How do I choose the right daycare in Phoenix?

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

Phoenix offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 234 facilities Headstart Programs — 68 facilities Church Daycare — 28 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 138 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Best Before or After School Daycare in Phoenix, AZ

Q: How many before or after school daycares are in Phoenix, Arizona?

There are 138 before or after school daycares in Phoenix, Arizona, out of 468 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Arizona?

Daycare costs in Arizona 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 Phoenix for current pricing.

Compare 138 before or after school daycare in Phoenix. Average rating: 4.32/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Phoenix, Arizona at a glance

Programs: 138
Avg rating: 4.32/5
Parent reviews: 3,065
Top rated (4.5+): 100

Phoenix has 138 licensed before or after school daycare with 3,065 parent reviews averaging 4.32/5.100 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 47% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 85007 (avg 5 stars), while 85032 has the largest selection (32 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Phoenix

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.

1
Kaleidoscope Preschool
4.8 score
5(20)
15025 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ · Church Daycare · Capacity: 59 children
Kaleidoscope Preschool in Phoenix receives universal praise from parents for its loving, attentive staff and play-based curriculum that integrates academics. Parents consistently highlight the strong sense of community, excellent security measures, responsive communication, and individualized attention given to each child. Multiple reviewers note their children have thrived emotionally and academically, with staff going above and beyond to support families.
caring and consistent staff with low turnoverwarm welcoming atmospherestrong security measuresplay-based learning curriculum
2
Small People Preschool Greenway
4.8 score
5(20)
2601 East Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 87 children
Small People Preschool Greenway receives universally positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring, attentive staff, clean facilities, engaging activities, and nurturing environment where children feel safe and excited to attend. Many families have enrolled for multiple years and recommend the center highly.
caring and loving staffclean facilitiesattentive teachersengaging activities and crafts
3
Camelback Holistic Preschool
4.8 score
5(20)
3530 North 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children
Camelback Holistic Preschool receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and directors (Emma and Terence), thoughtfully designed curriculum that balances academics with play-based learning, and the on-site chef who prepares fresh organic meals. Parents report significant developmental progress in their children across academic, social, and emotional skills, and appreciate the strong parent communication and supportive community environment.
Caring and dedicated teachers and staffwarm and nurturing environmentplay-based and hands-on curriculumstrong academic preparation for kindergarten
4
Mia Preschool & Childcare, L.L.C.
4.75 score
5(15)
2132 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 29 children
Mia Preschool & Childcare receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, safe and clean environment, and quality early childhood education. Parents report their children thrived academically, improved social-emotional skills, and felt excited about attending. The owner Elizabeth and teaching staff are consistently highlighted as dedicated, loving, and professional.
Caring and friendly staffsafe and clean environmentstrong academic preparation for kindergartenSpanish-language instruction
5
God'S Garden Child Development Center
4.74 score
5(14)
1401 East Liberty Lane, Phoenix, AZ · Church Daycare · Capacity: 184 children
God's Garden Child Development Center in Phoenix receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, family-like environment and child-centered curriculum. Parents consistently highlight Director Michelle Rhodes' leadership, the caring and educated staff, and the facility's focus on social-emotional development alongside academic preparation. Multiple families report their children thrive and are excited to attend.
Safe and welcoming environmentchild-centered discovery-based curriculumexperienced and passionate staffDirector Michelle Rhodes' visible leadership and engagement
6
Faith Lutheran Preschool
4.74 score
5(14)
801 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 86 children
Faith Lutheran Preschool in Phoenix receives exclusively positive reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff and warm family-like community. Parents highlight the teachers' genuine engagement with children, individualized attention, and low staff turnover spanning 5-15+ years. Families report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with many expressing deep gratitude for the smooth transition back to work.
Warmwelcoming atmosphereexperienced and caring teacherslow staff turnover
7
A Step Ahead Preschool & Montessori
4.72 score
4.9(20)
4221 East Chandler Blvd, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 59 children
A Step Ahead Preschool & Montessori in Phoenix receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the owners Aram and Maysa, along with teachers like Ms. Sarah and Ms. Katie, for creating a warm, nurturing, and enriching environment. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with strong developmental progress and genuine happiness about attending. The school is described as feeling like a second home with excellent communication, clean facilities,
8
Learn N' Play, INC.
4.72 score
4.9(20)
15626 South 42nd Street, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 161 children
Learn N' Play receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment. Parents highlight strong communication, cleanliness, and genuine care for children's development and emotional wellbeing across all age groups from infants to school-age. The facility is frequently recommended for providing a family-like atmosphere where both children and parents feel welcomed and supported.
Caring and attentive staffClean facilityStrong parent-teacher communicationNurturing environment
9
Natural Choice Academy
4.72 score
4.9(20)
13840 North Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 182 children
Parents consistently praise Natural Choice Academy as a loving, well-run center with highly trained and caring teachers who know each child individually. The facility is frequently highlighted for its organic, chef-prepared meals, beautiful outdoor spaces including nature play areas, and strong sense of community among families. Multiple parents report significant positive growth in their children and express deep satisfaction with the quality of care and education.
Caring and attentive teachersorganic wholesome mealsoutdoor play areas with nature connectionstrong community and family events
10
Desert Dawn Private School
4.72 score
4.9(20)
15815 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children
Desert Dawn Private School receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the nurturing, attentive staff, balanced academics and play approach, and strong sense of community. Parents consistently highlight their children's positive growth, excellent communication, and the warm, family-like environment. Many parents report it was their preferred choice after visiting multiple facilities.
Caring and nurturing staff with low turnoverbalanced play and academicsexcellent parent communication with photo/video updatesoutdoor spaces including playground with goats and garden

