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98 Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, South Carolina

Browse all 98 child daycare & preschools in Columbia, South Carolina. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Columbia

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

    7310 Nursery Road, Columbia, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Creative Learning Place receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, nurturing staff and welcoming family-like environment. Parents highlight strong communication, educational preparation for kindergarten, and their children's enthusiasm for attending. The center is noted for its small class sizes and personalized attention to each child.

    Caring and loving staffstrong teacher-parent communicationchild enthusiasm for schooleducational cu
  2. 2

    1215 N. Brickyard Road, Columbia, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Magnanimous Kids Learning Center receives universal 5-star praise from parents who consistently highlight exceptional educational outcomes and caring staff. Parents report significant academic progress in reading, writing, and math, along with improvements in confidence, social skills, and emotional development. The center is particularly commended for transforming shy or struggling learners into confident, enthusiastic students.

    Dedicated and passionate staff (espec
  3. 3

    3005 Devine Street, Columbia, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Reviews praise the church's childcare program for exceptional teaching quality and child protection. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere and engaging environment. The facility is also noted for hosting well-received community events like Oktoberfest.

    Amazing teachersexcellent learning experienceschild safety and protectionwelcoming community
  4. 4

    91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Spring Valley Baptist Church Preschool receives uniformly positive feedback from parents, who praise the Christ-centered curriculum, warm and welcoming staff, and strong relationships teachers build with children. Parents consistently highlight the caring environment, spiritual growth opportunities, and safe, secure facilities. The facility is commended for its animal-themed decor and overall quality of early childhood education.

    Christ-centered curriculumcaring an
  5. 5

    1540 Elmtree Road, Columbia, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Parents consistently praise Southeast Child Development Center for its compassionate, dedicated staff and quality care. The facility offers home-cooked meals, strong security measures, and Christian values. Teachers are noted for providing foundational education and addressing individual developmental needs like speech support.

    Compassionate and caring staffhome-cooked mealssafety and security measures with camerasChristian environment
  6. 6

    6505 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    McGregor Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who emphasize the caring, professional teachers and nurturing Christian environment. Parents highlight the balance of structured learning activities and play-based learning methods that encourage child development, independence, and kindness.

    Caring and committed teacherslearning through playChristian environmentdaily crafts and learning activities
  7. 7

    2729 Covenant Road, Columbia, SC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

    Center for Learning Inc receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and strong learning environment. Parents highlight the school's resources, extracurricular activities, field trips, and safe family atmosphere. Children are reportedly engaged and reluctant to leave at the end of the day.

    caring and knowledgeable staffstrong parent-teacher communicationextensive resources and toolsfield trips to out-of-state locations
  8. 8
    Kathwood Preschool
    4.48 score
    4.7(11)

    4900 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Kathwood is a religious facility in Columbia, South Carolina, that parents describe as a welcoming and inclusive Baptist church community. Reviews emphasize the friendly atmosphere, strong sense of family, quality fellowship programs, and meaningful pastoral leadership. One parent noted their son attended preschool there in the early 1980s.

    Welcoming and inclusive environmentfriendly staff and congregationstrong sense of community and familyquality fellowship and food programs
  9. 9

    6408 Bridgewood Road, Columbia, SC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church ELC in Columbia receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a caring, family-oriented environment with compassionate staff and strong educational programs. Parents highlight the center's responsive leadership, quality curriculum, and daily communication through the Brightwheel app. Multiple families report their children thriving academically and emotionally, with strong attachment to teachers and the school community.

    Caring and patient stafffamily-like atmosphereresponsive to behavioral and developmental challengesquality curriculum
  10. 10

    1118 Union St., Columbia, SC · Headstart Programs · Capacity: -999 children

    Union Street Early Head Start has a 4.7/5 Google rating with 10 reviews. The facility receives overwhelming praise for compassionate staff and comprehensive support services, though some users report inconsistent service quality and communication delays depending on case worker assignment.

    Caring and supportive staffcomprehensive assistance with housing and employmentwelcoming environmentprofessional services

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Columbia based on parent reviews

Creative Learning Place

5(9)

7310 Nursery Road, Columbia, SC

Creative Learning Place receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, nurturing staff and welcoming family-like environment. Parents highlight strong communication, educational preparation for kindergarten, and their children's enthusiasm for attending. The center is noted for its small class sizes and personalized attention to each child.

Caring and loving staffstrong teacher-parent communicationchild enthusiasm for school

Magnanimous Kids Learning Center

4.8(20)

1215 N. Brickyard Road, Columbia, SC

Magnanimous Kids Learning Center receives universal 5-star praise from parents who consistently highlight exceptional educational outcomes and caring staff. Parents report significant academic progress in reading, writing, and math, along with improvements in confidence, social skills, and emotional development. The center is particularly commended for transforming shy or struggling learners into confident, enthusiastic students.

