1 Headstart Programs in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Elizabeth

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

   Tender Kids Learning Center

   4.63 score

   4.8(18)

   40 Parker Road, Suite 201, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

   Tender Kids Learning Center receives unanimous praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring and friendly staff, particularly Ms. Abby, a clean facility, and noticeable developmental progress in their children. Families describe the center as feeling like home and report high child satisfaction and comfort.

   Friendly and patient staffclean facilitydevelopmental progress in children's speech and confidencedaily activity reports provided to parents
2. 2

   Temple Community Development Corporation #3

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   134 1st Street, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children

   Parents consistently praise Temple Community Development Corporation #3 for providing caring, safe, and nurturing childcare with clean facilities and engaging activities. Staff are described as patient and family-oriented, with strong parent communication. Multiple parents express high satisfaction and would recommend the center.

   Caring and patient staffsafe environmentclean and organized facilitiesengaging activities
3. 3

   Benedictine Preschool INC.

   4.49 score

   4.8(8)

   851 N Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

   Benedictine Preschool receives consistently positive feedback with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents and visitors praise the welcoming atmosphere, kindness of staff, hospitality, and overall meaningful experience at the facility.

   Kind and welcoming staffhospitable environmentexcellent foodaccommodating services
4. 4

   Egenolf Early Childhood Center

   4.41 score

   4.6(11)

   725 Newark Ave, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 280 children

   Egenolf Early Childhood Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents highlight the caring and attentive staff, strong academic progress, and positive first school experiences for their children. The facility is noted for quality instruction, affordable programs, and a welcoming environment that parents describe as difficult to leave.

   caring and attentive staffstrong academic advancementexcellent teachersnice and friendly environment
5. 5

   Jefferson Park Ministries INC.

   4.37 score

   4.5(14)

   1071 Julia Street School 6, Elizabeth, NJ · Church Daycare · Capacity: 113 children

   Jefferson Park Ministries Inc. receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the facility's patient and kind staff, strong community support, and welcoming environment, particularly for immigrant and Haitian communities. The center is noted for providing comprehensive services and has maintained strong family relationships since at least 2010.

   Patient and kind staffgenerous service providerscomprehensive support serviceswelcoming to immigrant communities
6. 6

   Ymca Child Development Center

   4.36 score

   4.5(13)

   16-20 Jefferson Ave, Elizabeth, NJ · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 120 children

   Parents consistently praise the YMCA Child Development Center in Elizabeth for its caring, knowledgeable staff and clean, supportive learning environment. Multiple reviewers highlight significant developmental progress in their children and appreciate the director's accessibility and involvement in fostering a positive workplace culture.

   Attentive and caring staffclean facilitiesstrong leadership under director Lisadaily parent communication and reports
7. 7

   Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center #51

   4.3 score

   4.6(5)

   544 Pennsylvania Ave, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 286 children

   Parents overwhelmingly praise Donald Stewart Early Childhood Center for exceptional safety practices and quality education, with most giving 5-star ratings. One parent raised concerns about the principal's professionalism and alleged favoritism toward Spanish-speaking parents over African American families.

   Student safetyquality educationexcellent teaching staffchildren enjoy attending
8. 8

   Elizabeth Center 1189 Head Start

   4.16 score

   4.3(6)

   1189 E Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 260 children

   Parents consistently praise Elizabeth Center 1189 Head Start for its caring teachers, quality education, and organized environment. The program is highlighted as free and offering year-round activities that help children develop advanced skills. Staff members, including the director and family advocates, are noted for going above and beyond.

   Caring and loving teachersexcellent education qualityresponsible leadershiporganized and clean facility
9. 9

   Little Rascals Daycare Center

   4 score

   4(7)

   217 Rahway Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children

   Little Rascals Daycare Center receives mostly positive feedback, with many parents praising the caring, professional staff and safe, clean environment where children learn and thrive. However, two negative reviews describe concerning issues including inadequate diaper changes, children left in high chairs all day, and resistance to parental observation.

   Kind and attentive staffsafe and clean environmentstrong educational focuschildren learn and develop well
10. 10

    Frances C. Smith Early Childhood Center #50

    3.73 score

    3.5(6)

    1000 S Elmora Ave, Elizabeth, NJ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 297 children

    Frances C. Smith Early Childhood Center #50 receives mixed reviews. While some parents praise the school and teachers as excellent and caring, others report serious concerns about administration, office staff conduct, security breaches, lack of transparency with parents, and inadequate responses to complaints about teacher behavior.

    Dedicated and caring teacherspositive learning environment

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