How do I choose the right daycare in Raleigh?

When choosing a daycare in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh?

Raleigh offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 143 facilities Headstart Programs — 2 facilities Church Daycare — 14 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 18 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 Raleigh, North Carolina (2 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 Raleigh for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Raleigh

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.

Guru Academy INC.

4.79 score

5(19)

3922 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Guru Academy is highly praised by parents for its strong academic focus combined with genuine care from staff and owners. Children show enthusiasm for attending, demonstrate rapid learning progress, and form positive relationships with teachers. Parents consistently report their children are thriving both educationally and emotionally.

Academic excellencecaring and patient staffowners genuinely invested in children's developmentchildren eager to attend

Temple Beth Or Preschool

4.78 score

5(18)

5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Temple Beth Or Preschool receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents surveyed. Parents consistently praise the nurturing teachers, strong academic preparation, inclusive community, and warm environment where children thrive both academically and socially.

Dedicated and nurturing teachersstrong academic curriculum aligned with Jewish valuesinclusive community welcoming to all familieschildren excited to attend

Denise'S Learn And Play

4.74 score

5(14)

1020 Penselwood Drive, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Denise's Learn and Play for its caring, attentive staff led by Ashley, with children showing strong academic and social development. Families appreciate the home-based environment, transparent communication, reasonable rates, and the staff's genuine affection for the children. Many parents have kept their children enrolled for multiple years and recommend the facility highly.

Caring and attentive staffstructured preschool curriculumeducational activities (plantsshapes

Primrose School Of Hilburn

4.71 score

5(12)

6941 Hilburn Dr, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Primrose School of Hilburn in Raleigh receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, professional staff and quality curriculum. Parents report their children are excited to attend, develop strong skills, and receive individualized attention and support. The school is commended for its responsive communication, developmental focus, and long-tenured staff.

caring and loving staffresponsive communicationstrong curriculumchild develop

The Goddard School-Raleigh Ridge Rd

4.64 score

4.8(20)

1215 Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise The Goddard School for its caring, invested teachers who help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school is noted for excellent communication, safety, community atmosphere, and successful transitions for children of all ages. Parents report high satisfaction with classroom management, special events, and the overall quality of care.

Caring and attentive teacherssafe environmentstrong communication with parentschild development progress

Mount Peace Child Development Center

4.64 score

4.8(20)

1601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

No reviews of this daycare center were found. The reviews provided are for Mount Peace Baptist Church, not the Mount Peace Child Development Center daycare. Unable to provide accurate summary of parent experiences with the childcare facility.

None mentioned - reviews are for a churchnot the daycare

Cornerstone Learning Center

4.64 score

4.8(20)

9725 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Cornerstone Learning Center receives universal praise from parents who report their children are thriving academically and emotionally. Parents consistently highlight the caring, engaged staff, effective communication through apps and updates, and strong learning outcomes. Multiple families express relief about their children's development and readiness for kindergarten.

Caring and engaged teachersresponsive communication with parentsstrong academic and social de

Rainbow Child Care Center - Falls Of Neuse

4.64 score

4.8(20)

1590 Dunn Road, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Rainbow Child Care Center (Falls Lake KinderCare) in Raleigh receives consistently high praise from parents for its caring staff, strong leadership, clean facilities, and structured educational programs. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, individualized attention to children, nutritious meals provided, and seamless transitions for children moving from other facilities. The center is noted for going above and beyond expectations in both childcare and educational support.

Attentive and loving staffstrong leadership (Director Michelle/Shaneek and Assistant Directors)clean and well-maintained facilitiesorganized classrooms

Asbury Preschool

4.62 score

5(8)

6612 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Asbury Preschool receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, invested teachers and fun, engaging learning environment. Parents report their children develop strong foundational skills, social abilities, and enthusiasm for learning while feeling well-prepared for kindergarten. The facility fosters a family-like community atmosphere that parents value long-term.

Caring and invested teachersfun and engaging learning methodsstrong skill developmentgood teacher-to-student ratios

Childworks INC.

4.6 score

4.8(15)

6215 Litchford Rd, Raleigh, NC · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Childworks Inc. for its warm, nurturing environment and caring staff. The facility is noted for excellent communication with families, strong leadership under the director, and individual attention to children's development. Multiple long-term families credit the center with supporting their children's growth and confidence.

Caring and engaged staffstrong communication with parents (photos and updates)individual attention to each child

Headstart Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina

There are 2 headstart programs in Raleigh, North Carolina, making up 1% of the 177 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 Raleigh, 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 2 headstart programs daycares in Raleigh, North Carolina, out of 177 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 Raleigh, 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

Raleigh offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 143 facilities
Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Church Daycare — 14 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 18 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 Raleigh for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Raleigh 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.

2 Headstart Programs in Raleigh, North Carolina

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Raleigh

Top Rated

Crosby Head Start

Kentwood Head Start Center

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Daycare types in Raleigh

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