The Most Scrumptious Child Care & Day Care in Tucson

Miramonte Day School

★★★★★ 4.5 (4)

"With every daycare I have encountered, there's good days and bad days. However, if a facility continues to strive to better themselves and listen to the parents' concerns, it's worth it. I like bringing my baby to this daycare. She's currently in the infant room and I like using the WatchMeGrow app to monitor my baby every now and then. The staff really do keep an open communication with the parents. The communication is verbal and written. They are really good at annotating the schedules from naps to feedings. At first, I noticed a high turnover rate with staff which had me a bit concerned but lately the consistent staff have been friendly with me at pick up and drop off. They really do try and make an effort to learn my baby's personality, her schedule, and her likes & dislikes. I did 4/5 stars only because there's ALWAYS room for improvement. Preferably the parking lot. Lol minimal space during high peak pick up and drop off."

Childtime on South Harrison Road

★★★★☆ 3.5 (11)

"We love this place. My daughter had been going here for 2 years and I wouldn't have her anywhere else. When my daughter first started as an infant I was afraid she wouldn't like it and and for me having her around complete strangers is scary, but they do an amazing job of feeding her, teaching her, making her feel welcome, keeping the place super clean and giving her another little family. She loves all the teacher and so do I. I recommend this place to everyone."

Bright Star Preschool

★★★★☆ 3.7 (6)

"Nice location. Safe and secure. Early years of school can be fun.Nap time would be my favorite activity."

Daisy Early Learning Academy

"We have been coming to DELA for over two years in the infant, one and two year old room. The staff here is amazing! They are so good with my child and have an amazing curriculum for his learning and development. They offer breakfast, lunch and snacks for the kids. Their playground is large so the kids and roam and play with plenty of room to run off their high energy. Their prices are fair and well worth the care you receive. The facilities are clean and well kept. We are so happy to have found such an amazing daycare!"

Wright Brothers Christian Childcare

"This is my children's first daycare, and I am pretty pleased. They have prayer time for the children before meals, and a big play area outside. All of the employees have to have 5 different background/drug tests before even being considered for employment, feed the kids nutritious meals, and instill in them a sense of independence. Reasonably priced daycare, and the director is very kind. She is always available and willing to explain any questions I have, or the kids have! If you can get your kids in here, you will feel comfortable. I don't think I will switch my kids unless we move away!"

Strauss ECE and Kindergarten

"Strauss is wonderful. Both our kids have had great experiences there. Every teacher they have have been amazing. We started our older kid out at a different preschool before the pandemic and Strauss is a million times better than the other place she went."

Northwest YMCA Pima County Community Ctr

★★★★☆ 3.6 (34)

"Time for an update. The NW YMCA maintains its high marks. Well maintained facilities. Great cardio, circuit and weight equipment. A gym the size of two basketball ball courts. Smaller exercise class rooms, a pool and child care facilities. Many programs for all age groups. Friendly, educated staff. I use the Y for exercise. And while there are closer for profit gyms to my house, I support the Y's non profit mission. For example, the picture I posted with this review is of the Y's solar energy shade structure. An example of people oriented, forward thinking and economic sense. Thanks NW YMCA!"

Creative Kids Preschool

"I loved this school when I first started bringing my son here. There are select teachers here that are phenomenal you can feel their warmth working with the kids. They also have a quality curriculum in the rooms. Unfortunately their support or afternoon teachers have very high attrition rates, which left me feeling uneasy and made drop offs and the school day less than pleasant for my second child."

Cadence Academy Preschool

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"Ladies are kind, welcoming environment. They remember the kids name and are nice to them. This is the first time I've done daycare for my infant and I was nervous because we're new to the area and I was scared of leaving her at a daycare, but they've been nothing but kind to her. I appreciate these ladies for caring for my little ones."

St Mark's Pre-School-Kindergarten

"This is a special place, highly recommend. Every teacher and staff knows each kid personally. The classrooms are magical, the kids learn so much through play-based learning. The teachers give everything they have to these kiddos."

