Best Before or After School Daycare in Cranston, RI
Compare 19 before or after school daycare in Cranston. Average rating: 4.51/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Cranston, Rhode Island at a glance
- Programs
- 19
- Avg rating
- 4.51/5
- Parent reviews
- 255
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 15
Cranston has 19 licensed before or after school daycare with 255 parent reviews averaging 4.51/5.15 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 65% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 02920 zip code, averaging 4.71 stars across 15 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Cranston
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.
- 1First Years Learning Center4.72 score4.9(20)
1400 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 68 children
First Years Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents emphasize the trustworthy, caring staff, warm family-like environment, and strong communication about their children's progress and activities. Children show clear developmental growth, improved social skills, and genuine enthusiasm for attending.
Trustworthy and caring staffwarm and welcoming environmentattentive and nurturing carestrong parent communication - 2Master Han'S Us Taekwondo Complex4.64 score4.8(20)
1441 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
Master Han's US Taekwondo Complex is a highly-rated facility offering taekwondo instruction, after-school care, and summer programs in Cranston, RI. Parents consistently praise the staff, particularly director Susan, for creating a nurturing environment that teaches discipline, respect, and personal growth while providing convenient services like school pickup/dropoff. The facility is noted as affordable and accommodating for families with varied schedules and needs.
- 3The Children'S Workshop/Cranston4.56 score4.7(20)
546 Budlong Road, Cranston, RI · Church Daycare · Capacity: 97 children
Parents consistently praise The Children's Workshop/Cadence Academy for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children are excited to attend. Reviews highlight strong communication with parents, quality learning activities, and a welcoming community atmosphere. All reviews are 5-star ratings reflecting high parental satisfaction.
Caring and attentive staffsafe and nurturing environmentexcellent parent communication (emailsphotos - 4Western Cranston Learning Center4.55 score5(6)
140 Natick Avenue, Cranston, RI · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 48 children
Parents unanimously praise Western Cranston Learning Center for its warm, attentive staff and excellent care, particularly in the infant and toddler rooms. Families highlight responsive communication, daily photo updates, balanced learning activities, and staff who go above standard ratios to support children. Multiple parents note the center helped ease their anxiety as first-time parents and their children show genuine excitement about attending.
Caring and experienced teachersindividual attention for infantsresponsive communication with parentsdaily photo updates and progress sharing - 5Kid'S Kingdom4.53 score4.7(15)
116 Puritan Avenue, Cranston, RI · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 80 children
Parents consistently praise Kid's Kingdom for its caring, professional staff who build strong relationships with children and provide excellent support to families. Multiple long-term families (some for 16+ years) highlight the safe, clean facility, organized environment, and smooth transitions for children of all ages. The center is frequently recommended by parents who feel confident leaving their children in capable hands.
Caring and professional staffstrong parent-child relationshipssupportive transition assistancesafe and clean facility - 6The Curious Child4.51 score4.8(9)
1308 Phenix Ave, Cranston, RI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 88 children
The Curious Child receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and strong sense of structure combined with a family-like atmosphere. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication through the Procare app, clean facilities, engaging activities, and individual attention to their children's needs. Multiple reviewers express they would continue using the facility if they had not relocated.
Attentive and caring staffstrong communication with parentsProcare app for hourly updatesclean facility - 7The Gingerbread House Preschool In4.4 score4.5(20)
1458 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 35 children
The Gingerbread House Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the warm, nurturing staff and strong communication. Parents report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving in a clean, safe, and educational environment. The facility accommodates infants through age 5 and is noted for its family-oriented atmosphere.
Warm and caring staffexcellent parent-teacher communicationdaily photo and activity updates via Brightwheel app - 8Miss Lee Ann'S INC.4.34 score4.5(11)
180 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 67 children
Parents consistently praise Miss Lee Ann's Inc. as an exceptional early learning center with dedicated, passionate staff who provide individualized attention in a warm, nurturing environment. The facility is recognized for strong educational programming combined with social-emotional support, creating a safe space where children thrive and feel valued.