Dedicated and passionate staff (espec

Incarnation Lutheran Child Development Center

4.7(20)

3005 Devine Street, Columbia, SC

Reviews praise the church's childcare program for exceptional teaching quality and child protection. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere and engaging environment. The facility is also noted for hosting well-received community events like Oktoberfest.

Amazing teachersexcellent learning experienceschild safety and protection

Southeast Child Development Center

5(6)

1540 Elmtree Road, Columbia, SC

Parents consistently praise Southeast Child Development Center for its compassionate, dedicated staff and quality care. The facility offers home-cooked meals, strong security measures, and Christian values. Teachers are noted for providing foundational education and addressing individual developmental needs like speech support.

Compassionate and caring staffhome-cooked mealssafety and security measures with cameras

Mcgregor Presbyterian Preschool

5(5)

6505 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC

McGregor Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who emphasize the caring, professional teachers and nurturing Christian environment. Parents highlight the balance of structured learning activities and play-based learning methods that encourage child development, independence, and kindness.

Caring and committed teacherslearning through playChristian environment

Center For Learning INC

5(5)

2729 Covenant Road, Columbia, SC

Center for Learning Inc receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff and strong learning environment. Parents highlight the school's resources, extracurricular activities, field trips, and safe family atmosphere. Children are reportedly engaged and reluctant to leave at the end of the day.

caring and knowledgeable staffstrong parent-teacher communicationextensive resources and tools

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in Columbia, South Carolina

There are 98 child daycare & preschools in Columbia, South Carolina, making up 82% of the 120 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia

Showing 98 results

Lake Murray Montessori School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Lake Murray Montessori School receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the Montessori curriculum, dedicated teachers, and individualized attention that helps children excel academically and socially. However, one parent reported their child was isolated at a separate table during meals and activities, and felt the owner and teacher dismissed their concerns.

Montessori curriculum effectivenesschildren advanced academicallydedicate
Address
312 Elders Pond, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 788-7522
Cooper'S Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
34 Samson Circle, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 708-3827
Children'S Garden
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Children's Garden as a hidden gem outdoor park in Columbia with themed gardens and interactive play areas. The fully fenced space with single entrance is noted as safe for young children, and the well-maintained grounds feature multiple themed sections including butterfly gardens, reading areas, sand pits, and trails. Families appreciate the peaceful, intentionally-designed environment and shaded areas for picnicking.

fully fenced secure areathemed educational gardensbutterfly garden
Address
4801 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 333-0608
Saint John Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Saint John Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with parents praising strong academics, Christian values, attentive staff, and children's developmental progress. One parent reported significant concerns about frequent facility closures, questionable fever screening practices, and inflexible field trip policies that disrupted work schedules.

Strong academic curriculumChristian/biblical foundationSpanish and sign language instruction
Address
3404 Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 256-8542
Play Pals Day Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4
Address
1246 Dothan Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 798-3535
Montessori Early Learning Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Montessori Early Learning Center is highly praised by parents for its dedicated staff, strong Montessori methodology, and nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and personal development. Parents consistently report that their children thrive intellectually, socially, and emotionally, with many noting accelerated academic progress and a genuine love of learning. The school is described as a foundational investment in their children's education and future success.

Dedicated and caring teachersstrong Montessori curriculumaccelerated academic development
Address
1101 Balsam Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 772-2262
Footprints Day Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4
Address
805 William Hardin Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 401-5422
Lollipop Lane Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Lollipop Lane Day Care Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, individualized attention to children, and safe environment. Most reviewers report their children are happy and look forward to attending. Two negative reviews cite concerns about shuttle bus driving safety and outdoor eating policies.

caring and kind staffchildren are happy and engagedindividualized attention to each child
Address
4536 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 782-1144
The Montessori School Of Columbia
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Parents consistently praise The Montessori School of Columbia for its supportive, nurturing environment and strong focus on whole-child development including social-emotional growth. Children are reported to thrive academically and personally, with staff described as caring, experienced, and responsive to feedback. The school is noted for its authentic Montessori approach and inclusive community values.

Experienced and caring teachersauthentic Montessori methodsocial-emotional development
Address
411 S. Maple St., Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 783-8838
Cadence Academy Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Cadence Academy Preschool in Columbia receives consistently high praise from parents, with staff being described as caring, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child's development. Parents highlight strong communication, smooth transitions for new students, and engaging activities. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with children eager to attend each day.

Caring and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentssmooth transitions for new students
Address
450 Columbiana Drive, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 749-9553
Good Shepherd Day School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Good Shepherd Day School is described as a clean, well-maintained facility with a strong faith-based community atmosphere. Most reviewers praise the church family environment and spiritual focus. One reviewer expressed disappointment about the discontinuation of contemporary services.

