1 Headstart Programs in Dover, Delaware

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Dover

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

   The Little School At Kids Cottage

   4.64 score

   4.8(20)

   105 Mont Blanc Boulevard, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 162 children

   The Little School at Kids Cottage receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5 stars. Parents praise the caring, dedicated staff who create a nurturing learning environment, strong community involvement, and balanced curriculum combining academics with play. Multiple families report their children thrived during multi-year enrollments and developed lasting friendships.

   Dedicated and caring staffnurturing environmentbalanced curriculum mixing academics and playclean and well-designed facilities
2. 2

   Beginnings And Beyond INC.

   4.5 score

   5(5)

   402 Cowgill Street, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

   Parents consistently praise Beginnings and Beyond for excellent staff care, learning activities, and communication. Children form strong attachments to teachers and show enthusiasm about attending. Multiple reviewers highlight the app-based photo/update system as reassuring.

   Caring and attentive staffdaily photos and updates via appdiverse activities and learning opportunitiesstaff responsiveness to parent concerns
3. 3

   Colonial Gardens/Telamon

   4.39 score

   4.6(9)

   1000 Hayes Circle, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

   Colonial Gardens/Telamon receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff, wonderful atmosphere, and professional environment. However, one parent reported a significant negative experience involving pickup procedures and staff identification verification that caused frustration and delay.

   caring and professional staffwonderful atmospheregreat school environmentgood teachers
4. 4

   Beginnings And Beyond II

   4.16 score

   4.2(20)

   710 Buckson Drive, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 110 children

   Parents consistently praise Beginnings and Beyond II for excellent communication, caring staff, and safe facilities. The daycare uses a communication app (Brightwheel) that parents appreciate for daily updates and photos. Children show strong developmental progress and parents report feeling confident their children are well-cared for.

   Excellent staff professionalism and kindnessstrong communication via app with daily updates and photossafe facility with cameras and locked doorsclean environment
5. 5

   Children First Learning Center INC.

   4.15 score

   4.3(5)

   760 Townsend Boulevard, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

   Children First Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the attentive and caring staff, strong communication, and children's happiness at the center. Parents report feeling at ease leaving their children and appreciate the family-like environment. One negative review alleges a theft incident.

   attentive and caring staffexcellent communication with parentschildren enjoy attendingfamily-oriented environment
6. 6

   Ymca Of Delaware/South Dover

   4.08 score

   4.1(20)

   955 South State Street, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

   This is a YMCA facility rather than a dedicated daycare. Reviews primarily focus on gym, pool, and wellness amenities. Parents praise the professional and accommodating staff, cleanliness, and quality instruction across programs.

   Professional and welcoming staffclean facilityhigh-quality swim coaches and fitness instructorsaccommodating to members with disabilities
7. 7

   Dovers Childrens Village Too

   3.88 score

   3.8(7)

   1298 Mckee Road, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 113 children

   Dover's Children Village Too receives highly polarized reviews with strong praise from satisfied parents and serious health/safety concerns from others. Positive reviewers highlight caring staff, good communication, theme activities, and their children's development. Negative reviewers report failures in illness notification protocols, allowing sick children and staff to attend, inadequate sanitation practices, and potential discriminatory enrollment practices.

   caring and professional staffgood teacher-parent communicationlearning-focused curriculumtheme days and holiday activities
8. 8

   Delaware State University Early Childhood Laboratory School

   3.84 score

   3.8(20)

   1200 North Dupont Highway, Dover, DE · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 60 children

   Reviews are largely positive with a 3.8/5 rating, though most submissions appear to be university reviews rather than Early Childhood Laboratory School reviews. One parent reported an initially cumbersome onboarding process but praised the serene environment and welcoming students. The facility appears well-maintained and has been updated.

   Serene environmentwelcoming staff and studentswell-kept campusimproved operations
9. 9

   Precious Moments Education & Community Center INC.

   3.57 score

   3.3(8)

   4607 South Du Pont Highway, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 142 children

   Precious Moments receives highly polarized reviews, with strong praise from some parents for bilingual education, attentiveness, Christian values, and flexible policies, but serious concerns from others regarding inadequate supervision, documentation inaccuracies, safety incidents, and neglect of infants and toddlers.

   Bilingual educationeducational progressattentive staffChristian and positive environment
10. 10

    Tender Hearts Learning Center

    3.35 score

    2.7(5)

    1339 South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 97 children

    Tender Hearts Learning Center has highly polarized reviews. While a few parents praise the daycare and staff member Bev, the majority of reviewers report serious concerns about staff professionalism, rudeness toward children, and unprofessional operations including alleged physical discipline.

    Staff member Bev (per positive reviews)play activities available

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