Best Headstart Programs in Buffalo, NY
Compare 4 headstart programs in Buffalo. Average rating: 4.24/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Buffalo, New York at a glance
- Programs
- 4
- Avg rating
- 4.24/5
- Parent reviews
- 750
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 25
Buffalo has 4 licensed headstart programs with 750 parent reviews averaging 4.24/5.25 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 38% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 14216 (avg 4.53 stars), while 14215 has the largest selection (9 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Buffalo
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.
- 1Rich'S Family Center4.8 score5(20)
1200 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Rich's Family Center receives perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews, with parents consistently praising the warm, caring staff and strong developmental outcomes for their children. Parents highlight excellent communication, engaging curriculum, and a welcoming environment that quickly alleviates initial hesitations about daycare. Children reportedly love attending and show measurable growth in language, social skills, and learning.
Caring and compassionate teachersstrong communication with parentswelcoming environmentengaging curriculum - 2Star Light Family Day Care LLC4.55 score5(6)
1328 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise STAR LIGHT FAMILY DAY CARE LLC for providing excellent childcare in a clean, family-oriented environment. Reviewers express satisfaction with the staff's attentiveness and care for their children.
Clean facilityfamily-like atmospherequality childcarefriendly and nice staff - 3The Boys & Girls Clubs Of The Northtowns Of Wny, INC.4.53 score4.7(16)
54 Riverdale Avenue, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents praise The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northtowns as a safe, welcoming facility that serves over 5,300 children and young adults. The organization offers diverse programs including the C.I.T.E Program for technology and hands-on learning, after-school activities, and clubs like the railroad club. Parents consistently highlight the positive, secure environment and skill-development opportunities.
Safe environmentchild-centered carehands-on learning experiencestechnology programs - 4Boys And Girls Clubs Of Buffalo, INC.4.53 score4.7(16)
154 South Ogden St., Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise Boys and Girls Clubs of Buffalo as a safe, welcoming environment where children develop skills and enjoy hands-on learning experiences. The organization serves over 5,300 youth and offers diverse programs including after-school care, the C.I.T.E technology program, and various clubs. Children reportedly enjoy attending and parents appreciate the focus on child safety and real-world skill development.
Safe environmentchild-focused carehands-on learning experiencestechnology programs - 5Rose Garden Early Childhood Center, INC4.53 score4.9(7)
257 Lafayette Ave., Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Rose Garden Early Childhood Center receives consistently high praise from parents. The facility is known for its nature-based, play-focused curriculum, warm and knowledgeable staff, emphasis on outdoor learning, and supportive environment for diverse learners including bilingual children.
Nature-based and play-focused educationextensive outdoor timewarm and friendly staffcalm atmosphere - 6Native American Community Services Of Erie & Niagara Counties4.51 score4.8(9)
97 West Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise this Native American community center for its excellent staff, welcoming atmosphere, and valuable educational and cultural programs. Reviewers highlight the quality of services and community support available to families.
Great stafffriendly and helpfulwarm atmosphereeducational opportunities - 7Metro Community Development Corporation4.48 score4.6(20)
877 East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
This facility receives consistently high praise for organization and efficiency. Reviews highlight friendly, professional staff and streamlined processes. Note: Most reviews reference the center's use as a vaccination site and polling location rather than daycare services.
Well-organized and efficient operationsfriendly and professional staffclear signage and directionsconvenient parking - 8Edukids, INC.4.4 score4.5(20)
1350 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Parents consistently praise EDUKIDS Hertel location for its caring, trained staff who genuinely engage with children, strong safety protocols, and educational approach to early childhood development. The facility offers practical amenities like diapers/wipes provided, an app for daily updates, outdoor space, and responsive leadership. Multiple families report their children are happy, developing well, and attending for multiple years.
