Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland, OR
Compare 149 child daycare & preschools in Portland. Average rating: 4.55/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Portland, Oregon at a glance
- Programs
- 149
- Avg rating
- 4.55/5
- Parent reviews
- 929
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 67
Portland has 149 licensed child daycare & preschools with 929 parent reviews averaging 4.55/5.67 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 67% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 97212 zip code, averaging 5 stars across 19 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Portland
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.
- 1Creative Minds Learning Center - Gateway4.8 score5(20)
334 Se 146th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Creative Minds Learning Center (Cadence Academy) Gateway receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, engaging staff and strong developmental outcomes for their children. Parents highlight the director Emily's supportive leadership, creative teachers, and smooth transitions to kindergarten, with families reporting their children thrived socially and academically during their time at the center.
Warm and engaging staffstrong social and academic preparation for kindergartencreative lesson plans and activitiesresponsive and communicative director - 2Overlook Collaborative Preschool4.78 score5(18)
1707 N Jarrett St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 12 children
Overlook Collaborative Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, welcoming environment and thoughtful, child-centered approach to education. Parents highlight the dedicated leadership of owner Erin and her teaching staff, along with the school's excellent daily communication and play-based learning model. Children are reported to show enthusiasm for attending, confidence growth, and strong social-emotional development.
Warm and welcoming environmentthoughtful and caring teacherschild-led/play-based curriculumdaily email updates with pictures and stories - 3St James Child Development Center4.77 score5(17)
1315 Sw Park Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
St. James Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the dedicated, long-tenured staff and warm community atmosphere. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with many staying enrolled for multiple years and willingly commuting despite distance to keep their children there.
Highly experienced and stable staff with low turnovercaring and attentive teachersstrong sense of community - 4Northeast Community Child Development Center4.74 score5(14)
1624 Ne Hancock St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Northeast Community Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently high praise from parents. The center is recognized for its experienced and caring staff, play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional growth, extended operating hours, and large secure outdoor courtyard. Parents particularly value the cooperative model that encourages parent involvement and the inclusive, community-oriented environment.
Experienced and dedicated long-term teacherswarm and caring staffplay-based curriculum with emphasis on social-emotional learningextended hours (7:30am-5:30pm) - 5Creative Minds Learning Center-Woodstock4.72 score4.9(20)
7103 Se 60th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. The director Estera is highlighted as responsive and organized, and the facility provides meals, enrichment activities, and outdoor play. Multiple families report their children have made significant developmental gains and enjoy attending.
Caring and attentive staffresponsive directorclean facilitymeals provided - 6David Douglas Day Care4.72 score4.9(20)
1610 Se 130th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 68 children
Parents consistently praise David Douglas Day Care for its caring, experienced staff, strong leadership, and inclusive environment. Children thrive academically and socially while parents appreciate the competitive pricing, flexible policies, and excellent communication. This family-owned business is described as special, with staff who genuinely love the children and attract quality families to their community.
Caring and patient teachersminimal staff turnoverre - 7Irvington Preschool Co-Op4.71 score5(12)
2710 Ne 14th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Irvington Preschool Co-Op is a highly regarded play-based preschool in Portland where parents consistently praise the warm, respectful community and child-led learning approach. Teacher Sam is repeatedly highlighted as exceptional, deeply understanding individual children and fostering their social-emotional growth. The co-op model is valued for enabling meaningful family involvement and authentic community building.
Play-based learning environmentchild-led approachTeacher Sam's exceptional care and skillwarm and respectful community - 8Aprende Con Amigos LLC4.67 score5(10)
5206 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Aprende con Amigos is a highly regarded Spanish immersion preschool in Portland where parents report exceptional experiences. Parents consistently praise the bilingual curriculum, caring and well-trained staff, strong child development practices, and nurturing environment that supports both academic and social growth.
Spanish immersion programbilingual language developmentthoughtful curriculum combining Waldorf/Montessori/Reggio Emilia approacheshighly trained and passionate staff - 9Aleph Bet Jewish Day School4.64 score5(9)
6612 Sw Capital Hwy, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Parents consistently praise Aleph Bet Jewish Day School (The Gan) as a nurturing, safe environment that combines progressive education with Jewish cultural foundations. The director Mimi and teaching staff are highlighted as warm, experienced, and responsive, with children showing genuine enthusiasm for attending. Parents appreciate the balance of academic learning tailored to individual development and strong emotional support.
Warm and caring staffdirector's kindness and professionalismReggio method trainingindividualized learning pace - 10El Pilar School4.64 score5(9)
6805 Sw Vermont St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children
El Pilar School is a highly-regarded center-based daycare in Portland with 25 years of operation under owner Imma. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, child development outcomes, and Spanish language instruction, with children showing enthusiasm for attendance. The facility prioritizes genuine care and structured learning over modern communication apps.
