The DC Area’s Best Childcare Providers

One of the first decisions many parents make (sometimes even before their child is born!) is where they’ll send their little ones to daycare. There are so many things to consider to find the best childcare – proximity to work and home, waitlist time, tuition and fees…

Whether you’re just starting your search or in deep and overwhelmed by the choices, we’re here to help. We polled our readers and did our own research to find the very best childcare options in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

If you have others to add, please let us know in the comments!

Choosing a child care and early education center is a big decision. At Bright Horizons®, we want you to walk out the door each day knowing your children are safe in our care, loved and supported by skilled teachers, and motivated to unleash their curiosity and learn everything they need to be ready for the next big step.

In 2018, we proudly became the first early learning organization to offer tuition benefits that enable teachers to earn early education degrees — for free. Our Horizons Teacher Degree Program is just one way we’re ensuring the very best, both for the children in our centers and the teachers in our field.

With locations throughout the DMV, we’re never too far from your work or home. Visit the link below to find the closest Bright Horizons center near you!

Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years

Operating Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

At The Gardner School of Union Row, our innovative full-time and part-time programs are tailored to fit the needs of children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Our brand-new school is open year-round and has features your child will love, including spacious classrooms, a S.T.E.A.M. Lab, an indoor playscape, an enrichment studio, a Kids’ Cafe, and much more!

Our research-based curriculum, taught by experienced teachers, is diverse enough to meet the needs of every student and reflects the belief that children need a balance of daily child-initiated and teacher-facilitated activities.

A beautiful life begins with a strong start. At The Gardner School of Union Row, we offer supportive, individualized care to help your child grow into the person they are meant to be. Schedule a tour today to enroll your child and learn how The Gardner School can make a positive impact on your family.

Ages: 6 weeks – 5 years

Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Shepherd Park Children’s Academy opened in October 2023 in order to provide more options for high quality child care for children in our area.

We are OSSE Licensed and serve infants – age 5 with high quality early education in a clean, safe and caring environment. Our play-based curriculum emphasizes healthy habits and an early love for learning.

Age-appropriate programs include reading, math, arts, music, dance, nature and exposure to different languages!

Ages: 0 – 5 years

Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Two Birds is a Reggio-inspired school for infants through pre-k. Our all inclusive and holistic approach to education supports the entire family through our spaces, services and community. In addition to full time weekday care, families have complimentary access to weekend programming and on-site coworking space.

At Two Birds, children explore and research the world around them while learning through interactions with teachers, classmates, and open-ended materials. Family engagement is highlighted through technology that enhances classroom documentation and through opportunities to experience children’s work during exhibitions and family events. Two Birds has locations in Tenleytown, West End, and Old Town.

Ages: Infants – Pre-K

Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:45 PM

Come join us on Saturday June 1st @ 10am – 1pm for an exciting sneak peek at our NEW LOCATION! Located at 1550 First St SW, we will celebrate the grand opening of our newest University for Kids location in the vibrant Navy Yard / Capitol Riverfront neighborhood! The day will be filled with fun activities for children and tours for parents.

Enjoy engaging arts and crafts, interactive learning demos, and a chance to meet current families and our qualified educators who are excited to become a part of your child’s learning journey. Additionally, we will have a face painter, live kid-friendly entertainment (Kidsinger Jim), refreshments, and a fun interactive photo booth! There will be deep savings for our founding families that enroll by this date. For enrollment questions, please call Ann Marie at 202.681.4249 or visit our website.

Please rsvp here. Or, schedule a tour. We look forward to seeing you!

Ages: 0 – 4 years

Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM