How do I choose the right daycare in Charlotte?

When choosing a daycare in Charlotte, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with North Carolina's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in North Carolina) 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 Charlotte?

Charlotte offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 278 facilities Headstart Programs — 5 facilities Church Daycare — 28 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 82 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 Charlotte, North Carolina (5 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in North Carolina?

Daycare costs in North Carolina 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 Charlotte for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Charlotte

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.

Brighter Minds Academy 2

4.8 score

5(20)

407 Norris Avenue, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Brighter Minds Academy 2 receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, family-oriented environment and strong staff leadership. Parents report their children are safe, happy, thriving, and well-prepared academically. Multiple reviewers describe the center as a supportive village that extends care beyond typical daycare.

caring and loving staffstrong communication with parentssafe environmentacademic preparation for elementary school

Castle'S Day Care Academy

4.72 score

4.9(20)

6521 Barrington Drive, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Castle's Day Care Academy receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the facility for exceptional academic instruction, child development, and caring staff leadership under Ms. Cynthia. Parents report significant learning gains in reading, writing, math, and social-emotional skills, with children showing confidence and enthusiasm for attending.

Strong academic curriculumdaily learning in core subjectseffective communication with parentscaring and attentive staff

Myers Park Presbyterian Weekday School

4.71 score

4.9(19)

2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Myers Park Presbyterian Weekday School is a center-based daycare in Charlotte, NC with a 4.9/5 Google rating. Reviews consistently praise the beautiful historic church facility, welcoming atmosphere, and strong faith-based community. Parents appreciate the child-friendly approach, quality staff, and spiritual nourishment provided to families.

Beautiful historic church buildingwelcoming and warm stafffaith-based community valueschild-friendly services

Ballancrest Academy At Blakeney

4.67 score

5(10)

8165 Ardrey Kell Road, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Ballancrest Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents who praise the caring, professional staff, small class sizes, and family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently report their children are well-prepared for kindergarten and feel confident in their child's safety and development. The center is noted for its nutritious meals, engaging curriculum, and strong teacher retention.

Small class sizescaring and professional stafflow teacher turnoverfamily-l

Young At Heart Learning Center

4.67 score

5(10)

7001 Wallace Rd,Suite 400, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Young at Heart Learning Center receives perfect 5-star ratings from all reviewers. Parents consistently praise the director Mrs. Vickie and her team for creating a loving, safe, and educational environment where children thrive and feel at home.

Caring and passionate staffchildren feel safe and lovededucational curriculumclean facility

Little Hedgepeth Child Development Center

4.64 score

5(9)

3215 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Little Hedgepeth Child Development Center receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and family-like atmosphere. Children reportedly transition well, learn new skills, and parents appreciate the cleanliness and organized activities including field trips. Multiple families have enrolled their children for years, indicating strong satisfaction and retention.

caring and attentive stafffamily-like environmentclean facilityeducational activities

Kids R Us Daycare II

4.64 score

5(9)

2208 Lasalle Street, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Kids R Us Daycare II as a caring, professional facility where children thrive and feel welcome. Staff treat children like family members, maintain a clean and organized environment, and provide engaging educational activities. Multiple parents highlight their children's enthusiasm for attending and strong development in social skills and learning.

Caring and nurturing staffclean and well-organized facilitystrong safety and sanitation practiceseducational activities

Leafspring School

4.64 score

4.8(20)

9829 Providence Road West, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

LeafSpring School in Charlotte receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the dedicated, caring staff, individualized learning approach, strong academic preparation, and welcoming community atmosphere. Children reportedly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally during their time at the facility.

Experienced and nurturing teacherswelcoming communitystructured learning activities with individual tailoringart and creativity focus

The Village At Leafspring School

4.64 score

4.8(20)

9829 Providence Road West, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise LeafSpring at Ballantyne for its dedicated, caring staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The facility is noted for its well-structured curriculum, thoughtful design, strong communication with families, and extra offerings like an in-house chef and special events. Multiple parents report significant child development gains and feel confident in their children's kindergarten readiness.

Caring and attentive staffwelcoming communityindividualized learningstructured curriculum

Gateway Academy Child Development Center Eastfield

4.64 score

4.8(20)

12330 Eastfield Road, Charlotte, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Gateway Academy (listed as Cadence Academy in reviews) for exceptional staff, strong leadership, and warm, nurturing care. The center is noted for quality nutrition with in-house chef preparation, daily communication via email and photos, and engaging activities. All reviewers rated the facility 5/5 stars and would recommend it to others.

Caring and loving staffexcellent directors (Ms. Gwendolyn and Ms. Symone)in-house meal preparation with fresh fruits and vegetablesdaily email updates with photos

Headstart Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina

There are 5 headstart programs in Charlotte, North Carolina, making up 1% of the 393 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 Charlotte, 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 5 headstart programs daycares in Charlotte, North Carolina, out of 393 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 Charlotte, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

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

Charlotte offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 278 facilities
Headstart Programs — 5 facilities
Church Daycare — 28 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 82 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 North Carolina 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 Charlotte for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Charlotte must be licensed by North Carolina'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.

5 Headstart Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Charlotte

Top Rated

Bethlehem Center Southside Head Start

St. John'S Head Start

Thompson Child Development Center

Bethlehem Center Head Start@ The Park At Oaklawn

Center Of Hope Head Start

Map

Daycare types in Charlotte

Browse by type in Charlotte