Best Headstart Programs in Albuquerque, NM
Compare 23 headstart programs in Albuquerque. Average rating: 4.37/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Albuquerque, New Mexico at a glance
- Programs
- 23
- Avg rating
- 4.37/5
- Parent reviews
- 2,345
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 100
Albuquerque has 23 licensed headstart programs with 2,345 parent reviews averaging 4.37/5.100 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 54% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 87122 (avg 4.72 stars), while 87110 has the largest selection (31 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Albuquerque
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.
- 1Children Of Faith Preschool4.78 score5(18)
10000 Spain N.E., Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 106 children
Children of Faith Preschool in Albuquerque receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and director Jennifer. Parents consistently report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially in a clean, well-equipped facility with small class sizes.
Caring and attentive staffexperienced teachersstrong director leadershipsmall class sizes - 2Hoffmantown Kids Express4.75 score5(15)
8888 Harper Drive Ne, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 228 children
Hoffmantown Kids Express receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the exceptional teachers, strong academic curriculum, and Christian foundation. Parents consistently report that their children love attending, develop strong foundational skills, and arrive at kindergarten well-prepared. The program is noted for its small class sizes, engaging community events, and caring leadership.
Caring and dedicated teachersstrong academic preparationsmall class sizesChristian/spiritual foundation - 3Noah'S Ark East Childrens Center4.72 score4.9(20)
4525 Morris N.E., Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 73 children
Noah's Ark East Children's Center receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring and welcoming staff, clean facility, strong kindergarten preparation, and their children's happiness and improved social skills. The center's video monitoring, parental involvement opportunities, and thoughtful approach to separation anxiety are also frequently mentioned as key strengths.
Caring and welcoming staffClean facilityKindergarten preparationVideo monitoring for safety - 4Children'S Choice Preschool4.72 score4.9(20)
6501 Lomas Blvd. Ne, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise Children's Choice Academy for its warm, caring, and safe environment with highly attentive staff. Children show genuine enthusiasm for school and developmental progress. Multiple parents report feeling confident and at peace leaving their children in the teachers' care.
Loving and caring teacherssafe environmentage-appropriate activities and learning plansexcellent communication with parents - 5Children'S Promise Centers4.72 score4.9(20)
12855 Eastridge Ave. Nw, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 97 children
Parents consistently praise Children's Promise Centers for its clean facility, caring and dedicated staff, and strong communication through daily app updates. Multiple reviews highlight specific teachers (Ms. Crystal, Selena, Nora, Missy, and others) for their patience, compassion, and commitment to child development. Parents report feeling reassured and comfortable leaving their children in this center's care.
Clean facilityfriendly and patient teachershealthy food optionsdaily app updates - 6Happy Feet Child Care4.68 score4.9(15)
1133 Dakota St. Se, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Happy Feet Child Care receives consistently perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight the teachers' dedication, warm demeanor, and attention to individual child needs, along with excellent parent communication and age-appropriate educational activities.
Warm and caring staffprofessional teachersexcellent parent communicationphoto updates - 7Albuquerque Pre-School Co4.64 score5(9)
606 Candelaria N.W., Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 39 children
Albuquerque Preschool Co-op is a highly-regarded play-based preschool with engaged, caring teachers and a strong community focus. Parents praise the curriculum variety, emphasis on child development, and hands-on parent involvement through required volunteer participation. Multiple families report significant developmental gains and describe the school as exceeding their expectations.
Play-based curriculumengaged and caring teachersstrong emphasis on artSpanish lessons - 8Eastern Hills Baptist Pre4.64 score4.8(20)
3100 Morris Ne, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children
Reviews praise Eastern Hills Baptist Pre-K for its welcoming staff, warm community atmosphere, and strong leadership. Parents consistently highlight the caring nature of the pastor and staff, as well as the church's biblical teaching and fellowship opportunities. The facility is noted for its beautiful building and excellent acoustics.
Welcoming and kind staffwarm and loving environmentcaring pastor and leadershipstrong biblical teaching - 9Precious Moments Child Care4.64 score4.8(20)
6711 Churchill Sw, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 89 children
Precious Moments Child Care in Albuquerque receives consistently high praise from parents. Reviews highlight the caring and professional staff, clean facilities, strong communication, and ability to meet children's individual needs including those with sensory processing disorder and autism. Parents report their children are happy, learning, and thriving at the center.
Caring and attentive staffprofessional teachersexcellent communicationclean facilities - 10Milestone Montessori Preschool LLC4.64 score4.8(20)
8022 Chico Rd Ne, Albuquerque, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Milestone Montessori Preschool receives outstanding feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff led by owners Laura and Ivan. Parents consistently report excellent communication, safety practices, fresh daily meals, and strong child development outcomes. The facility is described as family-oriented with competitive rates and willingness to accommodate individual family needs.
Professional and caring staffstrong communication with parentssafety prioritizationfresh daily meals
Rating Distribution
Based on 186 daycares with Google ratings in Albuquerque
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 2,345 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Albuquerque, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Albuquerque zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87122 | 8 | 4.72 | 3 | |
| 87111 | 25 | 4.62 | 8 | |
| 87102 | 16 | 4.55 | 7 | |
| 87107 | 30 | 4.52 | 9 | |
| 87120 | 25 | 4.48 | 6 | |
| 87110 | 31 | 4.46 | 8 | |
| 87106 | 22 | 4.44 | 9 | |
| 87123 | 15 | 4.41 | 5 | |
| 87109 | 16 | 4.4 | 6 | |
| 87114 | 19 | 4.37 | 6 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Albuquerque (12–256 children)
Small
up to 30 children
32
Medium
31–75 children
94
Large
76–150 children
68
Very Large
150+ children
28
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Albuquerque based on parent reviews
St. Marks In The Valley Day School Ehs
2913 Commercial St Ne, Albuquerque, NM
St. Marks in the Valley Day School is a highly-regarded Head Start program in Albuquerque with consistently excellent reviews. Parents praise the dedicated, professionally-trained staff, home-like environment, nutritious meals prepared on-site, emphasis on social-emotional development, and regular field trips. Multiple parents report their children are reluctant to leave and some families span generations of attendance.
