Best Headstart Programs in East Orange, NJ

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in East Orange

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

   Middleton Early Learning Center

   4.72 score

   5(13)

   200 Midland Ave, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

   Middleton Early Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents, who consistently praise the caring and experienced teaching staff, nurturing environment, and strong academic and social development outcomes. Parents highlight the convenient location near Glen Ridge, engaging curriculum with enrichment programs, and strong sense of community. Multiple families report their children thrive academically and emotionally while genuinely enjoying attending school.

   Caring and experienced teachersnurturing environmentacademic and social developmentconvenient location near Glen Ridge
2. 2

   Community Day Nursery

   4.54 score

   4.7(17)

   115 S. Munn Avenue, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 146 children

   Community Day Nursery receives consistently high praise from parents who report a warm, family-like atmosphere with caring and professional staff. Parents emphasize the personalized attention their children receive, including staff remembering each child's name, and note the cleanliness and welcoming environment of the facility.

   Caring and professional staffpersonalized attention to childrenfamily-like atmosphereclean facility
3. 3

   One Step Ahead Learning Center

   4.51 score

   4.7(13)

   1 4th Ave., East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children

   One Step Ahead Learning Center receives universal praise from parents who highlight the director Ms. Marlene's leadership, staff dedication, and focus on academic and social development. Parents consistently mention a clean facility, caring teachers, and a Christian-based environment that makes families feel supported.

   Experienced and caring directorknowledgeable and genuine staffclean facilityacademic progress in early literacy and numeracy
4. 4

   Buzzing Bees Learning Center LLC

   4.48 score

   4.6(20)

   122 Brighton Avenue, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 55 children

   Buzzing Bees Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's professionalism, educational quality, and caring approach. Parents consistently report that their children have thrived developmentally and academically while feeling safe and happy at the facility. The center is noted for its cleanliness, smooth operations, and responsive communication with parents.

   Staff professionalism and dedicationchild development and academic preparation for kindergartenclean facilityloving and engaged caregivers
5. 5

   East Orange Ymca-Bowser After School Program

   4.32 score

   4.4(20)

   180 Lincoln Street, East Orange, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 158 children

   East Orange YMCA-Bowser After School Program receives consistently positive feedback from parents, with particular praise for swimming instruction, staff professionalism, and safe environment. Parents highlight quality programming including summer camps, basketball, and therapeutic activities. Multiple reviewers commend specific staff members for their patience and expertise.

   Excellent swimming instructionprofessional and friendly staffsafe environmentquality p
6. 6

   East Orange Ymca Child Care Center

   4.32 score

   4.4(20)

   100 N Arlington Ave, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 97 children

   East Orange YMCA Child Care Center receives consistently high praise from parents, with strong commendations for swimming instruction, summer camp programs, and staff professionalism. Parents appreciate the safe environment, diverse activities including basketball and therapy services, and the individual attention instructors provide to children of all skill levels.

   Warm and knowledgeable staffexcellent swimming instructionsafe environmentsummer camp programs
7. 7

   East Orange Ymca After School Enrichment Program

   4.32 score

   4.4(20)

   98 Greenwood Avenue, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

   Parents consistently praise the East Orange YMCA After School Enrichment Program for its excellent staff, professional instructors, and quality programming in swimming, basketball, and summer camps. Reviewers highlight the welcoming atmosphere, safe environment, and individual attention given to children of all abilities. One parent noted the facility could benefit from upgrades for better accommodation.

   Friendly and professional staffpatient instructorsswim less
8. 8

   Nursery Rhyme Academy LLC

   4.24 score

   4.3(20)

   520 William Street, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

   Parents consistently praise Nursery Rhyme Academy for its caring, attentive staff and clean, safe facility. Children show enthusiasm for attending daily and demonstrate notable developmental progress. The center is commended for strong communication, structured activities, and special holiday celebrations organized by the owner.

   Caring and professional staffclean facilitychild enthusiasm and happinessdevelopmental growth (social and intellectual)
9. 9

   East Orange Ymca/Turrell'S Gym

   4.2 score

   4.4(5)

   159 N Munn Ave, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 145 children

   Parents praise the East Orange YMCA/Turrell's Gym for its excellent staff, quality programs, and affordable pricing. The facility offers diverse amenities including a pool, basketball gym, and computer room, with positive feedback on after-school programs and summer activities like swimming classes and karate.

   Amazing staffgood pricingquality programssummer camp offerings
10. 10

    Three Stages Learning Center

    4.15 score

    4.2(14)

    91 South Harrison Street, East Orange, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 149 children

    Three Stages Learning Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and dedicated staff. Parents highlight the facility's cleanliness, safety, educational quality, and family-like atmosphere. Many report long-term loyalty, with some families using the center for over a decade.

    Pleasant and welcoming staffsafe and clean facilitystrong educational programsdedicated teachers who go above and beyond

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