Clean facilitybeautiful environmentstrong faith-based community
Address
3909 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 787-4148
Arthurtown Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
223 Riley Street, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 254-9400
Aspire Early Learning Academy LLC 3
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
1535 Lorick Avenue, Columbia, SC
Phone
(843) 364-1496
Pineview Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
1916 Pineview Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 695-1311
St. Paul'S Child Care Ministry
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

St. Paul's Child Care Ministry in Columbia receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the friendly and caring staff. The facility offers convenient downtown location and flexible hours. One reviewer reported a negative experience with staff rudeness.

friendly and kind staffgreat with childrenconvenient downtown location
Address
1715 Bull Street, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 254-9287
Dream Catcher Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
4114 A Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 462-0632
Divine Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2
Address
2720 Hardscrabble Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 462-9713
Fantasy Island Infant And Childcare Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Fantasy Island Infant and Childcare Center receives largely positive feedback, with most parents praising the caring staff and strong bonds children form with caregivers. One parent reported a negative experience regarding application processing and enrollment procedures.

Friendly and attentive staffowner follows up with parentschildren love attending
Address
2126 Chestnut Street, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 254-5635
Seven Oaks Kids Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Seven Oaks Kids Academy in Columbia receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the warm, family-like environment, dedicated staff, and strong communication from leadership. The center is noted for supporting children's development across various ages and needs, including those with special requirements.

Punctual opening timescleanlinessquality food program
Address
150 Leisure Lane, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 798-4904
Trinity Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 254-5819
Kingdom Kids Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Kingdom Kids Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising staff attentiveness, educational curriculum, and child development gains, particularly in speech and social skills. However, two negative reviews raise serious safety and hygiene concerns, including a child leaving the classroom unsupervised and allegations of inadequate sanitation and staff training.

Christian-based curriculumattentive and caring staffdirector praised for excellence
Address
7004 Brookfield Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 736-6601
Bethel Learning Centers
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
819 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 779-1816
Victory Learning Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9
Address
1732 Decker Boulevard, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 828-4489
Nana'S Little Elephant Cdc/Phase 2
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8
Address
2601 River Drive, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 252-3113
Kinder Academy LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Parents consistently praise Kinder Academy LLC as an excellent daycare with caring, attentive staff and a clean learning environment. Children show measurable progress in development and vocabulary, and families report their children are excited and happy to attend. The facility is noted for quality meals, educational activities, and staff who treat children with genuine care and kindness.

Friendly and knowledgeable staffclean facilitychild development and learning progress
Address
302 S. Beltline Blvd., Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 738-1471
Gig Holding LLC @ Children'S World
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

GIG HOLDING LLC @ CHILDREN'S WORLD receives mixed reviews with strong praise from most parents citing loving staff, patient teachers, early education focus, and safe environment for infants. However, a small number of parents reported serious concerns including a biting incident with inadequate communication and cleanliness/organizational issues.

Welcoming and caring staffpatient with adjustment periodsearly education instruction
Address
1225 Piney Grove Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 772-9017
Education Express
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.7

Education Express is a well-established daycare in Columbia that parents consistently praise for its caring, family-like environment and developmental focus. Staff members are noted as understanding, communicative, and attentive to individual children's needs. The facility serves infants through school-age children and offers engaging activities and programs.

Caring and family-oriented staffstrong communication with parentsdevelopmental progress and learning outc
Address
102 Columbia Northeast Drive, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 419-3004
Woodfield Enrichment Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.6

Woodfield Enrichment Center receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the staff as caring, patient, and trustworthy, noting their children are safe, loved, and learn well. However, several negative reviews allege staff misconduct, including physical handling of children and failure to report injuries to parents.

Caring and patient staffclean facilitychildren learn and have fun
Address
2540 Kneece Road, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 865-7151
Watch Me Sprout Learning & Afterschool Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.6
Address
900 Greenlawn Drive, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 542-7227
Cadence Academy And Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5

Cadence Academy receives consistently high praise from parents, with all 10 recent reviews rating it 5 stars. Parents highlight exceptional teachers and staff who provide personalized attention, a structured curriculum, and a welcoming environment where children thrive and enjoy learning.

Dedicated and caring teacherssmooth drop-offsstructured curriculum with varied learning activities
Address
1130 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC
Phone
(803) 788-2255

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Frequently asked questions

There are 98 child daycare & preschools daycares in Columbia, South Carolina, out of 120 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 Columbia, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with South Carolina's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in South Carolina)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Columbia offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 98 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 4 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 8 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 10 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 South 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 Columbia for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Columbia must be licensed by South 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.