How do I choose the right daycare in Santa Fe?

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

Santa Fe offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 46 facilities Headstart Programs — 13 facilities Church Daycare — 3 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 15 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Before or After School Daycare in Santa Fe, New Mexico (15 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in New Mexico?

Daycare costs in New Mexico 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 Santa Fe for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santa Fe

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.

First Baptist Childrens Center

4.64 score

4.8(20)

1605 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 67 children

Note: The reviews provided are for First Baptist Church, not the daycare center. Reviews praise the church's welcoming atmosphere, quality sermons, and community events like the live nativity, but do not evaluate the Children's Center specifically.

Welcoming and friendly congregationstrong biblical teachingcommunity involvementquality pastoral leadership

First Presbyterian Pre School

4.55 score

4.7(18)

208 Grant Ave., Santa Fe, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

Note: Reviews appear to be for First Presbyterian Church rather than its preschool program. Reviewers consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful historic building, and community events like free Friday concerts. The congregation is described as inclusive and service-oriented.

Welcoming and inclusive communitybeautiful historic architecture and locationfree weekly Friday concertsmeaningful worship services

La Casita Pre School

4.5 score

5(5)

438 Alamo Drive, Santa Fe, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 25 children

La Casita Pre School in Santa Fe receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its Reggio Emilia play-based approach, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers. Parents consistently highlight the strong sense of community, parent co-op involvement opportunities, and individualized attention each child receives. The program is noted as a rare gem that has maintained quality education for nearly 50 years.

High-quality educationReggio Emilia play-based curriculumcaring and patient teacherssmall school size allowing individual attention

Pms Headstart - Agua Fria

4.5 score

5(5)

3160 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe, NM · Headstart Programs · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise PMS Headstart for providing excellent care and educational support. The center is particularly valued for its special education services and preparation for school entry. Parents express strong satisfaction with their children's experiences.

Special education supportquality teachingattentive childcareschool readiness preparation

Nmprek-P Nye Early Childhood Center

4.5 score

5(5)

3160 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe, NM · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise NYE Early Childhood Center for quality care and education. The facility is noted for effectively supporting children with special needs and preparing them for regular school settings. Overall satisfaction is very high among reviewers.

Special needs supportquality teachingattentive caregood preparation for school entry

St Johns Methodist Tot Center

4.48 score

4.6(20)

1200 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM · Church Daycare · Capacity: 85 children

Reviews praise St. Johns Methodist Tot Center for its welcoming community atmosphere and active involvement in local outreach programs. The facility is noted for providing excellent community space and services including a food distribution program, pumpkin patch, and various activities. Parents and visitors consistently highlight the friendly and inclusive nature of the congregation and staff.

Welcoming and friendly congregationcommunity outreach programsFood in Hand assistance programnice facilities and gathering spaces

Santa Fe Children'S Project Early

4.48 score

4.6(20)

430 La Madera St., Santa Fe, NM · Headstart Programs · Capacity: -999 children

Parents consistently praise Santa Fe Children's Project Early as an excellent, well-maintained facility with engaging hands-on activities suitable for young children. The spacious yet intimate layout, friendly staff, cleanliness, and diverse activities including water play, gardens, and interactive exhibits receive universal positive feedback. Visitors appreciate the reasonable pricing and ability to spend extended time exploring.

Clean and well-maintained facilitiesfriendly and attentive staffspacious open floor plan that doesn't feel crowdeddiverse hands-on activities (water play

Church Of The Holy Faith

4.46 score

4.6(16)

311 East Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM · Church Daycare · Capacity: 21 children

These reviews do not reflect daycare services. The ratings appear to be for Church of the Holy Faith as a religious facility and worship venue, not a childcare center. Reviews praise the church's services, atmosphere, and community.

Beautiful facilitywelcoming communitymeaningful servicesexcellent music and choir

Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club - Zona Del Sol

4.43 score

4.7(8)

6600 Valentine Way, Santa Fe, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children

Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club - Zona del Sol receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the friendly and dedicated staff, particularly staff members Jasper Mares and Augustine. Parents report their children enjoy attending and have had consistently positive experiences over multiple years. One parent gave a negative rating without providing details.

Friendly staffstaff members going above and beyondgreat with childrenchildren enjoy attending

Rising Star Learning Center

4.29 score

4.5(7)

1425 Agua Fria St., Santa Fe, NM · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children

Rising Star Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring owner Mrs. Irma, quality instruction, and convenient hours (7:30am-5:30pm). One neighbor complaint focused on noise levels during outdoor play time.

caring and attentive staffowner Mrs. Irma highly praisedchildren happy and socialdaily activities and learning projects

Before or After School Daycare in Santa Fe, New Mexico

There are 15 before or after school daycare in Santa Fe, New Mexico, making up 19% of the 77 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 Santa Fe, 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 15 before or after school daycares in Santa Fe, New Mexico, out of 77 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 Santa Fe, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

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

Santa Fe offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 46 facilities
Headstart Programs — 13 facilities
Church Daycare — 3 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 15 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 New Mexico 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 Santa Fe for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Santa Fe must be licensed by New Mexico'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.

15 Before or After School Daycare in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santa Fe

Top Rated

Nmprek-P Nye Early Childhood Center

Map

Daycare types in Santa Fe

Browse by type in Santa Fe