community atmosphere, and successful transitions for children of all ages. Parents report high satisfaction with classroom management, special events, and the overall quality of care.

    Caring and attentive teacherssafe environmentstrong communication with parentschild development progress
  6. 6

    1601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    No reviews of this daycare center were found. The reviews provided are for Mount Peace Baptist Church, not the Mount Peace Child Development Center daycare. Unable to provide accurate summary of parent experiences with the childcare facility.

    None mentioned - reviews are for a churchnot the daycare
  7. 7

    9725 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Cornerstone Learning Center receives universal praise from parents who report their children are thriving academically and emotionally. Parents consistently highlight the caring, engaged staff, effective communication through apps and updates, and strong learning outcomes. Multiple families express relief about their children's development and readiness for kindergarten.

    Caring and engaged teachersresponsive communication with parentsstrong academic and social de
  8. 8

    1590 Dunn Road, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Rainbow Child Care Center (Falls Lake KinderCare) in Raleigh receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring staff, strong leadership, clean facilities, and structured educational programs. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, individualized attention to children, nutritious meals provided, and seamless transitions for children moving from other facilities. The center is noted for going above and beyond expectations in both childcare and educational support.

    Attentive and loving staffstrong leadership (Director Michelle/Shaneek and Assistant Directors)clean and well-maintained facilitiesorganized classrooms
  9. 9
    Asbury Preschool
    4.62 score
    5(8)

    6612 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Asbury Preschool receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, invested teachers and fun, engaging learning environment. Parents report their children develop strong foundational skills, social abilities, and enthusiasm for learning while feeling well-prepared for kindergarten. The facility fosters a family-like community atmosphere that parents value long-term.

    Caring and invested teachersfun and engaging learning methodsstrong skill developmentgood teacher-to-student ratios
  10. 10
    Childworks INC.
    4.6 score
    4.8(15)

    6215 Litchford Rd, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Childworks Inc. for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff. The facility is noted for excellent communication with families, strong leadership under the director, and individual attention to children's development. Multiple long-term families credit the center with supporting their children's growth and confidence.

    Caring and engaged staffstrong communication with parents (photos and updates)individual attention to each child

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Raleigh based on parent reviews

Guru Academy INC.

5(19)

3922 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh, NC

Guru Academy is highly praised by parents for its strong academic focus combined with genuine care from staff and owners. Children show enthusiasm for attending, demonstrate rapid learning progress, and form positive relationships with teachers. Parents consistently report their children are thriving both educationally and emotionally.

Academic excellencecaring and patient staffowners genuinely invested in children's development

Denise'S Learn And Play

5(14)

1020 Penselwood Drive, Raleigh, NC

Parents consistently praise Denise's Learn and Play for its caring, attentive staff led by Ashley, with children showing strong academic and social development. Families appreciate the home-based environment, transparent communication, reasonable rates, and the staff's genuine affection for the children. Many parents have kept their children enrolled for multiple years and recommend the facility highly.

Caring and attentive staffstructured preschool curriculumeducational activities (plants

Primrose School Of Hilburn

5(12)

6941 Hilburn Dr, Raleigh, NC

Primrose School of Hilburn in Raleigh receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, professional staff and quality curriculum. Parents report their children are excited to attend, develop strong skills, and receive individualized attention and support. The school is commended for its responsive communication, developmental focus, and long-tenured staff.

caring and loving staffresponsive communicationstrong curriculum

Mount Peace Child Development Center

4.8(20)

1601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh, NC

No reviews of this daycare center were found. The reviews provided are for Mount Peace Baptist Church, not the Mount Peace Child Development Center daycare. Unable to provide accurate summary of parent experiences with the childcare facility.

None mentioned - reviews are for a churchnot the daycare

Rainbow Child Care Center - Falls Of Neuse

4.8(20)

1590 Dunn Road, Raleigh, NC

Rainbow Child Care Center (Falls Lake KinderCare) in Raleigh receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring staff, strong leadership, clean facilities, and structured educational programs. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, individualized attention to children, nutritious meals provided, and seamless transitions for children moving from other facilities. The center is noted for going above and beyond expectations in both childcare and educational support.

Attentive and loving staffstrong leadership (Director Michelle/Shaneek and Assistant Directors)clean and well-maintained facilities

Childworks INC.

4.8(15)

6215 Litchford Rd, Raleigh, NC

Parents consistently praise Childworks Inc. for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff. The facility is noted for excellent communication with families, strong leadership under the director, and individual attention to children's development. Multiple long-term families credit the center with supporting their children's growth and confidence.

Caring and engaged staffstrong communication with parents (photos and updates)individual attention to each child

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Raleigh, North Carolina

There are 143 child daycare & preschools in Raleigh, North Carolina, making up 81% of the 177 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.