Pima Country Day School

"My daughter has been attending PCDS since she was 3 months old (now two years ) I am absolutely impressed by the treatment she receives. Elise is an amazing director and treats the kids like they're her own. She is just one of the reasons my children come to this daycare, other then the fact my daughter worships her ;). My daughters teachers, Alana and Alison are so patient with my what I like to call "16 year old in a two year old body" daughter. I know she can be a little crazy at times and they know exactly how to handle her. I just recently enrolled my son to PCDS and I'm so impressed at how much love each of my children receive. I want to personally thank Elise, Alana, Alison, Sonya and Renee for everything they do to provide my children with the best care possible! I would recommend this dayschool to anyone. Parents should feel that their children are safe and loved for when they are at a daycare. And this one does just that!"

Community Extension Programs

★★★★☆ 4.1 (11)

"My child has been enrolled in the Mesa Verde PAL and the STEMazzzing summer program offered by Community Extension Programs for the past two years. I could not recommend this before/after school program any higher. At the Mesa Verde PAL Miss Tammy offers excellent science experiments all year round and we could not adore her more! My child is excited about the projects they do and the fun games they get to play. It is much more than just a place to go. The teachers who work here are committed and caring. It makes me happy to know my child has a safe and wonderful place to go to while his parents finish up work for the day. Pro-tip: for those considering STEMazzzing camp for your child, be sure to register for classes as soon as you can! The LEGO, Sharks, and Minecraft classes go quickly. They also offer Physical Education during camp including things like Crossfit for Kids, Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer."

Cadence Academy Preschool

★★★★☆ 3.7 (15)

"We were fortunate to get our son in at 4 months apparently, I didn't join the waitlist until I was 5 months pregnant. Big mistake apparently. The director, Stacey is amazing, responsive, and the facility is as good as it gets, especially for infant and/or first-time parents. The long and short of it is, all rooms have cameras that cover just about every angle and the teachers are incredibly professional. I cannot say enough about the infant room teachers Patricia and Nancy. My son adored them. The waitlist is rather long, but doable compared to a few others in the city. The cameras make a first time mom comfortable (and really aid if you're pumping at work!). The only issue I've had as my son transitions into the toddler room is that if your kid has special dietary restrictions, they can be fairly un-accommodating. They took a fridge out of the toddler room that housed my son's non-dairy milk (non-organic whole milk is provided for all children) and also housed food for a few pickier eaters. The kitchen staff, while nice, doesn't always remember to bring the extra food in, which means hungry kids. The first few days of this, my son was losing his mind in the car and trying to climb into his high chair as soon as we got home. I've addressed my concerns with the staff and hope to hear that the fridge has replaced soon. I will update. Other than that, the teachers are kind yet firm, there is low-ish turnover (no more than is reasonable) and the cost is reasonable compared to other areas. Those relocating from more expensive metros will be pleasantly surprised. The facility is secured by family-specific codes, the grounds are clean and well-maintained, the playgrounds are safe and hold a wide variety of toys of similar and differing types to ensure that when a class is on the playground together there is minimal competition. The children get outside 1-2 times a day and take "field trips" to the gardens. They do a lot of artwork and water play and the staff is very good about sending home "projects" --it can be a little overwhelming but perfect for the scrapbook queens or doting grandmas out there. Overall, it's an excellent school and while I'm not positive that my son will stay through Kindergarten as we are thinking Montessori, it's definitely a keeper. Get in and stay in, though, it's nearly impossible to get an older kid in!UPDATE: They did replace the fridge in the toddler room and my son was able to have his cashew milk up through the 2 year old classroom, which was nice. They provide milk, water, and juice occasionally. My son is now in the Preschool classroom, which I am much less a fan of due to the size. To be fair, he came from classes with no more than 14-15 students and two teachers, and this class has about 30. They do have three teachers, but scheduling wise, there are only two in the room at a time. I think this is a bit much for three year olds and, at the price, would prefer a full-time third TA in the classroom at least. My son still enjoys it and loves his primary teacher, Ms. Staci. One of the best things about the school is that it's open 6:30-6:30 with no overtime charges (a HUGE boon for those parents paying per minute penalties for being late). However, now, at about 5:30, my the classrooms are combined, meaning you'll pick your preschooler up from a classroom with children 3-5 years old. He's come home asking a few times if he's turning 5 tomorrow. In general, I think this is probably a good thing as it allows the children to socialize with older children, which may not work for all children but works for mine great, however the bad thing about it is you don't have the opportunity to speak with the teacher to find out about behavioral issues or monitor things that you may find to be at issue. Overall, I am still satisfied with the school, but the best experiences are to be had in the infant and toddler rooms."