Caring and passionate educatorssmall class sizes allowing personalized attentionsafe and nurturing environmentstrong educational and social-emotional development - 9Learning Brooke Ece Center4.21 score4.3(11)
1170 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 108 children
Learning Brooke ECE Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the nurturing staff, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, and strong focus on creativity and independence. However, one parent reported serious concerns about understaffing, inadequate response to safety issues, and inconsistent discipline policies.
caring and professional staffReggio Emilia approachfocus on creativity and independencestrong parent communication - 10Cranston Ymca At Eden Park School4 score4(20)
180 Oakland Avenue, Cranston, RI · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 75 children
Cranston YMCA at Eden Park School receives consistently positive reviews, with parents praising the swim instruction, staff dedication, and family-oriented atmosphere. The facility offers diverse programs including swimming lessons, childcare, and fitness classes. While the building is aging, recent renovations and the quality of staff and services are highly regarded.
Excellent swim instructors (KyleMarlayna)dedicated staff (AndreaElsa)
Rating Distribution
Based on 23 daycares with Google ratings in Cranston
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 255 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Cranston, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Cranston zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02920 | 15 | 4.71 | 10 | |
| 02921 | 5 | 4.6 | 3 | |
| 02910 | 8 | 4.22 | 2 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Cranston (14–197 children)
Small
up to 30 children
3
Medium
31–75 children
18
Large
76–150 children
9
Very Large
150+ children
1
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Cranston based on parent reviews
First Years Learning Center
1400 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI
First Years Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents emphasize the trustworthy, caring staff, warm family-like environment, and strong communication about their children's progress and activities. Children show clear developmental growth, improved social skills, and genuine enthusiasm for attending.
Western Cranston Learning Center
140 Natick Avenue, Cranston, RI
Parents unanimously praise Western Cranston Learning Center for its warm, attentive staff and excellent care, particularly in the infant and toddler rooms. Families highlight responsive communication, daily photo updates, balanced learning activities, and staff who go above standard ratios to support children. Multiple parents note the center helped ease their anxiety as first-time parents and their children show genuine excitement about attending.
Kid'S Kingdom
116 Puritan Avenue, Cranston, RI
Parents consistently praise Kid's Kingdom for its caring, professional staff who build strong relationships with children and provide excellent support to families. Multiple long-term families (some for 16+ years) highlight the safe, clean facility, organized environment, and smooth transitions for children of all ages. The center is frequently recommended by parents who feel confident leaving their children in capable hands.
Miss Lee Ann'S INC.
180 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI
Parents consistently praise Miss Lee Ann's Inc. as an exceptional early learning center with dedicated, passionate staff who provide individualized attention in a warm, nurturing environment. The facility is recognized for strong educational programming combined with social-emotional support, creating a safe space where children thrive and feel valued.
Candy Cane LLC.
54 Olney Arnold Road, Cranston, RI
Parents highlight the school's transition from Candy Cane to Learners to Leaders, noting that renovations and new teaching staff have positively impacted the learning environment. Reviewers describe the staff as warm, attentive, and highly communicative, with specific praise for individualized care in infant rooms and structured pre-K preparation.
Learning Brooke Ece Center
1170 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI
Learning Brooke ECE Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the nurturing staff, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, and strong focus on creativity and independence. However, one parent reported serious concerns about understaffing, inadequate response to safety issues, and inconsistent discipline policies.
Map
Daycare types in Cranston
Browse by type in Cranston
Before or After School Daycare in Cranston, Rhode Island
There are 19 before or after school daycare in Cranston, Rhode Island, making up 61% of the 31 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 Cranston have an average rating of 4.51 out of 5 across 23 rated facilities, with 65% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.85 stars. Our analysis covers 255 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Cranston, 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 Cranston
Showing 19 results
- Address
- 717 Atwood Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 946-4422
- Address
- 665 Dyer Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 942-2388
Parents unanimously praise Western Cranston Learning Center for its warm, attentive staff and excellent care, particularly in the infant and toddler rooms. Families highlight responsive communication, daily photo updates, balanced learning activities, and staff who go above standard ratios to support children. Multiple parents note the center helped ease their anxiety as first-time parents and their children show genuine excitement about attending.
- Address
- 140 Natick Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 946-6505
First Years Learning Center receives consistently high praise from parents across all reviews. Parents emphasize the trustworthy, caring staff, warm family-like environment, and strong communication about their children's progress and activities. Children show clear developmental growth, improved social skills, and genuine enthusiasm for attending.