Rating Distribution

Based on 211 daycares with Google ratings in Phoenix

4.5 - 5.0

100

4.0 - 4.4

3.0 - 3.9

Below 3

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 3,065 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility

2Caring and attentive staff

3Children excited to attend

4Affordable pricing

5Safe environment

6Family-like atmosphere

7Caring and professional staff

8Children enjoy attending

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Phoenix, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.27avg rating

234 daycares · 167 rated

Before or After School Daycare

4.41avg rating

138 daycares · 16 rated

Headstart Programs

3.89avg rating

68 daycares · 8 rated

Church Daycare

4.78avg rating

28 daycares · 20 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Phoenix zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip Code	Daycares	Avg. Rating	Top Rated
85007	8	5	3
85020	13	4.82	4
85048	24	4.74	8
85032	32	4.72	13
85034	5	4.7	1
85023	10	4.7	3
85018	16	4.65	5
85027	10	4.6	3
85012	10	4.53	4
85042	18	4.5	4

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Phoenix (10–625 children)

Small

up to 30 children

Medium

31–75 children

151

Large

76–150 children

124

Very Large

150+ children

147

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Phoenix based on parent reviews

Katys Kids Preschool At Neighborhood Ministries

4.7(20)

1929 West Fillmore Street, Phoenix, AZ

Parents praise Neighborhood Ministries as a compassionate, community-focused organization that provides comprehensive support including preschool/afterschool programs, mentorship, youth activities, and social services. Staff are described as heartfelt and motivating, with reviewers highlighting the welcoming atmosphere and extensive resources available to families. The facility is noted for serving diverse populations and actively engaging with the community through various programs and events.

Compassionate and heartfelt staffone-on-one mentorship programsdiverse and welcoming environment

O.E.S.D.#8 - Montecito Elementary School

4.6(15)

715 East Montecito, Phoenix, AZ

O.E.S.D.#8 Montecito Elementary School is a public Montessori dual-language school in Phoenix that parents consistently praise for its affordable, high-quality education and strong community. Parents highlight dedicated staff, hands-on learning, language development, and focus on the whole child. While the program is new with some organizational growing pains, parents view these as minor compared to the school's overall excellence.

Montessori education at public scho

B.E.S.D.#31 - Orangedale Early Learning Center

5(4)

5048 East Oak Street, Phoenix, AZ

One parent highlights the exceptional quality of teachers and staff, specifically mentioning Ms. Rachel and speech therapist Ms. Miriam for their positive impact on their child's learning experience. Another review simply describes the facility as a great school, while a third is a personal anecdote unrelated to current childcare services.

Excellent teachers and staffsupportive speech therapy servicesengaging environment for children

C.S.D.#83 - Cartwright Early Childhood Center

4.7(7)

5480 West Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

Cartwright Early Childhood Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising dedicated teachers like Mr. O'Grady and Ms. Fisher for their encouragement and professionalism. Parents report their children learn well and view it as a valuable community resource. One parent reported a negative experience with a staff member they felt was rude and unprofessional.

Dedicated and encouraging teacherspositive learning environmentgood academic outcomes

Phoenix Preparatory Preschool & Child Care

4.5(20)

802 West Osborn Road, Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Preparatory Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the director Margot and staff for their attentive, nurturing care and strong academic curriculum. Parents report significant developmental progress in their children across speech, literacy, math, and social skills, along with daily photo updates and well-structured, screen-free programming. The facility is highlighted for its caring community, diversity, and the staff's genuine investment in each child's growth and wellbeing.

Attentive and nurturing staffstrong academic focusdaily photo updates via Bright Wheel app

Living Streams Children'S Center

5(3)

7000 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

Parents highlight the center's safe, clean, and professional environment, noting that staff are supportive and children form strong bonds with caregivers. One family describes an emotional but comforting drop-off experience, while another notes that their children have made friends and felt adored over several years.

Supportive and caring staffsafe and clean campusstrong child-staff relationships

Map

Daycare types in Phoenix

Child Daycare & Preschools 234 Headstart Programs 68 Church Daycare 28 Before or After School Daycare 138

Browse by type in Phoenix

🎨 Preschools 85 🌱 Montessori 22 ✝️ Christian Daycare 16 ⛪ Catholic Daycare 6

Before or After School Daycare in Phoenix, Arizona

There are 138 before or after school daycare in Phoenix, Arizona, making up 29% of the 468 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 Phoenix have an average rating of 4.32 out of 5 across 211 rated facilities, with 47% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.78 stars. Our analysis covers 3,065 parent reviews. Parents in Phoenix most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, caring and attentive staff, and children excited to attend.

When choosing a daycare in Phoenix, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Before or After School Daycare in Phoenix

Showing 138 results