As a working mom, I know how challenging it can be to find the best daycare for your little one. With so many options in Phoenix, I spent weeks researching and visiting daycare centers. 

We’ve done the legwork, visited top centers, and considered everything from curriculum to communication concerns. In this article, I’m sharing my top picks for the best daycare centers in Phoenix. 

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s find the perfect daycare match for your precious little one! 

1. Phoenix Preparatory Preschool & Child Care

Address: 802 W Osborn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States

Contact Details: +16022747557

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Facebook

We like that the Phoenix Preparatory Preschool has an academic preschool program focused on teaching Mandarin, science, self-expression, and basic literacy and math skills to kids over 2. 

They also teach sign language, which I was initially unsure about. However, my child picked up the signs quickly, and added an extra layer of communication to express themselves before they could fully grasp speaking.

Moreover, the center was always spotless, which was a relief! They also did a great job keeping parents updated with regular photos and information, especially during the pandemic.

The structured learning style was great for academics and felt more like a school than a daycare. However, in our opinion, playtime seemed less free-flowing and more structured than in other preschools.

While the curriculum covers much, the activities focused more on memorization and worksheets than messy play or exploration.  

That said, Phoenix Preparatory Preschool is a good choice for parents who prioritize academics and want their child to get a head start on learning. However, consider other options if you’re looking for a more play-based program that encourages exploration and discovery.

Safe and nurturing environment

“This preschool is a great one! Overall, it’s five plus stars! The staff is very friendly and understanding. I brought my daughter here, and she loves coming here. She is always so happy coming and leaving here. I used to take her to another preschool, but she would never want to go, and I always felt worried. I brought her here, and I feel so much at ease now. She begs me to go in the morning because she enjoys it here so much! I would 100% recommend it to any parent!”

– Jennifer Rhoads, Google Reviews

Fosters exceptional learning for children

“Phoenix Prep has become a key part of our family in the last three years since our daughter started. Caring and kind staff, strict rules, and schedules help ensure safety and consistency. The staff and Ms. Margot are super attentive to sick kids and make sure to be proactive when kids are sick. The facility has strict safety protocols for pick up and drop off, which is especially important with a location in the central city. Our daughter loves Phoenix Prep. We felt like we lived in a “daycare desert” after touring several facilities that didn’t feel safe, qualified, or clean. Our three-year-old is regularly mistaken for a kindergartener for her verbal skills and ability to identify letters, numbers, animals, and everyday things. We are already getting worried about finding a new school when she is old enough for kindergarten, as Phoenix Prep sets a high bar for our family.”

– Ron Klawitter, Google Reviews

2. Premier Children’s Center

Address: 3335 W Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85053, United States

Contact Details: +16029937153

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM

Website

Facebook

The first thing that struck me about Premier Children’s Center was the staff. They weren’t just babysitters; they were genuinely caring and attentive. 

My child threw a tantrum a couple of times, and the teachers handled it all with calm patience. They never raised their voices or resorted to harsh tactics, just gentle redirection and a soothing presence. 

Another big win for Premier Children’s Center was the Procare app. Throughout the day, I’d get updates on what my child was up to – nap times, meals, activities, and even the occasional adorable picture. 

The app also surprised me with how helpful it was when dealing with my employer’s childcare reimbursement program.  There’s usually a lot of paperwork involved, but the Premier staff easily navigated it and even helped me fill out the forms.

It’s a minor nitpick, but the class sizes sometimes seemed a little larger. While the staff-to-child ratio is within regulations, I would have preferred a slightly smaller group for more individualized attention.

Also, while the center was clean and well-maintained, the outdoor play area could have used more shade, especially during the hot Phoenix afternoons.

If you’re looking for a warm and nurturing environment for your child, Premier Children’s Center is worth checking out.

Fosters thriving learning environment for children

“My daughter has been attending Premier for about three months, and we couldn’t be happier with the care she is receiving. She loves going to “school” every morning and runs into her classroom excitedly. We love the Procare app they use to update us with her daily activities and pictures. She brings home adorable crafts that we treasure. We know she is cared for and loved by her teacher, Sarah, and Miss Tina in the front office. They have been very patient and willing to work with my employer, who offers reimbursement through a 3rd party company. We recommend Premier to anyone looking for a place for their child to grow and thrive.”

– Elizabeth Zieche, Google Reviews

Exceptional care for children and their families

“Our family couldn’t sing higher praises about our child’s care at this facility. After having an awful experience at a well-known daycare franchise, we enrolled our almost two-year-old. Since enrolling at Premier, she is happy, confident, and healthy. We can tell she is not just another child here but is being cared for and appreciated…that she matters. It’s a relief to drop her off without a second thought and to feel the warmth and happiness that radiates from every staff member. Not only do the kids matter, but their parents/guardians too. Everyone is so engaging and kind! It goes a long way. Thank you to everyone who cares for our kiddo. I hope you all know your great impact on people’s lives!”