La Canada KinderCare

"I absolutely love having my child at La Canada KinderCare! The facilities are clean, well maintained (they actually just update their lobby which is cute!), and there's a controlled access entry door. The teachers and administrators are able to communicate via the app which has a daily report that includes check-in/out, food (and how much they ate), sleep duration, potty updates(if they're helping potty train your little one), supplies needed (diapers or extra clothes), and I love receiving the pictures of my child with the activity they're doing during the day. Drop-off and pick-up is very easy and seamless. I want to say a special thank you to my child's current teachers: Damika, Alesandria, and Brianna. Thank you for taking such great care of my little one and for planning the creative activities and above all your patience! Thank you to the previous teachers Danielle, Alexyss, and Sparkle for your kindness, cheerfulness, and especially helping us start the potty training! Although Anaiza isn't my child's direct teacher, she always greets us with a smile and is super sweet which makes a positive difference when having a difficult morning. Last but not least, thank you to Aimee, Sandra, Alejandra, and Kathy T. Overseeing and managing an institution that takes care of our most precious thing in life is not easy. I appreciate your dedication, communication, and hard work! If any parent visits, you'll see these ladies not just in the office but in the classrooms, engaging with the kids, and helping where needed. I'm so grateful to all of you! To parents considering La Candada KinderCare, you'll be glad you chose this place :) I know I am!"

Open Arms Early Learning Center

"I absolutely love this place. We used to drive almost an hour just to have our daughter go here. The staff is very caring and addresses any concerns immediately. The teachers are all very caring and communicative and you can tell they genuinely love each kiddo. Would highly recommend this daycare!"

La Petite Academy on N. Thornydale Rd

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (8)

"I worked here for one month as summer employment and I honestly would not work here any longer. My grievances include being disorganized, they say one thing and do another, do not adequately discipline children and do not enforce teachers disciplining children, there is no set structure for students, and they take forever to get payroll started and will not tell you your hourly wage. There were several days I worked over 7 hours and received no breaks. I do not wish to spend my time there."

De Colores Learning Center & Childcare

"De Colores Learning Center is the best daycare I've ever utilized. Their teachers and staff are so caring, attentive and know each child by name. It's a safe learning environment. I highly recommend this daycare and give it 5 Stars!"

Timeless Play

★★★★★ 5 (7)

"Great professional babysitters . I was in a pinch after my sitter canceled last min and I dropped of my little one and she had a blast and they really helped her enjoy the time away fromMommy ."

Kidz Zona

"Great place my kids really love going no fuss no fight aswell as they have the sweetest staff members"

La Paloma Academy

"My son has been going to LPA for 5 years now. I give this school a 1 star because the majority of his teachers have been absolutely phonemnal and helped my son evolve into the young brilliant child he is today.  However the leadership at this school from principal ewald is absolutely HORRIBLE which is why it does NOT have 5 stars. Principal ewald will ALWAYS point the finger and play the blame game on everyone else except for who really needs to accept responsibility for the actions that were taken place.  He talks down to the parents with his huge ego and is very combative which is unprofessional.  His inability to effectively communicate/confront parents makes him a poor principal. I have no respect for him because of how he handles school issues but I do like the majority of the teachers at the school.  So since he isn't teaching my child I'll continue to keep my son at this school but be aware of this horrible leadership.UPDATE (8.3.18): I removed my son from this school after finding out the school was having the students pick up bloody bandaids/broken glass/and other trash around the outside campus during the after school program. They were teaching the kids it was everyone's responsibility to clean the community & didnt give them the proper tools to protect themselves or acknowledge the parents. The school is being cheap & trying to cut corners when this is something the janitor should be doing. This is child labor! No one at school could give us a clear answer & refused to pick up the phone after hanging up on us. This is one of the SEVERAL issues your child will encounter if you decide to enroll them at LPA. Also ask them about the "red circle game" where the PE teacher is allowed to throw footballs, basketballs, & soccerballs at the children as they walk around the basketball court & they have to catch it or be injured & NOT allowed to throw it back at the PE teacher. The PE teacher calls this game an evasion sport. More like target practice for him. They switched out the balls with rubber balls when the authorities showed up. This is one of the many dishonest actions that will never settle right with me with how this school handles issues to cover up mistakes. So for your childs safety do NOT enroll them to this school."