When choosing a daycare in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh

Showing 143 results

Tammy Lynn Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Tammy Lynn Center is a specialized facility serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Raleigh, NC. Parents consistently praise the caring, compassionate staff, clean environment, and effective curriculum, with children described as thriving and loved. The center receives universal 5-star ratings from families who have used their services over multiple years.

Compassionate and caring staffcalming and soothing environmenteffective curriculum
Address
741 Chappell Drive, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 832-3909
Little People Preschool L.L.C.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Little People Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents who praise the caring staff, family-owned atmosphere, and educational curriculum. However, three recent negative reviews describe serious concerns about administrative response to parent complaints, staff emotional regulation, and how behavioral issues were handled.

Warm and caring stafffamily-owned with strong sense of communityon-site animals (goats
Address
4210 Saint James Church Rd, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 876-1761
A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring staff, learning-through-play approach, and emphasis on nature-based activities. The center is commended for academic preparation, outdoor learning opportunities including gardening, healthy food options, and strong parent communication. Multiple reviewers highlight successful transitions for children and positive long-term developmental outcomes.

Attentive and caring st
Address
1216 Crosslink Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 833-9330
Harps Mill Creative School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Harps Mill Creative School receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising the caring and supportive teaching staff, responsive administration, and quality curriculum. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, individual attention to children's development, and live classroom monitoring. One parent expressed concerns about administrative staff lacking empathy and flexibility during difficult personal situations.

caring and supportive teachersresponsive directorwelcoming staff
Address
8504 Harps Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 850-9323
Shaw Univ. Center For Early Childhood Education
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
317 E Lenoir Street, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 546-8365
Mariah'S Christian Preschool Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Mariah's Christian Preschool Center receives mixed reviews with significant contrasts. Three parents praise the warm staff, Christian values, good communication, and family community atmosphere. Two parents report serious concerns including overcrowding, unprofessional director behavior, staff yelling at children, excessive student-to-teacher ratios, and documented violations with the NC childcare licensing board.

Warm and caring staffChristian-based curriculumda
Address
2721 Renfrow Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 832-9888
Garner Road Community Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Garner Road Community Center is highly regarded as a long-standing community institution in Southeast Raleigh with strong family loyalty and multi-generational relationships. Parents and community members praise the facility for its supportive environment, swimming lessons, counselor training programs, and commitment to helping families through financial and personal hardships. The center extends its mission beyond childcare to serve as a refuge and community hub offering sports facilities, church services, and back-to-school support.

Exceptional staff leadershipmulti-generational family involvementacademic support and counselor training opportunities
Address
2235 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 856-2356
Kids First Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Kids First Academy receives mixed reviews with most parents praising the caring staff, cleanliness, and leadership of director Ms. Loleta Brown. However, several negative reviews cite health concerns, communication issues, unprofessional staff responses, and organizational problems.

Compassionate and caring staffprofessional director (Ms. Loleta Brown)clean and sanitized facility
Address
3308 Poole Rd, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 255-3313
Happy Times Childcare Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Happy Times Childcare Learning Center in Raleigh receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all 10 recent reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the warm, welcoming environment, dedicated staff, and strong academic and social development their children experience.

Warm and welcoming atmospherepatient and caring teachersbilingual instruction (English and Spanish)
Address
301 North King Charles Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 235-2618
Lynn Road Childcare Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Parents consistently praise Lynn Road Childcare Academy for providing safe, loving, and attentive care. Staff members are noted as caring, knowledgeable, and experienced, including with special needs like premature infants. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and excited to attend daily.

Caring and experienced staffsafe environmentchild development support
Address
1024 Lynn Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 239-4687
Precious Promises Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Precious Promises Academy receives mixed reviews with most parents praising the caring staff and family-like environment, particularly director Sharon and teacher Mrs. Kat. However, serious concerns have been raised about administrative conduct, communication issues, and alleged inappropriate treatment of children by the director.

Loving and nurturing stafffamily-oriented atmospherelong-term enrollment satisfaction
Address
4301 Pearl Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
NOT AVAILABLE
Jo'S Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Jo's Daycare receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the staff's friendliness, personal attention to children, and family-like atmosphere. However, one negative review alleges unprofessionalism and disorganization from management. The majority of reviews highlight the owner Ms. Jo's hands-on involvement and the quality of care provided.

Friendly and welcoming staffpersonal attention to childrenfamily-like atmosphere
Address
616 Hadley Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 664-8976
Foundations Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8
Address
2823 Sanderford Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 833-7309
Raleigh Nursery School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Raleigh Nursery School receives highly polarized reviews. The majority of parents praise it as a loving, enriched learning environment with experienced staff, quality meals, outdoor learning, and strong kindergarten preparation. However, a minority of parents report poor communication with leadership, concerns about building security, and dismissive interactions with the director.

