Best Before or After School Daycare in Lawrence, KS

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lawrence

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. 1

   Prairie Moon School

   4.6 score

   4.8(15)

   1853 E 1600 Road, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

   Prairie Moon School is a Waldorf-based educational center in Lawrence, Kansas that receives universal praise from parents. The school emphasizes nature-based, screen-free learning with hands-on activities, outdoor play, and experiential education. Parents consistently highlight the caring teachers, strong sense of community, and their children's enthusiasm for attending.

   Screen-free curriculumnature-based learningexperienced and caring teacherswarm welcoming community
2. 2

   Googols Of Learning Child Development Center At Wakarusa Valley Elementary

   4.59 score

   4.8(14)

   1104 E 1000 Rd, Lawrence, KS · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 64 children

   Googols of Learning receives universal praise from parents, with all 10 reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the caring, communicative staff, strong kindergarten preparation, and nurturing environment that helps children develop confidence and a love of learning.

   Caring and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentskindergarten readiness preparationsafe environment
3. 3

   Googols Of Learning Child Development Center

   4.59 score

   4.8(14)

   500 Rockledge Rd, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children

   Googols of Learning receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, communicative staff and nurturing environment. Parents report their children feel safe, loved, and well-prepared for kindergarten transitions. The center is noted for its research-based educational approach, healthy meals, and family engagement activities.

   Caring and attentive staffexcellent communication with parentssafe and welcoming environmentresearch-based learning approach
4. 4

   Community Childrens Center At Edgewood

   4.58 score

   5(7)

   1600 Haskell, Units 159 And 160, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

   Community Children's Center at Edgewood is highly praised as a comprehensive family resource organization offering multiple services including free playgroups, parenting classes, a free clothing closet, and a developing Family Resource Center. Parents consistently highlight the caring staff, welcoming atmosphere, and genuine community support. The center is described as an invaluable resource for families with young children in the Lawrence/Douglas County area.

   free playgroupsResponsive Caregivers parenting classesfree clothing closetBook Nook
5. 5

   Community Childrens Center INC

   4.58 score

   5(7)

   925 Vermont, Lawrence, KS · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 60 children

   Community Children's Center is highly praised as an exceptional community resource offering free services and programs for families with young children in Lawrence/Douglas County. Parents consistently highlight the center's genuine care, helpful staff, and diverse offerings including playgroups, parenting classes, clothing closet, and a developing Family Resource Center. Families report feeling supported and grateful for the sense of community and accessible resources provided.

   Free clothing closetGrow and Go playgroupsResponsive Caregiving parenting classeswelcoming and caring staff
6. 6

   First Presbyterian Church Preschool And Extended Day

   4.58 score

   5(7)

   2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS · Church Daycare · Capacity: 75 children

   Parents consistently praise FPC First 5 Years for its caring and well-organized staff who create a warm, calm environment where children thrive. Multiple reviewers highlight strong kindergarten preparation, excellent communication, and children's genuine enjoyment of attending. The director's personal attention to each child and flexible program options (Kids Day Out, extended care) are particularly valued.

   Caring and wonderful staffwell-organized environmentcalm atmospheredirector greets children by name
7. 7

   Lawrence Montessori School

   4.4 score

   4.5(20)

   5005 Legends Drive, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children

   Lawrence Montessori School receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, certified teachers and effective Montessori approach. Parents highlight their children's development of independence, academic skills, and enthusiasm for learning across all age groups from infancy through primary. The school's communication with parents and responsive leadership are consistently commended.

   Warm and caring teachersMontessori methodologychild development and independencedaily photo/activity updates via app
8. 8

   Lawrence Arts Center Ps & Early Ccc

   4.39 score

   4.5(18)

   940 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children

   Lawrence Arts Center is highly regarded by parents for its diverse offerings including art classes, dance, music, theater, and exhibitions. Parents praise the quality instruction, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to children and families of all ages. The center is described as a valuable community resource with engaging programming throughout the week.

   Excellent and knowledgeable staff and teachersdiverse class offerings (artdancemusic
9. 9

   Immanuel Lutheran Childhood Center

   4.36 score

   4.5(13)

   2104 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 33 children

   The reviews provided are about Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas, not the daycare center. Reviews praise the church's welcoming congregation, faithful biblical teaching, and community involvement, but do not evaluate the childhood center's daycare services.

   Friendly and welcoming congregationfaithful biblical preachingcommunity outreach programsADA accessibility
10. 10

    Elizabeth B Ballard Community Center

    4.15 score

    4.2(14)

    708 Elm St, Lawrence, KS · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 58 children

    Elizabeth B Ballard Community Center receives consistently high praise from parents for its quality early education programs, caring staff, and comprehensive community support services. Parents highlight the warm, welcoming environment where children thrive and the center's exceptional ability to connect families with local resources and assistance. The facility is recognized as a valuable asset to the Lawrence community.

    caring and excellent teacherswarm and welco

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