La Petite Academy on N. Sarnoff

★★★★☆ 3.8 (10)

"Where do I begin, this preschool is amazing the teachers care so much and the director Dee is great! My son has been enrolled here since he was 2. Its a great facility, they keep you updated on daily activities and food via app. The price point is better then most you will find around town, we lived on that side of town for a year and then we moved about 30 minutes away and I didn't want to take him away from the school and his friends and comfort zone so I drove him to 30 minutes there everyday. He starts kindergarten in the fall so that's the only reason he will be leaving. I love this place, they offer many activities like soccer, yoga and summer camps. Diapers and wipes are included in tuition which was amazing when he was in diapers. They get two meals a day and two snacks. The only con is their parking lot is small, but it can be worked around. They host holiday events and concerts. It's super cute. I will miss everyone that has played a roll in my son's growth and development. Thank you all so much for everything!"

Ott Family YMCA

★★★☆☆ 3 (28)

"When I first started coming to the Ott YMCA, I was so dissatisfied. Problem after problem, from closing the pool for no reason, to kicking me out of the pool while personal sessions were allowed, to lack of communication between staff... HOWEVER, after complaining and expressing myself over email and in person, they actually made changes! I now go here anywhere from 2-5 times per week to take the exercise courses, swim, or lift. Exercise instructors Jerry and Sandi are so encouraging. Jerry especially provides numerous versions of a workout to accommodate each person's ability. He also asks questions, like if we have had any injuries, so that he can provide even more alternatives. One of the lifeguards Erika deserves a shoutout too! I haven't seen her in a while, but she helped me improve my swimming with simple tips, and really builds you up. The best thing about this place is that it's also family friendly. I love coming here. :)"

Happy Trails Christian Preschool

"My son has been going to Happy Trails for the past six years. He has learned so much about how to be a good friend, how to be creative, how to channel his emotions, and how to be a better person at Happy Trails. I have full trust in the teachers at Happy Trails and especially the head of the program to create a safe, fun, and constructive environment for my kid. Whenever there has been a rare issue with staffing, I found that Terri, the head of the program, moves very quickly, and effectively to resolve the problem - always to the benefit of the kids. My family is not overly religious, and even though Happy Trails identifies as a Christian preschool, I've never had an issue with anything that they have taught or shared. I am going to continue to send my son to after school care at Happy Trails until he is too old to attend."

The Sandbox

"My daughter has been at this preschool for 2 months now, and has just blossomed so well! They provide such a wonderful space for learning, and it has just the right balance of structure and self-direction. We are working on potty-training now, and the teachers are a great support and reinforcement (she actually does better at school than at home!). The amount of personalized feedback has been a nice change from the last center (more of a daycare) that we were at. I love this preschool!!"

Family Life Academy

"Both my children attend FLA Pre-School and I can't imagine a better place for them to be! The teachers are true teachers, not just babysitters. My 4 year old has come home singing songs that teach him how to spell his colors and my 1 year old is coming home singing her ABCs! These teachers have a true gift!"

Children's Learning Adventure

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (24)

"I have a 1 year old daughter who attends here. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because I always feel like there is room for improvement. *Pros: large facility, clean, structured, low turnover rate, kind staff, my child doesn't come home sick all the time *Cons: pricey, location (far from my job), cameras to check in on my childI have taken my daughter to daycares with camera parents sign into. I understand privacy policies but it was real nice being able to check on your child every now and then.Overall: I would recommend this to my friends and family for daycare. I can't speak much for camps and before/after school programs but they do provide a lot of great activities from what I read."

