How do I choose the right daycare in St Louis?

When choosing a daycare in St Louis, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with Missouri's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Missouri) Safety measures and cleanliness Daily routines and educational curriculum Parent reviews and ratings Location and hours that fit your schedule

What types of daycare are available in St Louis?

St Louis offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 287 facilities Headstart Programs — 26 facilities Church Daycare — 35 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 44 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Headstart Programs in St Louis, Missouri (26 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Missouri?

Daycare costs in Missouri 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 St Louis for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in St Louis

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.

Little People Learning Center LLC

4.78 score

5(18)

4008 Shreve Ave, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 16 children

Parents consistently praise Little People Learning Center for exceptional care, strong child development outcomes, and a loving, Christian-based environment. Staff are described as passionate, patient, and genuinely invested in children's growth. The facility is noted as affordable, well-organized, and the only five-star daycare in St. Louis city.

Exceptional quality of carefocus on child development and growthsafe learning environmentpatient and passionate staff

Lucky Lane Nursery School Association-Benevolent

4.72 score

5(13)

12546 Conway Rd, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children

Parents consistently praise Lucky Lane as an exceptional early childhood program with caring, compassionate staff and a warm community environment. The 4-5 acre campus with extensive outdoor spaces, specialized rooms (STEM, music, library, wheel-toy room), and nature-based curriculum are frequently highlighted as standout features. Families appreciate the reasonable tuition, flexible scheduling options, and individualized attention their children receive.

Caring and kind staffspacious outdoor grounds with multiple playgroundsnature and play-based curriculumspecialized learning spaces (STEM room

First Presbyterian Church Preschool

4.72 score

5(13)

100 E Adams, St Louis, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 62 children

First Presbyterian Church Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, strong teacher-student relationships, and well-rounded curriculum. Parents report their children thrive in this small, welcoming community and feel well-prepared for kindergarten. The school is noted for excellent communication with families and flexibility in scheduling options.

Dedicated and caring staff with low turnoversmall class sizes with good teacher-student ratiosage-appropriate curriculumstrong communication via app and photos

Ethical Society Nursery School

4.72 score

5(13)

9001 Clayton Rd, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 44 children

Ethical Society Nursery School receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise its play-based learning philosophy, nurturing teachers, and small class sizes. Parents consistently report that their children thrive academically and socially, with strong preparation for kindergarten and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Play-based learning approachknowledgeable and nurturing teacherssmall class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratiosemphasis on social-emotional learning

Baden Christian Child Care Center INC.

4.72 score

4.9(20)

8375 N Broadway Ave, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

Baden Christian Child Care Center receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the trustworthy, loving, and clean environment. Parents consistently highlight the caring and attentive staff, strong communication, engaging activities, and the center's ability to meet individual child needs including behavioral support. Many parents express deep satisfaction and recommend the center highly.

Trustworthy staffclean environmentcaring and attentive teachersresponsive communication

Stray Dog Theatre

4.72 score

4.9(20)

4221 Shaw Blvd, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

This is not a daycare center but a theater company. The reviews describe Stray Dog Theatre as a high-quality local theater venue in St. Louis known for excellent performances and a welcoming atmosphere.

Outstanding performances and talented castintimate and cozy venue with good sightlines from all seatsfriendly and accommodating staff (particularly staff member Gary)reasonable prices with beverages and snacks available

Mary Margaret Day Care And Learning Center

4.72 score

4.9(20)

3800 Watson Rd, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 81 children

Mary Margaret Day Care and Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings, with parents highlighting the caring and college-educated staff, safe learning environment, child development outcomes, and strong communication. Parents report children are happy, engaged, and excited to attend daily.

Caring and loving staffcollege-educated teacherssafe environmentstrong communication with parents

Stray Dog Theatre

4.72 score

4.9(20)

6031 Southwest Ave, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

This is not a daycare center—it is a theater company in St. Louis. The reviews describe experiences attending live theatrical performances, not childcare services. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the venue, performances, and staff.

High-quality theatrical productionsintimate venue with good sightlineswelcoming and accommodating staff (especially noted employee Gary)cozy converted church setting

Stray Dog Theatre

4.72 score

4.9(20)

6131 Leona St, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

This is not a daycare center but a theater venue. The reviews are for Stray Dog Theatre, a community theater in St. Louis, not a childcare facility. All reviews praise the theater's performances, intimate venue, and welcoming atmosphere.

High-quality theatrical productionsintimate and cozy venue with good sightlinesfriendly and accommodating staff (particularly Gary)converted church setting with unique character

Stray Dog Theatre

4.72 score

4.9(20)

2745 Meramec St, St Louis, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

These reviews are for Stray Dog Theatre, a performance venue, not a daycare center. The reviews describe an intimate theater company in St. Louis that produces high-quality shows in a converted church space with consistently excellent performances and welcoming staff.

High-quality productionsintimate venue with good sightlineswelcoming and accommodating staffaccessible seating options

Headstart Programs in St Louis, Missouri

There are 26 headstart programs in St Louis, Missouri, making up 7% of the 392 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 St Louis, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 26 headstart programs daycares in St Louis, Missouri, out of 392 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 St Louis, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

Licensing status with Missouri's regulatory agency
Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Missouri)
Safety measures and cleanliness
Daily routines and educational curriculum
Parent reviews and ratings
Location and hours that fit your schedule

St Louis offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 287 facilities
Headstart Programs — 26 facilities
Church Daycare — 35 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 44 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 Missouri 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 St Louis for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in St Louis must be licensed by Missouri'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.

26 Headstart Programs in St Louis, Missouri

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in St Louis

Top Rated

Step Ahead Child Care Academy INC.

Hilltop Child Development Center

Beginning Futures LLC

The Guardian Angel Settlement Association

Ywca Bessie T. Draper Early Head Start Center

Young Women'S Christian Association Of Metropolitan St Louis Missouri

Map

Daycare types in St Louis

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