Caring and attentive staffstrong Spanish language developmentstructured daily schedulesmooth transitions between age groups
Rating Distribution
Based on 100 daycares with Google ratings in Portland
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 929 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Portland, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Portland zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97212 | 19 | 5 | 9 | |
| 97215 | 7 | 4.87 | 3 | |
| 97206 | 15 | 4.81 | 7 | |
| 97220 | 6 | 4.8 | 1 | |
| 97217 | 12 | 4.73 | 5 | |
| 97219 | 19 | 4.72 | 5 | |
| 97201 | 12 | 4.67 | 2 | |
| 97232 | 6 | 4.58 | 2 | |
| 97213 | 8 | 4.58 | 3 | |
| 97229 | 17 | 4.57 | 2 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Portland (8–185 children)
Small
up to 30 children
75
Medium
31–75 children
106
Large
76–150 children
52
Very Large
150+ children
9
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Portland based on parent reviews
Creative Minds Learning Center - Gateway
334 Se 146th Ave, Portland, OR
Creative Minds Learning Center (Cadence Academy) Gateway receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, engaging staff and strong developmental outcomes for their children. Parents highlight the director Emily's supportive leadership, creative teachers, and smooth transitions to kindergarten, with families reporting their children thrived socially and academically during their time at the center.
Overlook Collaborative Preschool
1707 N Jarrett St, Portland, OR
Overlook Collaborative Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, welcoming environment and thoughtful, child-centered approach to education. Parents highlight the dedicated leadership of owner Erin and her teaching staff, along with the school's excellent daily communication and play-based learning model. Children are reported to show enthusiasm for attending, confidence growth, and strong social-emotional development.
St James Child Development Center
1315 Sw Park Ave, Portland, OR
St. James Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the dedicated, long-tenured staff and warm community atmosphere. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with many staying enrolled for multiple years and willingly commuting despite distance to keep their children there.
Northeast Community Child Development Center
1624 Ne Hancock St, Portland, OR
Northeast Community Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently high praise from parents. The center is recognized for its experienced and caring staff, play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional growth, extended operating hours, and large secure outdoor courtyard. Parents particularly value the cooperative model that encourages parent involvement and the inclusive, community-oriented environment.
Creative Minds Learning Center-Woodstock
7103 Se 60th Ave, Portland, OR
Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. The director Estera is highlighted as responsive and organized, and the facility provides meals, enrichment activities, and outdoor play. Multiple families report their children have made significant developmental gains and enjoy attending.
David Douglas Day Care
1610 Se 130th Ave, Portland, OR
Parents consistently praise David Douglas Day Care for its caring, experienced staff, strong leadership, and inclusive environment. Children thrive academically and socially while parents appreciate the competitive pricing, flexible policies, and excellent communication. This family-owned business is described as special, with staff who genuinely love the children and attract quality families to their community.
Map
Daycare types in Portland
Browse by type in Portland
Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland, Oregon
Portland offers a robust selection of 149 childcare and preschool facilities, providing parents with diverse options to suit their specific needs. Reviews highlight a strong emphasis on affordable pricing, safe environments, and caring staff across the city's various neighborhoods. Parents will find a wide range of approaches, from traditional daycare to specialized programs, ensuring there is a fit for every family.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Portland have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 across 100 rated facilities, with 67% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 4.67 stars. Our analysis covers 929 parent reviews. Parents in Portland most frequently praise daycares for safe environment, affordable pricing, and caring and attentive staff.
When choosing a daycare in Portland, 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 Portland
Showing 149 results
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- 0122 Sw Corbett St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 3214 Se Holgate, Portland, OR
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- 1516 Nw Thurman, Portland, OR
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- 110 Nw 17th, Portland, OR
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- 3560 Ne Hollyrood Ct, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 4043 Ne Fremont St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 5431 Ne 20th Ave, Portland, OR
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- 151 Sw Vermont St, Portland, OR
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- 5202 N Bowdoin St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 0122 Sw Arthur St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 2409 N Saratoga St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent highlights Ashley as a caring and supportive first point of contact who strictly adheres to privacy protocols, while another reviewer reports a negative experience with an unhelpful phone representative who failed to follow through on promised referrals for domestic violence assistance.
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- 1021 Sw 4th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 4326 Ne Killingsworth St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 10525 Se Cherry Blossom Dr, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 12000 Sw 49th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 1111 Sw 2nd Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 11845 Se Market St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 4920 Sw Vermont St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 3710 Sw Us Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 1120 Sw 5th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 4013 Ne 18th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
KinderCare Downtown Portland receives consistently positive reviews from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and directors. Parents highlight strong communication, developmental progress, and a warm, family-like environment. One parent reported two hitting incidents with their toddler in 2023, though they noted significant improvement under new leadership by 2025.
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- 1400 Sw 5th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 12029 Ne Ainsworth Cir, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 2730 Nw Vaughn St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
Child Roots Center for Young Children in Portland receives consistently high praise from parents across multiple reviews. Parents highlight the warm, safe environment, attentive staff, and strong community feel, with particular appreciation for how the center maintained quality care through the pandemic and major life transitions.
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- 50 Se 17th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 1740 Nw Flanders St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 10531 Sw Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 26 Ne Morris St, Portland, OR
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- (503) 288-8553
WE VILLAGE is a highly-regarded center-based daycare in Portland, Oregon with 10 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the caring, experienced staff, clean modern facilities, and strong focus on child development and emotional intelligence. Families report their children are happy, thriving, and eager to attend daily.
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- 424 Nw 11th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 511 Se 60th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Oregon's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Oregon)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 149 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 21 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 72 facilities