Ydi, La Mariposa Head Start
801 Mountain Ne, Albuquerque, NM
Several parents highlight the loving teachers and effective goal-setting at YDI, LA MARIPOSA HEAD START, noting that children enjoy attending and learn significantly. However, one former attendee recalls a very small bus and reports that a sibling experienced bullying due to hairstyle differences during a later enrollment.
Ydi Westside Community Center
1250 Isleta Blvd Sw, Albuquerque, NM
YDI Westside Community Center is highly regarded by parents for its after-school and summer programs, clean facilities, and friendly professional staff. Parents praise the variety of activities, sports programs, and affordable pricing for low-income families. The recently renovated center offers excellent amenities and strong community engagement.
Ydi, Embudo Head Start
8000 Mountain Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM
One parent highlights the center's small size and low student-to-teacher ratios, noting that these factors contribute to high safety standards and attentive care. The reviewer praises the staff for being kind, loving, and patient, while emphasizing the supportive family-oriented environment.
Nappr Early Head Start
801 Girard Blvd. Ne, Albuquerque, NM
Ydi, Pedro Baca Head Start
1700 Centro Familiar S. W., Albuquerque, NM
Map
Daycare types in Albuquerque
Browse by type in Albuquerque
Headstart Programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico
There are 23 headstart programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico, making up 7% of the 349 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.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Albuquerque have an average rating of 4.37 out of 5 across 186 rated facilities, with 54% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.59 stars. Our analysis covers 2,345 parent reviews. Parents in Albuquerque most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, safe environment, and caring and attentive staff.
When choosing a daycare in Albuquerque, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Headstart Programs in Albuquerque
Showing 23 results
- Address
- 9800 4th Street Nw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent highlights the center's small size and low student-to-teacher ratios, noting that these factors contribute to high safety standards and attentive care. The reviewer praises the staff for being kind, loving, and patient, while emphasizing the supportive family-oriented environment.
- Address
- 8000 Mountain Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 212-7335
- Address
- 2700 Mountain Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3530 Gibson S.E., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 255-2085
- Address
- 801 Girard Blvd. Ne, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 814-0694
- Address
- 1700 Centro Familiar S. W., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 212-7284
Several parents highlight the loving teachers and effective goal-setting at YDI, LA MARIPOSA HEAD START, noting that children enjoy attending and learn significantly. However, one former attendee recalls a very small bus and reports that a sibling experienced bullying due to hairstyle differences during a later enrollment.
- Address
- 801 Mountain Ne, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
St. Marks in the Valley Day School is a highly-regarded Head Start program in Albuquerque with consistently excellent reviews. Parents praise the dedicated, professionally-trained staff, home-like environment, nutritious meals prepared on-site, emphasis on social-emotional development, and regular field trips. Multiple parents report their children are reluctant to leave and some families span generations of attendance.
- Address
- 2913 Commercial St Ne, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 344-7369
YDI Westside Community Center is highly regarded by parents for its after-school and summer programs, clean facilities, and friendly professional staff. Parents praise the variety of activities, sports programs, and affordable pricing for low-income families. The recently renovated center offers excellent amenities and strong community engagement.
- Address
- 1250 Isleta Blvd Sw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 212-7284
One parent reports severe dissatisfaction, stating that staff lack the patience and resources to support children with special needs, such as those on the autism spectrum. The review highlights a pattern of negative communication and unsanitary bathroom conditions as significant concerns.
- Address
- 2525 Los Padillas Rd Sw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
A parent who attended as a child recalls positive experiences with the activities, food, and staff, while another notes the staff's friendly and easygoing attitudes.
- Address
- 2520 Virginia Ne, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 212-7318
YDI Centro de Amor Head Start receives mixed reviews. Parents praise the clean facility, friendly and helpful staff, and positive academic outcomes for their children. However, some parents report concerns about teacher patience, lack of communication, and issues with IEP placement decisions.
- Address
- 309 Stover Sw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 212-7267
- Address
- 7900 Marquette Ne, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
These reviews appear to be for an apartment complex, not a daycare facility. There is a significant discrepancy between the listed business type (HEAD START daycare) and the actual reviews, which discuss residential amenities, management, and security issues. No information about daycare services, child care quality, or educational programs is provided.
- Address
- 517 San Pablo St Se, Bldg K, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 255-0201
One parent gives this Head Start program a one-star rating, explicitly stating that they would not recommend the facility for childcare.
- Address
- 1500 Indian School Rd. N.W., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 9924 Menaul Ne, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 4700 Coal Ave. S.E., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 5816 Isleta Blvd. S.W., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 2300 Arenal S.W., Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3713 Isleta Blvd Sw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 314-2214
- Address
- 1100 Douglas Macarthur Rd. Nw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 767-6500
- Address
- 5317 2nd St Sw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 877-2750
- Address
- 5201 Central Ave. Nw, Albuquerque, NM
- Phone
- (505) 836-7706
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with New Mexico's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in New Mexico)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 271 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 23 facilities
- Church Daycare — 13 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 42 facilities