Find a daycare in Philadelphia, PA

Find daycares in Philadelphia, PA

Find daycares in Philadelphia, PA

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
Zip code

Find daycares in Philadelphia, PA

Confirm your location to see the best daycares near you.
Zip code

Top 10 daycares in Philadelphia, PA

Parents agree: these Philadelphia daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Little Paradise Learning Academy

Little Paradise Learning Academy

5.0(1)
6+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Tiesha G. says, "As a parent, I couldn’t be happier with Little Paradise Learning Academy. The staff is warm, patient, and truly dedicated to the children. My child was always excited to go, and I could see so much growth both academically and socially. The teachers kept me updated on progress and daily activities, which gave me peace of mind. The environment is safe, clean, and nurturing. It really feels like a second home. I’m so grateful for the love and care they put into every child, and I would highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a place where their child can learn, grow, and feel loved." Read more
A Mothers Heart Phase 2

A Mothers Heart Phase 2

9+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
A Mothers Heart Phase 2, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a licensed 24/6 daycare center that provides quality child care and engaging play experiences. Committed to the welfare and development of children, they also offer meals and snacks as part of their service. Their location in North Philadelphia is easily accessible for local families, making them a reliable choice for child care in the surrounding areas.
A Childs First Step Daycare

A Childs First Step Daycare

27+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 1994, A Child's First Step Daycare is a dedicated childcare provider in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. They offer a comprehensive program that enhances children's learning potential through experiential opportunities. Catering to children aged 2-5, they provide a mix of daycare, preschool, and school-age care, promoting socialization and cooperative play. Their educational learning covers a range of subjects including literacy, math, science, and art. Meals and snacks are also provided to ensure a wholesome environment for your child's growth and development.
Treasure Island Academy - The Journey

Treasure Island Academy - The Journey

8+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
T.I.A. The Journey, founded in 2018, is a trusted child care and learning center based in Upper Darby, PA. Focusing on the holistic development of children, they aim to create a safe, educational environment where children can grow into successful adults. With a team of teachers holding bachelor's and master's degrees in early childhood education, they offer a range of programs for infants to pre-kindergarten children. Every day, children learn something new, from colors and songs to science, all while enjoying their center's inviting island vibe.
L & L Discovery And Early Learning

L & L Discovery And Early Learning

8+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Welcome to L & L Discovery And Early Learning, where we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and educational environment for your child. Located in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, our daycare focuses on fostering early development through interactive and engaging activities. With personalized attention and a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space, we aim to ignite curiosity and a love for learning in every child. At L & L Discovery, we believe that early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong success.
Fountain Of Knowledge

Fountain Of Knowledge

2+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Fountain of Knowledge Childcare, established in 2023, serves Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. The center is small, providing an intimate and safe environment for children's development. The experienced staff is committed to offering high-quality childcare and learning experiences, focusing on social, creative, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. With an emphasis on one-on-one education and cooperation with parents and families, Fountain of Knowledge strives to foster a nurturing space for children to express their individuality while acquiring essential skills.
Recess Child Care

Recess Child Care

Serves Philadelphia, PA
Childcare should fit your life—not the other way around. At Recess, you can lock in a consistent full-day schedule (like 8am–4pm, 2 to 5 days a week—including weekends), or keep it flexible and book care by the hour whenever you need it. Use Recess for the unexpected, or build a weekly routine—we’re here 7 days a week, for every type of day and every kind of family.
Small Impressions Childcare

Small Impressions Childcare

30+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
Small Impressions Childcare, located in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, is a beloved, owner-operated facility since 1995. It offers a warm, nurturing environment for children aged 2-10. Their programs encourage social development through group games and activities in both indoor and outdoor play areas. They provide age-appropriate supplies like toys, books, and games to support a play-based educational setting. This Black-owned and women-owned daycare center is committed to loving and caring for every child that walks through their doors.
ABC&123 Saudia Academy, LLC

ABC&123 Saudia Academy, LLC

8+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
ABC&123 Saudia Academy, LLC, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a licensed preschool center committed to providing quality educational experiences and kindergarten readiness programs. The Academy takes a holistic approach to teaching, supporting all areas of a child's development including social-emotional and cognitive skills, literacy, math, and science. Each child's natural curiosity and eagerness to discover are nurtured, paving the way for a lifelong love of learning. Meals and snacks are also provided, ensuring the complete care of your child.
The Fishtown School

The Fishtown School

4+ years in business
Serves Philadelphia, PA
The Fishtown School, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a warm and loving daycare program devoted to caring for children from six weeks to six years old. Here, we create a nurturing environment that beautifully blends the structure of a traditional school with the warmth of a cozy home. Our dedicated staff is passionate about fostering a love of learning and building self-confidence in every child. We encourage active exploration, respect for one another, honesty, and a deep appreciation for all cultures and lifestyles. The Fishtown School isn’t just a daycare; it’s a haven where young minds are gently guided to blossom an

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 Philadelphia daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Philadelphia area.
We've vetted over 250,000 child care providers.
Deep insights on every provider

Compare programs with pricing, detailed information, parent reviews, photos, and more.

Quality & safety transparency

See the current licensing status for every daycare and child care provider.

Up-to-date availability

Filter your search to show providers with openings now.

Philadelphia daycares by service