Children at daycare

Best Headstart Programs in Gadsden, AL

Compare 6 headstart programs in Gadsden. Average rating: 4.6/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Gadsden, Alabama at a glance

Programs
6
Avg rating
4.6/5
Parent reviews
73
Top rated (4.5+)
5

Gadsden has 6 licensed headstart programs with 73 parent reviews averaging 4.6/5.5 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 63% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 35901 zip code, averaging 4.78 stars across 11 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Gadsden

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
    Rainbow Church Of Christ
    4.65 score
    4.9(13)

    2201 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Rainbow Church of Christ is a religious facility in Gadsden, Alabama with perfect 5/5 ratings across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the welcoming and friendly atmosphere, quality of spiritual instruction, and community outreach programs offered at the church.

    Welcoming and friendly staffexcellent pastor and spiritual messagescommunity programs (food pantrytrunk-or-treating
  2. 2
    Meadowbrook Baptist Church
    4.64 score
    4.8(20)

    2525 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

    Note: Reviews appear to be for the church itself rather than the daycare program. Reviewers consistently praise Meadowbrook Baptist Church for its welcoming community, strong biblical teaching, and spiritual atmosphere. The facility and staff receive high marks for friendliness and genuine hospitality.

    Welcoming and friendly staffPastor Randy Gunter's leadership and preachingstrong biblical instructionlife groups and Bible studies

Rating Distribution

Based on 8 daycares with Google ratings in Gadsden

4.5 - 5.0
5
4.0 - 4.4
2
3.0 - 3.9
1
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Gadsden, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.67avg rating
9 daycares · 4 rated

Headstart Programs

4.2avg rating
6 daycares · 2 rated

Church Daycare

4.85avg rating
3 daycares · 2 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Gadsden zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
3590111
4.78
4

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Gadsden (– children)

Small

up to 30 children

0

Medium

31–75 children

0

Large

76–150 children

0

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Gadsden based on parent reviews

J. W. Stewart Head Start Center

4.2(2)

513 Henry Street, Gadsden, AL

One parent describes the center as an awesome preschool for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years that offers respectful care and supports children with disabilities through agency partnerships. However, another reviewer cites significant operational issues, including frequent early dismissals, rigid morning drop-off times, and dangerous morning traffic.

inclusive environment for children with disabilitiesrespectful treatment of all childrenconvenient location

Adams Elem. Head Start Center

4.2(2)

901 Raley Street, Gadsden, AL

One parent highlights the center's inclusive approach for children with disabilities, while another criticizes operational issues including frequent early dismissals, rigid morning drop-off windows, and mandatory parental contributions for parties and field trips.

inclusive support for children with disabilitiesrespectful treatment of all childrenconvenient location

Map

Daycare types in Gadsden

Child Daycare & Preschools 9Headstart Programs 6Church Daycare 3

Headstart Programs in Gadsden, Alabama

There are 6 headstart programs in Gadsden, Alabama, making up 33% of the 18 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 Gadsden have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 across 8 rated facilities, with 63% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.85 stars. Our analysis covers 73 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Gadsden, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Headstart Programs in Gadsden

Showing 6 results

J. W. Stewart Head Start Center
Headstart Programs
4.2

One parent describes the center as an awesome preschool for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years that offers respectful care and supports children with disabilities through agency partnerships. However, another reviewer cites significant operational issues, including frequent early dismissals, rigid morning drop-off times, and dangerous morning traffic.

inclusive environment for children with disabilitiesrespectful treatment of all childrenconvenient location
Address
513 Henry Street, Gadsden, AL
Phone
(256) 546-7431
Adams Elem. Head Start Center
Headstart Programs
4.2

One parent highlights the center's inclusive approach for children with disabilities, while another criticizes operational issues including frequent early dismissals, rigid morning drop-off windows, and mandatory parental contributions for parties and field trips.

inclusive support for children with disabilitiesrespectful treatment of all childrenconvenient location
Address
901 Raley Street, Gadsden, AL
Phone
(256) 492-5429
Striplin Elem. Head Start Center
Headstart Programs
Address
600 Cleveland Avenue, Gadsden, AL
Phone
(256) 546-8616
Floyd Elem. Head Start Center
Headstart Programs
Address
601 Blackcreek Rd., Gadsden, AL
Phone
(256) 547-3788
Walnut Park Elem Head Start Center
Headstart Programs
Address
3200 Walnut Street, Gadsden, AL
Phone
(256) 546-4665
Thompson Elem. Head Start Center
Headstart Programs
Address
236 Goldenrod Avenue, Gadsden, AL
Phone
(256) 546-7011

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Frequently asked questions

There are 6 headstart programs daycares in Gadsden, Alabama, out of 18 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 Gadsden have an average Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 across 8 rated facilities. About 63% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Gadsden, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Alabama's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Alabama)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Gadsden offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 9 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 6 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 3 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 Alabama 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 Gadsden for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Gadsden must be licensed by Alabama'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.