– Kat, Google Reviews

3. Susie’s Mama Bear Pre-School & Child Care

Address: 16830 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85022, United States

Contact Details: +16028661815

Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Website

Facebook

Susie’s Mama Bear uses the Pinnacle Curriculum, about learning through play. They do a lot of hands-on activities and crafts, which is great for keeping the kids engaged. 

Safety was a major concern for me, and Susie’s Mama Bear Pre-School & Child Care delivers. Every staff member is background-checked, which gives me peace of mind. 

I’ve heard other parents raving about the staff, and I agree. They’re incredibly warm and attentive to the kids. My little ones bonded with their teacher quickly, and they always came home happy and chatty about their day.

The staff is very responsive and keeps me updated on how my child is doing throughout the day. They also offer regular parent-teacher conferences, which are a great way to stay involved in my child’s learning.

One small thing to note—with a capacity of 140 children, I wasn’t sure if the staff-to-child ratio would be enough for super personalized attention. It hasn’t been an issue so far, but it might be something to consider if your child needs a lot of one-on-one time.

While the large class size might concern some, it hasn’t been an issue for us. If you’re looking for a warm, nurturing environment where your child can learn and play, Susie’s Mama Bear is worth checking out!

Affordable, safe care with attentive teachers

“Honestly, there are things I didn’t love about Susie until we started bringing our second child to another daycare before she joined her older sister when she was one. Now, I appreciate the affordable daily rate, the effort at nap time, and the bilingual teacher. I also think the staff is knowledgeable and does not guess how best to care for our child. I feel very safe and not worried about leaving our daughter here. Although you may get an update through an app more regularly elsewhere, I appreciate that the teachers aren’t on their phones all day and that we still get a paper update daily. I also know that if something major were to happen, I would get a phone call immediately. Thank you primarily to Monica, Rita, and Jenni for caring for our precious baby girl.”

– Loralee Joy, Google Reviews

Nurturing and clean environment 

“I’ve never been more happy with a childcare provider. The staff here is super friendly and attentive to my children’s and mine’s needs. They clean their toys regularly, which is a problem I’ve had with other daycares not doing so, and their facility overall is always very tidy and clean! My kids used to go to a different provider and would get sick at least once a week, and they have not gotten sick more than once in the four months we’ve been here (because it’s a building full of kids, lol). My boys adore their teachers, who take the time to assess their weaknesses and strengths, which helps me know what to guide them on at home. They are also very affordable, open on SATURDAYS (which I needed), and have an amazing cook who makes fresh meals daily! I love them and know they love and care for my children!”

– Michaela Buchanan, Google Reviews

4. Little Lantanas Montessori

Address: 1124 N 3rd St Ac, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States

Contact Details: +16027062042

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Website

Facebook

Little Lantanas Montessori’s approach is fantastic for kids who love to learn by doing.  They also teach practical life skills like pouring liquids, sweeping the classroom, and even buttoning her coat – all in a safe and supervised environment. 

The Montessori materials are cleverly designed to introduce new vocabulary and grammar naturally. Little Lantanas don’t just educate the children; they involve parents, too. 

They host workshops and information sessions to explain the Montessori philosophy and how to support your child’s learning at home. This made me feel like a partner in her education, not just someone dropping her off.

The classrooms can be unstructured, which might not work for every kid, especially those who thrive on routine. The kids have a lot of freedom to choose their activities, which fosters independence.

If you’re looking for a school that prioritizes hands-on learning, fosters independence, and ignites your child’s natural curiosity, Little Lantanas Montessori is worth considering. 

Exceptional care and a stimulating environment

“This school is amazing, and the teaching staff is attentive and nurturing. If you consider this school for your child, you should do it. When my family started looking into first-time daycare/school options for our three-year-old daughter, a caring and safe environment was at the top of our priority list. In the five months since enrolling, Ms. Elledge and Ms. Nielsen have blown us away by exceeding expectations. Every activity in the classroom has a purpose to help them develop a specific skill, and it’s obvious the kids have fun doing it. The teachers treat the children with respect, patience, and kindness; I can tell that having that modeled at school has impacted my child. Ms. Elledge also recognizes how hard it is for parents to be away from their children all day, and she’ll send updates on my daughter’s progress with lessons and pictures. This has been so helpful, especially during that first month when we were all still getting used to our daughter being out of the house. With everything happening worldwide, I feel so grateful for Ms. Elledge and her team’s work.”

– Tessa Martinez, Google Reviews

Individualized attention

“Little Lantanas ” is a new Montessori school serving downtown Phoenix. The school is owned and operated by the HIGHLY qualified Mrs. Elledge. Mrs. Elledge’s teaching experience is substantial! She has experience in both traditional and Montessori classrooms! She is AMI certified, meaning she is trained by the International Montessori Association, which is recognized globally and certifies her to teach anywhere. She is a passionate teacher who knows so much about education philosophy. As a former coworker, she inspired me to improve my teaching practice just by watching what she is capable of in her classroom community. She ensures that every child receives individualized instruction based on their specific needs. She creates a classroom community for every child to feel seen and heard. She has made her school and provides small classrooms for children to grow and learn. I highly recommend this school if you want a quality Montessori program for your young child.”

– Madeline Goodman, Google Reviews