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 — Early Explorers Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  2. #2 — Montclair Community Pre-K Score: 15/100

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

  3. #3 — MMO Programs Score: 15/100

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

  4. #4 — The Goddard School Score: 15/100

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

  5. #5 — Watchung Cooperative Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  6. #6 — Park Street Academy Score: 15/100

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

  7. #7 — Serendipity Learning Center Score: 15/100

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

  8. #8 — Parkside Montessori School Score: 15/100

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

  9. #9 — Pilsbury School Score: 15/100

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

  10. #10 — St. James Preschool Score: 15/100

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

  11. #11 — Children's Studio Score: 15/100

    Programs: Preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  12. #12 — Over the Rainbow Nursery Score: 11/100

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

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score (0–100) 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%). Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Montclair?
Early Explorers Preschool 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 (0–100) combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%). 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.