Caring and attentive staffresponsive directorsafety protocols (passcode entry)daily communication app - 9Valley Community Day Care4.32 score4.4(20)
93 Leddy Street, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Valley Community Day Care in Buffalo receives consistently high ratings with parents praising its caring staff, family-oriented environment, and community involvement. The center is noted for strong after-school programs, homework support, and inclusive care for children with absent parents. Parents describe the staff as friendly, communicative, and supportive.
caring and friendly stafffamily-oriented environmentafter-school programshomework assistance - 10Valley Community Association, INC.4.32 score4.4(20)
93 Leddy Street, Buffalo, NY · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Valley Community Association is highly regarded by parents and community members, with an average 5/5 rating across recent reviews. Parents praise the caring staff, strong family-oriented environment, and comprehensive programming including afterschool care and community events. The center is noted for supporting children whose families face challenges and providing academic assistance.
Caring and friendly stafffamily-oriented atmosphereafterschool programhomework help
Rating Distribution
Based on 65 daycares with Google ratings in Buffalo
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 750 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Buffalo, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Buffalo zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14216 | 5 | 4.53 | 2 | |
| 14201 | 5 | 4.47 | 2 | |
| 14213 | 7 | 4.44 | 4 | |
| 14210 | 7 | 4.34 | 2 | |
| 14215 | 9 | 4.27 | 3 | |
| 14206 | 7 | 4.23 | 2 | |
| 14207 | 8 | 3.91 | 4 | |
| 14203 | 5 | 3.87 | 0 | |
| 14214 | 6 | 3.77 | 0 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Buffalo (– children)
Small
up to 30 children
0
Medium
31–75 children
0
Large
76–150 children
0
Very Large
150+ children
0
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Buffalo based on parent reviews
Holy Cross Head Start, INC.
89 Military, Buffalo, NY
A few parents highlight the friendly nature of the staff and express overall satisfaction with their experience. The feedback focuses on positive interactions without noting any specific complaints.
Holy Cross Head Start INC.
203 Sanders Road, Buffalo, NY
A few parents describe the staff at Holy Cross Head Start Inc. as incredibly friendly and welcoming. One reviewer simply states they loved the experience.
Holy Cross Head Start, INC.
155 Lawn Avenue, Buffalo, NY
One parent criticizes the hiring practices at Holy Cross Head Start, Inc., citing disgusting behavior from some staff members. The single review available highlights significant concerns regarding staff conduct rather than program quality.
Map
Daycare types in Buffalo
Headstart Programs in Buffalo, New York
There are 4 headstart programs in Buffalo, New York, making up 4% of the 89 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 Buffalo have an average rating of 4.24 out of 5 across 65 rated facilities, with 38% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.26 stars. Our analysis covers 750 parent reviews. Parents in Buffalo most frequently praise daycares for clean facilities, helpful and polite staff, and community impact.
When choosing a daycare in Buffalo, 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 Buffalo
Showing 4 results
A few parents highlight the friendly nature of the staff and express overall satisfaction with their experience. The feedback focuses on positive interactions without noting any specific complaints.
- Address
- 89 Military, Buffalo, NY
- Phone
- (716) 875-1506
A few parents describe the staff at Holy Cross Head Start Inc. as incredibly friendly and welcoming. One reviewer simply states they loved the experience.
- Address
- 203 Sanders Road, Buffalo, NY
- Phone
- (716) 464-7771
One parent criticizes the hiring practices at Holy Cross Head Start, Inc., citing disgusting behavior from some staff members. The single review available highlights significant concerns regarding staff conduct rather than program quality.
- Address
- 155 Lawn Avenue, Buffalo, NY
- Phone
- (716) 877-5022
{"summary":"One parent describes the experience as the worst, providing a highly negative assessment of the program. No specific details regarding staff, curriculum, or facility conditions are included in this single review.",pros":[],"cons":["overall poor experience"],"mismatch":false}
- Address
- 368 Dewitt Street, Buffalo, NY
- Phone
- (716) 424-0571
Page 1 of 1· 4 results
Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with New York's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in New York)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 85 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 4 facilities