3 Headstart Programs in New Haven, Connecticut

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in New Haven

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

   Bethesda Nursery School

   4.67 score

   5(10)

   305 Saint Ronan St, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

   Bethesda Nursery School receives universal 5-star reviews from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and experienced staff. Parents highlight the school's flexible scheduling, strong curriculum focused on play-based learning, and excellent communication as key strengths that make children eager to attend.

   Experiencedlong-tenured staff (5+ years)warm and supportive director (Sara)flexible scheduling options
2. 2

   Westville Community Nursery School

   4.53 score

   4.9(7)

   3 Tour Ave, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

   Westville Community Nursery School receives consistently high praise from parents for its play-based, child-centered approach and exceptionally caring staff. Parents highlight the mixed-age classroom, community engagement, creative activities, and strong social-emotional learning support. The program is noted as affordable through funding programs and fostering a multicultural, family-like community environment.

   Dedicated and caring staffplay-based learningmixed-age classroom benefitsoutdoor time and field trips
3. 3

   First Step Childcare & Christian Academy

   4.52 score

   4.7(14)

   95 Hamilton St, New Haven, CT · Church Daycare · Capacity: 76 children

   First Step Childcare & Christian Academy receives consistently high praise from parents who emphasize the caring staff, engaging learning environment, and family-oriented atmosphere. Parents highlight their children's happiness, academic growth, and the center's cleanliness and organization. Communication with parents through the HiMama app and staff attentiveness to individual children are frequently noted as strengths.

   caring and loving staffengaging learning environmentchild happiness and academic growthfamily-oriented atmosphere
4. 4

   First Step Child Care & Learning Ctr

   4.52 score

   4.7(14)

   95 Hamilton St, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 84 children

   First Step Child Care & Learning Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the center for combining educational learning with play, caring staff, clean facilities, and strong communication with families.

   Caring and loving staffeducational curriculumclean and safe environmentengaging activities
5. 5

   Friends Center For Children

   4.22 score

   4.3(14)

   227 E Grand Ave, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 103 children

   Parents consistently praise Friends Center for Children as a high-quality, loving environment that prioritizes emotional intelligence and child development. Teachers are described as dedicated and caring, and the center is noted for its emergent curriculum, Quaker values, and strong sense of community. Multiple parents highlight the center's commitment to the whole child and family support.

   Caring and attentive staffemergent curriculumemotional intelligence focussign language instruction
6. 6

   The Learning Experience - New Haven

   4.08 score

   4.1(20)

   520 Martin Luther King Blvd, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 140 children

   Parents consistently praise The Learning Experience - New Haven for its nurturing, educational environment and compassionate, experienced staff. Children show strong developmental progress and parents report feeling confident in their safety and care. All reviews are 5-star ratings highlighting positive experiences across infant, toddler, and preschool age groups.

   caring and attentive staffage-appropriate educational activitiesclear communication with parentspositive behavior redirection
7. 7

   Gateway Community College Early Learning Center

   4 score

   4(20)

   20 Church St, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

   Reviews describe Gateway Community College Early Learning Center as a well-maintained facility with friendly, helpful staff and a pleasant learning environment. Parents praise the building's cleanliness, modern design, and supportive academic community.

   Beautifulwell-maintained buildingfriendly and helpful staffspacious facility
8. 8

   Leila Day Nurseries

   3.94 score

   3.9(8)

   100 Cold Spring St, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

   Leila Day Nurseries receives mixed reviews with strong praise from long-term families who appreciate the staff, programs, and community atmosphere. However, some parents report poor communication during the admissions process and negative experiences regarding the overall environment.

   Excellent teachersamazing programsgreat outdoor spacessupportive community
9. 9

   Phyllis Bodel Childcare Ctr At Yale Sch Of Medicine South

   3.85 score

   3.8(15)

   100 Church St S, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 62 children

   Parents overwhelmingly praise Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center for its safe, stimulating environment and exceptional staff. Reviewers highlight strong teacher retention, enriching activities, individual attention to children's needs, and the loving, family-like atmosphere that keeps children excited to attend. Multiple families report enrolling siblings and remaining loyal despite relocating.

   Exceptionalcaringwell-trained teachershigh teacher-to-child ratio
10. 10

    Phyllis Bodel Childcare Ctr @ Yale Sch Med

    3.85 score

    3.8(15)

    367 Cedar St, New Haven, CT · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children

    Parents consistently praise Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center for its safe, stimulating, and professionally-run environment with exceptional staff. Children show strong enthusiasm for attending, demonstrating significant developmental growth across motor skills, emotional regulation, and social development. The center is noted for high teacher retention, low teacher-to-child ratios, and enriching activities.

    Exceptional and caring staffhigh teacher retentionlow teacher-to-child ratiossafe environment

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