Find a daycare in Washington, DC

Find daycares in Washington, DC

Find daycares in Washington, DC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Washington, DC

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Washington, DC

Parents agree: these Washington daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
First Steps Early Learning Center

First Steps Early Learning Center

5.0Exceptional(6)
21+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Latoya S. says, "Mrs.Alexis is wonderful and my son has learned a lot from her the whole experience is amazing! My son loves her" Read more
Little Miracles Family Childcare

Little Miracles Family Childcare

5.0(1)
13+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Titi T. says, "I cannot say enough wonderful things about Little Miracles Learning Center and Ms. Tonya. From the very first day, she has made my son feel safe, loved, and excited to come to daycare. Her warmth, patience, and genuine care shine through in everything she does. She creates a nurturing environment where the children can learn, grow, and just be themselves. Ms. Tonya keeps me updated on my son’s day, celebrates his milestones with me, and always has a kind word or extra hug ready when he needs it. Knowing he is in her care gives me so much peace of mind. If you’re looking for a provider who treats your child like family, helps them thrive, and truly loves what she does, I highly recommend Ms. Tonya and Little Miracles. We’re so grateful to have found her!" Read more
Blooming Branches Daycare

Blooming Branches Daycare

New on TrustedCare
11+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Blooming Branches Daycare, located in Hyattsville, Maryland, and Greater Landover, is committed to offering high-quality care and education to children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. With their team of experienced, certified educators, they provide excellent care for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-aged children. The center is not only licensed but also offers additional services like tutoring in math, science, English, and Spanish. Their aim is to prepare children for kindergarten, focusing on their overall development in a professional and caring environment.
Tiny Angels Daycare

Tiny Angels Daycare

New on TrustedCare
13+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Founded in 2004, Tiny Angels Daycare serves Potomac, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Known for being a secure, accredited childcare service, they emphasize character development and positive traits in children. Their program runs from Monday to Friday, offering both full-time and part-time options. Tiny Angels Daycare is lauded for its health-conscious environment and use of natural cleaning alternatives. With a team of experienced caregivers, they provide an affectionate, stimulating, and educational setting, helping children develop critical skills like good manners and teamwork.
Medinat Lawal

Medinat Lawal

New on TrustedCare
10+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Medinat Lawal, located in Upper Marlboro, MD and serving the surrounding areas, is a highly reputable licensed home daycare. They offer premier child care services in a group environment, accommodating up to 7 children. With a keen focus on creating a nurturing and engaging environment, Medinat Lawal is the go-to resource for your child's care and development needs. For pricing and availability, potential clients are encouraged to reach out to Medinat Lawal directly.
Saint Gabriel Preschool/Daycare

Saint Gabriel Preschool/Daycare

New on TrustedCare
55+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Saint Gabriel Preschool/Daycare, founded in 1970 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, is dedicated to nurturing children aged 2 to 5 years. The dedicated Sisters and staff foster physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development while encouraging spiritual growth. Incorporating Catholic faith into the curriculum, they ensure children encounter Jesus Christ in their daily activities. The program also offers a bilingual learning environment, teaching colors, shapes, and numbers in both English and Spanish.
U.S. Kids Child Development Center

U.S. Kids Child Development Center

New on TrustedCare
6+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Welcome to U.S. Kids Child Development Center, where your child's growth and development take center stage. Located in Washington, DC, we provide exceptional childcare services designed to foster a nurturing and educational environment. Our dedicated team of 15 skilled professionals is committed to creating a safe and supportive space where children can explore, learn, and thrive. We focus on building strong social and educational foundations, ensuring that every child receives the attention and care they deserve. Join us at U.S. Kids, where we nurture tomorrow's leaders today.
The Wright Family Childcare

The Wright Family Childcare

New on TrustedCare
12+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
The Wright Family Childcare, located in Bowie, Maryland, is a home-based childcare service that provides daycare and early learning services. They cater to infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, offering age-appropriate toys and games for hands-on exploration. They encourage imaginative play with playhouse and dramatic play materials. Outdoor play is actively supported, promoting the utilization of gross motor skills. Their enrichment activities aim to foster growth in all areas of a child's development.
Anointed 2 Serve Childcare Services

Anointed 2 Serve Childcare Services

New on TrustedCare
4+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Anointed 2 Serve Childcare Services, located in White Plains, MD, is committed to providing a nurturing and educational environment for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. They employ The Creative Curriculum and participate in Aspire, ensuring a comprehensive approach to foster the whole child - emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs. This is achieved in a safe and stimulating environment that encourages learning. Experience their unwavering dedication to serving children and their families with love and support.
Pinecrest School Early Childhood Education

Pinecrest School Early Childhood Education

New on TrustedCare
68+ years in business
Serves Washington, DC
Founded in 1957, Pinecrest School is a highly regarded nonsectarian, independent school serving Preschool - 6th grade in Annandale, Virginia. With a strong focus on small class sizes, Pinecrest prides itself on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, underpinned by a positive social and emotional environment. In addition to its comprehensive academic program, Pinecrest provides a summer camp program, reinforcing its commitment to continue learning beyond the traditional school year.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

Reviews for Washington daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.
Gwen S.
Ms. Alexis has been such a blessing in our lives. I met her by chance one day at work, and from that moment, I felt her genuine and loving spirit. For the past two years, she’s cared for my daughter like she was her own—her joy and warmth radiate through everything she does! I’ll always be grateful for the love she’s poured into my little girl. It’s hard to say goodbye. We love and will miss you! 🫶🏽
First Steps Early Learning Center
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