- Address
- 1400 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 781-8337
Parents consistently praise Kid's Kingdom for its caring, professional staff who build strong relationships with children and provide excellent support to families. Multiple long-term families (some for 16+ years) highlight the safe, clean facility, organized environment, and smooth transitions for children of all ages. The center is frequently recommended by parents who feel confident leaving their children in capable hands.
- Address
- 116 Puritan Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 464-9665
Parents highlight the school's transition from Candy Cane to Learners to Leaders, noting that renovations and new teaching staff have positively impacted the learning environment. Reviewers describe the staff as warm, attentive, and highly communicative, with specific praise for individualized care in infant rooms and structured pre-K preparation.
- Address
- 54 Olney Arnold Road, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 944-0611
Parents consistently praise Miss Lee Ann's Inc. as an exceptional early learning center with dedicated, passionate staff who provide individualized attention in a warm, nurturing environment. The facility is recognized for strong educational programming combined with social-emotional support, creating a safe space where children thrive and feel valued.
- Address
- 180 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 942-3331
Learning Brooke ECE Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the nurturing staff, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, and strong focus on creativity and independence. However, one parent reported serious concerns about understaffing, inadequate response to safety issues, and inconsistent discipline policies.
- Address
- 1170 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 941-3705
Parents highlight the school-based program's spotless environment, organized operations, and highly recommended staff who provide clear communication and secure care. Feedback indicates children thrive in this setting, often returning home happy and tired after days of engaging activities and fundamental learning.
- Address
- 210 Comstock Parkway, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 946-6700
Parents highlight the center's spotless cleanliness, secure environment, and well-organized operations, noting that children are happy and well-cared for. Reviewers appreciate the clear communication with staff and the professional, trustworthy nature of the teachers and administrators. One parent mentions their child comes home tired, which they view positively as a sign of engagement.
- Address
- 220 Comstock Parkway, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 946-6700
SSTARBIRTH DAY CARE is a school-based recovery program in Cranston that helps parents achieve sobriety while caring for their children. Most reviewers praise the supportive staff and life-changing impact, though concerns have been raised about management decisions and staff professionalism.
- Address
- 80 East St, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 463-6001
Cranston YMCA at Eden Park School receives consistently positive reviews, with parents praising the swim instruction, staff dedication, and family-oriented atmosphere. The facility offers diverse programs including swimming lessons, childcare, and fitness classes. While the building is aging, recent renovations and the quality of staff and services are highly regarded.
- Address
- 180 Oakland Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 943-0444
Parents highly praise the swim lessons, instructors (particularly Kyle, Marlayna, and Elsa), and staff friendliness at this YMCA facility. The facility offers diverse programs including swimming, daycare, fitness classes, and youth activities in a family-oriented environment. While the building is aging and could benefit from updates, parents appreciate the recent renovations and the quality of service provided.
- Address
- 160 Pawtuxet Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 943-0444
One parent highlights the caring and professional staff, noting their son enjoys crafts and social interaction, while another reports a dramatic decline in care quality, citing a shift to a punitive environment with excessive screen time and poor staff conduct. This second reviewer also objects to the full-year billing structure and additional fees for school closures, stating they withdrew their children due to safety and atmosphere concerns.
- Address
- 156 Shaw Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 461-1660
Henderson Learning Center has highly polarized reviews. Positive reviews praise it as the best daycare with satisfied families, while negative reviews raise serious concerns about child safety, including allegations of physical contact with children, emotional distress, discriminatory treatment, unauthorized transportation, and poor communication with parents.
- Address
- 74 Alton Street, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 785-3939
- Address
- 155 Princess Ave., Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 270-8179
- Address
- 1789 Broad Street, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 941-2030
- Address
- 848 Atwood Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 943-5160
Comprehensive Community Action-Gansett is a school-based daycare in Cranston with mixed recent feedback. While some parents praise the teachers, facility improvements, and family resources, others have expressed concerns about management changes, communication issues, and policy changes without proper notice.
- Address
- 155 Gansett Avenue, Cranston, RI
- Phone
- (401) 275-5805
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Rhode Island's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Rhode Island)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 9 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 19 facilities