Best Headstart Programs in Portland, OR
Compare 21 headstart programs in Portland. Average rating: 4.55/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Portland, Oregon at a glance
- Programs
- 21
- Avg rating
- 4.55/5
- Parent reviews
- 929
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 67
Portland has 21 licensed headstart programs with 929 parent reviews averaging 4.55/5.67 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 67% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 97212 zip code, averaging 5 stars across 19 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Portland
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.
- 1Creative Minds Learning Center - Gateway4.8 score5(20)
334 Se 146th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Creative Minds Learning Center (Cadence Academy) Gateway receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, engaging staff and strong developmental outcomes for their children. Parents highlight the director Emily's supportive leadership, creative teachers, and smooth transitions to kindergarten, with families reporting their children thrived socially and academically during their time at the center.
Warm and engaging staffstrong social and academic preparation for kindergartencreative lesson plans and activitiesresponsive and communicative director - 2Overlook Collaborative Preschool4.78 score5(18)
1707 N Jarrett St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 12 children
Overlook Collaborative Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, welcoming environment and thoughtful, child-centered approach to education. Parents highlight the dedicated leadership of owner Erin and her teaching staff, along with the school's excellent daily communication and play-based learning model. Children are reported to show enthusiasm for attending, confidence growth, and strong social-emotional development.
Warm and welcoming environmentthoughtful and caring teacherschild-led/play-based curriculumdaily email updates with pictures and stories - 3St James Child Development Center4.77 score5(17)
1315 Sw Park Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
St. James Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the dedicated, long-tenured staff and warm community atmosphere. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with many staying enrolled for multiple years and willingly commuting despite distance to keep their children there.
Highly experienced and stable staff with low turnovercaring and attentive teachersstrong sense of community - 4Northeast Community Child Development Center4.74 score5(14)
1624 Ne Hancock St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Northeast Community Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently high praise from parents. The center is recognized for its experienced and caring staff, play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional growth, extended operating hours, and large secure outdoor courtyard. Parents particularly value the cooperative model that encourages parent involvement and the inclusive, community-oriented environment.
Experienced and dedicated long-term teacherswarm and caring staffplay-based curriculum with emphasis on social-emotional learningextended hours (7:30am-5:30pm) - 5Creative Minds Learning Center-Woodstock4.72 score4.9(20)
7103 Se 60th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. The director Estera is highlighted as responsive and organized, and the facility provides meals, enrichment activities, and outdoor play. Multiple families report their children have made significant developmental gains and enjoy attending.
Caring and attentive staffresponsive directorclean facilitymeals provided - 6David Douglas Day Care4.72 score4.9(20)
1610 Se 130th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 68 children
Parents consistently praise David Douglas Day Care for its caring, experienced staff, strong leadership, and inclusive environment. Children thrive academically and socially while parents appreciate the competitive pricing, flexible policies, and excellent communication. This family-owned business is described as special, with staff who genuinely love the children and attract quality families to their community.
Caring and patient teachersminimal staff turnoverre - 7Irvington Preschool Co-Op4.71 score5(12)
2710 Ne 14th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Irvington Preschool Co-Op is a highly regarded play-based preschool in Portland where parents consistently praise the warm, respectful community and child-led learning approach. Teacher Sam is repeatedly highlighted as exceptional, deeply understanding individual children and fostering their social-emotional growth. The co-op model is valued for enabling meaningful family involvement and authentic community building.
Play-based learning environmentchild-led approachTeacher Sam's exceptional care and skillwarm and respectful community - 8Aprende Con Amigos LLC4.67 score5(10)
5206 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Aprende con Amigos is a highly regarded Spanish immersion preschool in Portland where parents report exceptional experiences. Parents consistently praise the bilingual curriculum, caring and well-trained staff, strong child development practices, and nurturing environment that supports both academic and social growth.
Spanish immersion programbilingual language developmentthoughtful curriculum combining Waldorf/Montessori/Reggio Emilia approacheshighly trained and passionate staff - 9Aleph Bet Jewish Day School4.64 score5(9)
6612 Sw Capital Hwy, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Parents consistently praise Aleph Bet Jewish Day School (The Gan) as a nurturing, safe environment that combines progressive education with Jewish cultural foundations. The director Mimi and teaching staff are highlighted as warm, experienced, and responsive, with children showing genuine enthusiasm for attending. Parents appreciate the balance of academic learning tailored to individual development and strong emotional support.