Lohse Family YMCA

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (30)

"I thought I had written a review of the Y, I have been a member here since 1993, and I remember when I was a kid going to the ground breaking ceremony of the Y in Lawton Oklahoma. Since my youth I have spent immeasurable amounts of time at the Y, from day camp, to overnight camp, ski trips, Saturday mornings, swim lessons both adult and youth.I have paid for my youngest nephew to go to Y camp (and will continue to do so). I cannot imagine my life without being a member of the Y, I might go through spells of working out more or not at all, but all the same it is a great organization and keep coming. Spending time at the Y, for youth and adults is like going to the library, everybody should belong and participate. The Y is a way of life."

La Petite Academy on E. Golf Links

★★★★☆ 4.3 (3)

"Our grandson goes to La Petite Academy on Golf Links. The staff there is very friendly and helpful. Our grandson's teacher is an older lady that the children seem to love. Parents and others on the parental list have a code to get into the facility and are able to drop by see how their children are doing at any time.The children's food menu seems to be quite healthy, and I was impressed that each child has his own little cot for nap time.Our grandson seems to be flourishing."

Small Marvels

"Small Marvels has been an amazing find for my family. The teachers are loving and energetic, the music and art curriculum is excellent, and healthy lunches and snacks are provided for all students. They are vigilant about adhering to safety guidance and regulations, best practices, as well as hygiene and laundry, and kids learn to wash their hands early and often, even at age 1 and 2. The location near the University and downtown is ideal for our offices and errands, and the hours are generous for parents with all kinds of schedules. The interior is so cute and fastidiously designed and decorated for maximum stimulation and creativity. Warm and bright and clean and happy. Small Marvels is a gem. If you need a preschool, whether during a global pandemic or in more normal times, definitely definitely contact Melissa and tour Small Marvels ASAP."

Childtime on North Thornydale

★★☆☆☆ 2.3 (6)

"My wife and I are continually impressed with Childtime--This is an absolutely wonderful place--a caring, committed staff of professionals who genuinely love the kids in their care. The way they handle conflicts amongst the children is a good example--The children here are held to a reasonable standard of behavior that is neither overly strict, nor overly permissive. When a child needs guidance to change their behavior, it's done in such a way so as to be healthy, constructive, and respectful to the child. As a result, the children themselves learn to be thoughtful and respectful of others, and to forgive others in the same way. The environment at this Childtime location is welcoming, enriching, and full of opportunities for the kids to grow and learn in a safe, positive, social, play-friendly environment, regardless of age. This is exactly what day care/pre-school should be. Hats off to these folks!"

Infant And Early Learning Center

"Brichta is definitely more of a pre-school then daycare. It's at an actual former elementary school, so you don't get the yucky daycare smell as you walk in. However, outside the superficial, Britcha is anything but. The teachers in each classroom are very well supported. Each usually has one or two class aids. Additionally, students from the UA come to get some of their teaching hours there. They have a very welcoming environment and refer to children in gender neutral terms as "friends." They also have referrals for AZEip if your child needs it. This is NOT a money run business like you find at places like Adventure time with inconsistent staff. They even have rates for government employees. It took us 3 years to find the best place for our kiddo. Don't pass up Brichta without checking it out first. It is truly a west side gem. In addition to their regular curriculum they also offer enrichment class! During the day!!! While your little is already at school! Music!Sign Language!Spanish!Soccer!These are taught by actual instructors and coaches."

La Petite Academy on E. Fort Lowell Road

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (15)

"I absolutely love this school. I have had a great experience with my daughter. She has had amazing teachers. Thank you to the management staff and the wonderful teachers."

Old Spanish Trail School

"This is an amazing place to work. The staff here is awesome. They are great with the kids. The Director is so amazing. I love working here."

Little Ranch Preschool

"I just removed my kids from this school and to another due to the lack of leadership and proper amenities for the price that they are paid. For the 6 months that my kids went to Little Ranch, the director has changed 3 times. With that of course the policies changed, and the communication would break down between parents and teachers. The food that is served there is no where near what it should be for the price they are paid. Since moving my kids to another school in the same company it is night and day difference. I wish I would have done it sooner to be honest. They need to really sit down and figure out what is going on."

Sonshine Preschool

"The review that was negative seems crazy to me. We have had several family members at the at the school. Some are in middle school now and 3 granddaughters are attending now...and I pay the tuition. We love Sonshine!"