Best Daycares in Montclair, NJ — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 12 daycares and childcare centers in Montclair based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Montclair

  1. #1 — The Goddard School Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Home service. View full profile →

  2. #2 — MMO Programs Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  3. #3 — Watchung Cooperative Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, School, Home service. View full profile →

  4. #4 — Serendipity Learning Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  5. #5 — Montclair Community Pre-K Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  6. #6 — Park Street Academy Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Home service. View full profile →

  7. #7 — Parkside Montessori School Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  8. #8 — Over the Rainbow Nursery Score: 70%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  9. #9 — Pilsbury School Score: 69%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, School. View full profile →

  10. #10 — Children's Studio Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  11. #11 — St. James Preschool Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  12. #12 — Early Explorers Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score percentage combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%), then normalizes across captured positive categories. Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Montclair?
The Goddard School is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Montclair based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
How are daycares ranked in Montclair?
Our Guide Score percentage combines weighted evidence from Google rating, review volume, web and contact presence, profile completeness, accreditation, press recognition, and years of operation, then normalizes across categories with captured positive evidence. There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Montclair?
Childcare costs in Montclair vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.