Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Austin, TX
Compare 399 child daycare & preschools in Austin. Average rating: 4.56/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Austin, Texas at a glance
- Programs
- 399
- Avg rating
- 4.56/5
- Parent reviews
- 3,162
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 150
Austin has 399 licensed child daycare & preschools with 3,162 parent reviews averaging 4.56/5.150 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 67% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 78741 (avg 5 stars), while 78704 has the largest selection (30 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Austin
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.
- 1Nature Preschool Center4.8 score5(20)
6030 W Highway 290, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 37 children
Nature Preschool Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise its nature-based curriculum, outdoor learning emphasis, and exceptional teachers led by director Aarti. Parents highlight significant improvements in their children's academic skills, social development, confidence, and love of learning. The school creates a warm, nurturing community where children thrive both educationally and personally.
Nature-based curriculumextensive outdoor play and explorationhands-on multi-sensory learningpassionate and caring teachers - 2Reggio Emilia Multilingual Preschool Academy4.8 score5(20)
5710 Mccarty Ln, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 140 children
Reggio Emilia Multilingual Preschool Academy in Austin receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing community where children thrive. Parents highlight the exceptional, caring staff, beautiful campus with outdoor spaces and animals, multilingual curriculum, and strong parent communication. Children reportedly love attending and show genuine excitement and happiness daily.
Warm and caring staffbeautiful campus with playgrounds and outdoor spacesfarm animalsart atelier - 3First Foundations Preschool4.8 score5(20)
11902 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 200 children
First Foundations Preschool in Austin receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, qualified teaching staff, strong academics, and faith-based curriculum. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, low student-to-teacher ratios, sense of community, and the director's personal attention as key strengths that support children's growth.
Exceptional and highly qualified teachersfaith-centered curriculumlow student-to-teacher ratios - 4Palomita Child Development Center Child Incorporated4.8 score5(20)
4905 Maufrais Ln, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 79 children
Parents consistently praise Angels Care & Learning Center (Maufrais location) for its attentive, caring staff and strong communication with families. Children show improved development, confidence, and enthusiasm for attending. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and provides a nurturing, family-like environment with educational activities including Spanish language instruction.
Caring and attentive staffconsistent teachers building child confidenceexcellent parent communicationclean and well-maintained facility - 5Arbor Montessori Academy4.8 score5(20)
11726 Jollyville Rd, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 110 children
Arbor Montessori Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewers who praise the school's authentic Montessori approach, exceptional teacher consistency, and strong academic preparation for children. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, stable community, and positive impact on their children's confidence and learning outcomes.
Low teacher turnoverconsistent and caring staffstrong academic preparationauthentic Montessori methodology - 6Bright Kids Child Development Center4.77 score5(17)
10713 N Fm 620, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 76 children
Bright Kids Child Development Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and family-oriented environment. Parents consistently highlight their children's happiness, development, and the center's excellent communication and engaging curriculum.
caring and loving staffsafe and clean environmentengaging curriculumregular updates with pictures/videos - 7Aim And Focus Karate4.77 score5(17)
8516 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
Aim and Focus Karate is highly regarded by parents for its structured martial arts instruction and character development program. Master Ben Johnson and his staff are praised for teaching discipline, respect, and confidence while maintaining rigorous standards rather than operating as a 'belt factory.' Parents report significant positive changes in their children's behavior, self-esteem, and overall development.
Excellent instruction and instructor expertisestrong emphasis on discipline and respectcharacter developmentaffordable afterschool care - 8Covenant Presbyterian Preschool4.75 score5(15)
3003 Northland Dr, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children
Covenant Presbyterian Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the loving, nurturing environment and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the balance between play-based learning and age-appropriate education, along with the caring and dedicated staff who make families feel welcomed and supported.
Loving and nurturing teacherssafe and welcoming environmentstrong sense of community and familyplay-based learning approach - 9First English Lutheran Child Development Center4.74 score5(14)
3001 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 78 children
First English Lutheran Child Development Center receives consistently high praise from parents who appreciate its warm, community-focused environment and play-based learning approach. Parents highlight the caring staff, low student-teacher ratios, on-site prepared meals, and strong social-emotional learning focus as key strengths that keep children excited to attend daily.
Caring and attentive stafflow student-teacher ratiosplay-based and Montessori-style learningsocial-emotional learning focus - 10St Michaels Episcopal Day School4.74 score5(14)
1500 N Capital Of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children
St. Michael's Episcopal Day School in Austin receives perfect 5-star ratings from all reviewers. Parents consistently praise the Reggio-inspired, play-based learning approach, exceptional staff who genuinely care for each child, beautiful campus with extensive outdoor spaces, and strong sense of community and belonging.
Reggio-inspired hands-on learning approachcaring and invested teachers and stafflow student-to-teacher ratios with personalized attentionbeauti
Rating Distribution
Based on 223 daycares with Google ratings in Austin
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 3,162 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Austin, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Austin zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78741 | 6 | 5 | 1 | |
| 78738 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |
| 78744 | 18 | 4.94 | 5 | |
| 78705 | 5 | 4.85 | 4 | |
| 78726 | 11 | 4.8 | 8 | |
| 78756 | 12 | 4.77 | 8 | |
| 78717 | 11 | 4.75 | 2 | |
| 78732 | 6 | 4.7 | 1 | |
| 78704 | 30 | 4.7 | 12 | |
| 78750 | 15 | 4.68 | 7 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Austin (12–767 children)
Small
up to 30 children
44
Medium
31–75 children
182
Large
76–150 children
159
Very Large
150+ children
80
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Austin based on parent reviews
Nature Preschool Center
6030 W Highway 290, Austin, TX
Nature Preschool Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise its nature-based curriculum, outdoor learning emphasis, and exceptional teachers led by director Aarti. Parents highlight significant improvements in their children's academic skills, social development, confidence, and love of learning. The school creates a warm, nurturing community where children thrive both educationally and personally.
Reggio Emilia Multilingual Preschool Academy
5710 Mccarty Ln, Austin, TX
Reggio Emilia Multilingual Preschool Academy in Austin receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing community where children thrive. Parents highlight the exceptional, caring staff, beautiful campus with outdoor spaces and animals, multilingual curriculum, and strong parent communication. Children reportedly love attending and show genuine excitement and happiness daily.
First Foundations Preschool
11902 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX
First Foundations Preschool in Austin receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, qualified teaching staff, strong academics, and faith-based curriculum. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, low student-to-teacher ratios, sense of community, and the director's personal attention as key strengths that support children's growth.
Palomita Child Development Center Child Incorporated
4905 Maufrais Ln, Austin, TX
Parents consistently praise Angels Care & Learning Center (Maufrais location) for its attentive, caring staff and strong communication with families. Children show improved development, confidence, and enthusiasm for attending. The facility is clean, well-maintained, and provides a nurturing, family-like environment with educational activities including Spanish language instruction.
Arbor Montessori Academy
11726 Jollyville Rd, Austin, TX
Arbor Montessori Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewers who praise the school's authentic Montessori approach, exceptional teacher consistency, and strong academic preparation for children. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, stable community, and positive impact on their children's confidence and learning outcomes.
Bright Kids Child Development Center
10713 N Fm 620, Austin, TX
Bright Kids Child Development Center receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and family-oriented environment. Parents consistently highlight their children's happiness, development, and the center's excellent communication and engaging curriculum.
Map
Daycare types in Austin
Browse by type in Austin
Child Daycare & Preschools in Austin, Texas
Austin offers a robust selection of 399 childcare facilities, ranging from large centers to intimate home-based programs, ensuring options for diverse family needs. Parents consistently highlight the importance of caring staff, safe environments, and clean facilities when making their choice. The directory also highlights standout neighborhoods like 78741, which maintains an impressive average rating across its local centers.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Austin have an average rating of 4.56 out of 5 across 223 rated facilities, with 67% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.78 stars. Our analysis covers 3,162 parent reviews. Parents in Austin most frequently praise daycares for safe environment, caring and attentive staff, and clean facility.
When choosing a daycare in Austin, 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 Austin
Showing 399 results
Children's Therapeutics Developmental Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for specialized therapeutic services (speech, occupational, and physical therapy) with most parents reporting significant developmental progress in their children. However, two recent reviews cite billing irregularities and poor scheduling communication as serious concerns.
- Address
- 3211 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 533-9313
Tender Memories Learning Center in Austin receives consistently high praise from parents. All 10 reviews are 5-star ratings, with parents citing caring and attentive staff, clean facilities, nutritious meals, good communication, and children who are happy and thriving. Parents appreciate the smaller size, reasonable tuition, and bilingual opportunities.
- Address
- 308 W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 444-1600
Parents consistently praise Children's Discovery Center for its play-based, outdoor-focused philosophy where children thrive in nature-rich environments. Staff are described as caring, communicative, and genuinely invested in each child's well-being and development. The facility's abundant outdoor space, including individual classroom play areas and amenities like a pool, is highlighted as a major differentiator.
- Address
- 3515 Convict Hill Rd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 899-2267
- Address
- 9725 Circle Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 609-8123
Brodie Lane Child Development Center receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the family-like environment, cleanliness, and caring staff. Parents particularly highlight the director's personal attention to children and appreciate specific teachers' dedication and helpfulness. One parent expressed dissatisfaction with management operations.
- Address
- 8105 Brodie Ln, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 292-7234
Parents consistently praise Stepping Stone School III in Austin for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment. Reviews highlight the teachers' genuine love for the children, strong management, and well-structured programs including STEM activities and art. Families report feeling welcomed and supported, with many praising the school's stability and staff retention.
