Best Before or After School Daycare in Portland, OR
Compare 72 before or after school daycare 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
- 72
- Avg rating
- 4.55/5
- Parent reviews
- 929
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 67
Portland has 72 licensed before or after school daycare 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
Ymca Tabor Heights
6161 Se Stark, Portland, OR
Reviews consistently praise the welcoming and loving atmosphere of this church-based facility. Parents highlight the friendly community, spiritual environment, and quality facilities including outdoor space for recreation. The school-based program appears to serve preschool and community needs effectively.
Friendly House-Friendly Chaps
1715 Nw 26th Ave, Portland, OR
Friendly House is a well-regarded community center in Portland offering school-based childcare, preschool, and after-school programs alongside gym facilities and community services. Parents consistently praise the kind, creative, and resourceful staff who create a happy, comfortable environment where children enjoy learning and outdoor activities. The facility is noted for its affordability and accessibility to families of diverse incomes.
Friendly House, INC.
1737 Nw 26th Ave, Portland, OR
Friendly House is a highly-rated community center in Portland offering comprehensive childcare services including preschool, after-school programs, and summer camps. Parents consistently praise the kind, creative, and resourceful staff who create a happy, comfortable environment where children enjoy themselves. The facility offers additional amenities including fitness facilities, sports courts, and serves diverse community needs.
Champions - Menlo Park On-Site
12900 Ne Glisan St, Portland, OR
Parents highlight the exceptional care and communication provided by staff members Elizabeth and site manager Liz, noting that the team goes above and beyond to ensure children's safety and happiness. Feedback indicates high trust in the staff, with specific appreciation for proactive updates during difficult drop-offs and a generally positive experience in both summer school and after-school programs.
Portland Children'S Museum Opal School
4015 Sw Canyon Rd, Portland, OR
The few reviews so far mention nostalgic memories from parents who attended as children, with one noting a strong desire for the location to reopen. No current childcare-specific feedback is available as the facility appears to be closed or inactive.
Schoolita Alegria
1814 Ne 33rd Ave, Portland, OR
Map
Daycare types in Portland
Browse by type in Portland
Before or After School Daycare in Portland, Oregon
There are 72 before or after school daycare in Portland, Oregon, making up 29% 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 Before or After School Daycare in Portland
Showing 72 results
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- 1900 Se 117th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 3521 Sw Patton Rd, Portland, OR
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- 161 Ne 82nd Ave, Portland, OR
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- 1710 N Humboldt St, Portland, OR
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- 5800 Se Division St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 5037 Sw Iowa St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 2276 Se 41st Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 5601 Se 50th Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 4401 Se Evergreen St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 825 Se 51st Ave, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 7326 Se Flavel St, Portland, OR
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- NOT AVAILABLE
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- 13132 Se Ramona St, Portland, OR
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- 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