Family-oriented approachoutdoor learning opportunitiesemotional regulation teaching
Address
1035 Halifax Street, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 834-2136
Learning World Childcare & Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7
Address
1030 N Rogers Lane, Suite 141, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 264-9838
Guidepost Montessori Spruce Tree
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Guidepost Montessori Spruce Tree receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the Montessori approach, teacher dedication, and director leadership, reporting strong child development and smooth transitions. However, some parents report poor communication, lack of accountability, policy inconsistency, and unresolved deposit refunds.

Montessori-based learning approachattentive and caring teachersintentional classroom design
Address
12600 Spruce Tree Way, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 825-1771
Pam'S Loving Hands Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7
Address
417 Walton St, Raleigh, NC
Phone
NOT AVAILABLE
Touched By Lorraine'S Loving Hands
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7
Address
3301-104 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 868-7123
Early Preschool And Learning Center L.L.C.
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Early Preschool and Learning Center receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the caring teachers, particularly Mrs. Kennedy, and report that children are happy, comfortable, and academically prepared. However, some parents had negative phone interactions with staff, describing rude and dismissive communication.

Caring and loving teacherschildren enjoy attendingstrong academic preparation
Address
2614 Fairway Drive, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 772-4109
The Growing Place
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4

The Growing Place receives mixed reviews with strong praise from satisfied parents who highlight excellent academic preparation, caring staff, and family-like treatment, but two parents gave very low ratings with minimal detail about their concerns.

Academic readiness for kindergartencaring and sweet teacherssafe environment
Address
7600 Falls Of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 847-0160
Pam'S School Of Raleigh
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3

Pam's School of Raleigh receives mixed reviews. Positive reviews praise the clean facility, friendly staff, and happy children, while negative reviews raise serious concerns about alleged verbal abuse by a teacher and state investigation, as well as noise complaints from neighbors.

Clean facilityorganizedfriendly staff
Address
2705 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 832-0766
The Happy Face Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3

The Happy Face Preschool in Raleigh receives mostly positive nostalgic reviews from former students who attended years ago, citing happy memories and positive teacher relationships. However, one recent review raises concerns about how children are treated, suggesting potential issues with staff conduct.

Caring and memorable teacherspositive social development for introverted childrencreates lasting positive impressions and early childhood memories
Address
5010 Fort Sumter Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 233-8081
The Daniel Center For Math And Science
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.2
Address
735 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 828-6443
Wanda'S Little Hands Educational Center #2
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.2

Wanda's Little Hands has highly polarized reviews. Positive reviewers praise the educational quality, staff care, and long-term academic success of children who attended. Negative reviewers cite serious concerns about director behavior, teacher retention, inadequate teaching, bullying issues, and prioritizing profit over child welfare.

Educational excellencechildren's academic achievementcaring and loving staff (teachers)
Address
3400 Poole Rd, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 231-6004
Wanda'S Little Hands Educational Center #1
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.2

Wanda's Little Hands Educational Center receives highly polarized reviews with strong praise from satisfied parents highlighting educational quality, staff care, and child development outcomes, but significant criticism from others regarding director attitude, teacher turnover, lack of academic focus, and administrative responsiveness.

Educational quality and early academic achievementcaring and loving staff teachersstructured programs and activities
Address
3308 Poole Rd, Suite 108, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 231-9960
Busy Bees Learning Center II
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.8
Address
2108 N New Hope Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 231-0893
Priceless Child Care INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.8
Address
316 S King Charles Rd, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 231-3564
Dorothy Babb Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.6

Reviews appear to be mismatched with this daycare center, containing feedback about Carolina Ale House restaurants instead of Dorothy Babb Academy. The two daycare-related reviews are highly positive, praising staff helpfulness and overall quality. The majority of reviews discuss restaurant service issues and are irrelevant to this childcare facility.

Staff helpfulness and responsivenessOverall quality of care
Address
6510 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
NOT AVAILABLE
The Goddard School
Child Daycare & Preschools

The Goddard School in Raleigh receives unanimous five-star reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, strong academic curriculum, and nurturing environment. Parents consistently highlight the director and teachers by name, noting exceptional child development outcomes and excellent communication with families. The facility is described as clean, safe, and offering engaging enrichment activities.

Caring and knowledgeable staffstrong academic preparation for kindergarten and beyondopen communication with parents
Address
6600 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 787-5002
Maracas Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12401 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC
Phone
(919) 745-1359

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Frequently asked questions

There are 143 child daycare & preschools daycares in Raleigh, North Carolina, out of 177 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Raleigh, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with North Carolina's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in North Carolina)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Raleigh offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 143 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 14 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 18 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 North Carolina 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 Raleigh for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Raleigh must be licensed by North Carolina'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.