Warm and caring staffdirector's kindness and professionalismReggio method trainingindividualized learning pace - 10El Pilar School4.64 score5(9)
6805 Sw Vermont St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children
El Pilar School is a highly-regarded center-based daycare in Portland with 25 years of operation under owner Imma. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, child development outcomes, and Spanish language instruction, with children showing enthusiasm for attendance. The facility prioritizes genuine care and structured learning over modern communication apps.
Caring and attentive staffstrong Spanish language developmentstructured daily schedulesmooth transitions between age groups
Rating Distribution
Based on 100 daycares with Google ratings in Portland
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 929 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Portland, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Portland zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97212 | 19 | 5 | 9 | |
| 97215 | 7 | 4.87 | 3 | |
| 97206 | 15 | 4.81 | 7 | |
| 97220 | 6 | 4.8 | 1 | |
| 97217 | 12 | 4.73 | 5 | |
| 97219 | 19 | 4.72 | 5 | |
| 97201 | 12 | 4.67 | 2 | |
| 97232 | 6 | 4.58 | 2 | |
| 97213 | 8 | 4.58 | 3 | |
| 97229 | 17 | 4.57 | 2 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Portland (8–185 children)
Small
up to 30 children
75
Medium
31–75 children
106
Large
76–150 children
52
Very Large
150+ children
9
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Portland based on parent reviews
Head Start Garlington Center (Albina)
4514 Se Flavel St, Portland, OR
Parents highlight the center's experienced staff and nurturing environment, with one reviewer noting a 1-to-3 teacher-to-child ratio and over 35 years of combined teacher experience. A single parent also appreciates the convenient bus drop-off service and the teachers' patience with the children.
Head Start Mccormack/Mathews (Albina)
6930 N Kerby, Portland, OR
One parent highlights their personal enjoyment of attending the program, while another expresses strong affection for the teaching staff. These limited comments reflect a positive experience with the educators and the environment. No specific drawbacks or complaints were noted in the available feedback.
Head Start Skidmore (Albina)
911 N Skidmore, Portland, OR
One parent describes Head Start Skidmore (Albina) as a great place for childcare, reflecting the center's current 5-star rating. While the single review is positive, the limited volume of feedback means broader consensus has not yet been established.
Head Start Lexington (Albina)
7858 Se 72nd, Portland, OR
Head Start Richard Brown (Albina)
605 Ne Ivy St, Portland, OR
Head Start Highland (Albina) Highland Christian School
7600 Ne Glisan, Portland, OR
Map
Daycare types in Portland
Browse by type in Portland
Headstart Programs in Portland, Oregon
There are 21 headstart programs in Portland, Oregon, making up 9% of the 245 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 Portland have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 across 100 rated facilities, with 67% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 4.67 stars. Our analysis covers 929 parent reviews. Parents in Portland most frequently praise daycares for safe environment, affordable pricing, and caring and attentive staff.
When choosing a daycare in Portland, 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 Portland
Showing 21 results
Parents highlight the center's experienced staff and nurturing environment, with one reviewer noting a 1-to-3 teacher-to-child ratio and over 35 years of combined teacher experience. A single parent also appreciates the convenient bus drop-off service and the teachers' patience with the children.
- Address
- 4514 Se Flavel St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 7858 Se 72nd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent highlights their personal enjoyment of attending the program, while another expresses strong affection for the teaching staff. These limited comments reflect a positive experience with the educators and the environment. No specific drawbacks or complaints were noted in the available feedback.
- Address
- 6930 N Kerby, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent describes Head Start Skidmore (Albina) as a great place for childcare, reflecting the center's current 5-star rating. While the single review is positive, the limited volume of feedback means broader consensus has not yet been established.
- Address
- 911 N Skidmore, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 605 Ne Ivy St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 7600 Ne Glisan, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent describes the staff as lovely and the teachers as great, noting that everyone cares. The single review provided is a positive experience with no complaints listed.
- Address
- 10420 E Burnside, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 909 Ne 52nd Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 4206 Ne Garfield, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 6941 N Central, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 9009 N Floss, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 4219 Ne M L King Blvd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 6841 North Interstate, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 111 Ne Failing St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 4010 N Borthwick Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 4919 Ne 17th, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1425 Ne Dekum St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 241 N Alberta St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 2513 Ne Saratoga St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3905 Se 91st Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3674 Se Gladstone St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Oregon's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Oregon)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 149 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 21 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 72 facilities