- Address
- 6616 Mcneil Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 258-9141
Wells Branch YMCA receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the quality of teachers and staff. Parents highlight the welcoming environment, dual language programs, arts integration, enrichment activities, and active community involvement through garden programs and PTA participation.
- Address
- 14650 Merriltown Rd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 251-5899
Parents consistently praise Tutor Time Child Care Learning Center for its warm, caring staff who genuinely invest in each child's development. Children are reported to be excited and happy to attend, with strong learning outcomes in academics and social skills. The facility maintains cleanliness, provides engaging activities, and offers excellent communication through photos, videos, and live camera access.
- Address
- 6801 Dallas Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 335-6553
Happy Faces Bilingual Child Care Center receives mostly positive reviews praising staff care, bilingual education, and family-like environment, though a small number of parents reported poor customer service and facility concerns. Most reviewers highlight children's happiness and educational activities, with some noting long-term enrollment spanning years.
- Address
- 1115 E Saint Johns Ave, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 454-2348
Little Rascals Daycare has highly polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise the previous owner Ms. Della and staff for personalized care, communication with parents, flexibility, and creating a happy learning environment. However, negative recent reviews criticize the new ownership for being understaffed, overcrowded, disorganized, and lacking passion for childcare.
- Address
- 1006 E Yager Ln, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 873-7101
Parents highlight the school's engaging nature-based curriculum and loving teachers, though one review warns that the staff may be ill-equipped to handle neurodivergent children with specific behavioral needs. Another parent reports significant frustrations with inconsistent and unreliable payment handling by administrative staff.
- Address
- 301 Nature Center Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 329-8238
Saida's Little People is a small, family-oriented daycare with overwhelmingly positive reviews from most families who praise the caring staff and loving environment. However, there are serious allegations from a minority of reviewers regarding disciplinary practices and staff conduct that warrant investigation.
- Address
- 5006 Crestmont Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 419-1898
Feedback is mixed, with one parent reporting significant social and learning improvements for their child, while others cite serious safety concerns and inflexible policies. A severe complaint details a lack of transparency and accountability regarding inappropriate touching between students, leading to immediate withdrawal. Additional negative feedback focuses on rigid pickup times and perceived disrespect toward single parents.
- Address
- 1808 Cedar Bend Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 284-7464
Star Center Gymnastics receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the quality of instruction, friendly staff, and positive impact on children's confidence and skills. Parents highlight successful competitive achievements, good Covid-19 health practices, and engaging birthday party experiences. One concern raised was facility cleanliness.
- Address
- 3100 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 280-8532
Parents highlight the caring teachers, a holistic cultural approach, and high-quality fresh Chinese food, noting that children feel safe and happy enough to skip goodbye rituals or ask to stay longer. One parent appreciated the environment but noted a regret regarding the lack of current language immersion programs.
- Address
- 11713 Jollyville Rd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 336-5069
- Address
- 5915 Lacrosse Ave, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 288-0061
Austin South Christian Academy receives mixed reviews with most parents praising staff responsiveness, communication, and child development, though a few report serious safety concerns, inadequate supervision, and unresponsive management to behavioral incidents.
- Address
- 200b W Stassney Ln, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 447-2229
- Address
- 409 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 444-4026
WAYA is a youth sports organization offering recreational and competitive programs for children ages 4 through junior high school in Central/West Austin. Most parents praise the variety of sports offerings, positive community environment, and focus on instilling a love of sports and lifelong skills. However, some parents report concerns about coaching quality, high pressure, poor communication, and data security issues.
- Address
- 1314 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 473-2528
- Address
- 1208 Willow St, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 476-4505
- Address
- 15408 Scarlet St, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 712-6109
- Address
- 3208 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 459-5062
- Address
- 4603 N Ih 35, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 709-5288
Capital City Kids Daycare receives mixed reviews with strong praise from satisfied long-term families but serious concerns from others. Positive reviewers highlight caring teachers, structured curriculum, cleanliness, and personalized communication. However, negative reviews cite poor staff hospitality, inadequate child care practices, abrupt dismissals without notice, and unresponsive management.
- Address
- 13107 Dessau Rd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 251-9951
- Address
- 1135 Garland Ave, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 928-8070
- Address
- 4402 Hudson Bend Rd, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 351-3403
- Address
- 12410 Tomanet Trl, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 218-5950
- Address
- 3800 S 2nd St, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 445-0006
- Address
- 3800 S 2nd St, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 472-9402
- Address
- 6001 Westcreek Dr, Austin, TX
- Phone
- (512) 414-3810
Page 7 of 14· 399 results
Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Texas's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Texas)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 399 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
- Church Daycare — 8 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 57 facilities