Finding a daycare in Edmonton is hard. Spots fill up months ahead, prices are all over the map, and every centre's website says the same thing about "nurturing, play-based learning". The reviews on Google are what separate the ones families stay at from the ones they leave after a month. These are the Edmonton childcare centres with the highest ratings and real review counts.
Best daycares in Edmonton
Tiny Hoppers Day Care River Valley: 5.0 stars. River Valley location with a reputation for responsive communication from the owners. Infants through preschool. Parents mention consistent staff, not revolving faces.
First Step Daycare and Afterschool: 4.5 stars, 126 reviews. North Edmonton. Day care plus out of school care, which keeps siblings in one place. The after school pickup from local schools is a big draw.
Moms Dream Daycare: 4.9 stars. North Edmonton. Small group feel. Parents mention clear daily reports and real learning rather than screen time.
Friendly Forest Child Care Centre: 4.7 stars. Castle Downs. Clean, bright space with a strong outdoor play focus. Spots open faster than the Mill Woods and Windermere waitlists.
Best early learning centres
Strathcona Child Development Centre: 4.9 stars, 220 reviews. Sherwood Park. Years of consistent reviews. Child development focus with inclusion support and real individual plans.
Sherwood Forest Learning Centre: 5.0 stars. Sherwood Park. Reggio-inspired approach. Parents keep their kids here for years.
Emelia's Child Development Centre: 4.9 stars. St. Albert. Highly reviewed by families who moved from larger centres. Smaller cohorts, more consistent staff.
Bambini Learning Group St Albert: 4.9 stars. St. Albert. Multiple locations across the city, but the St Albert centre is the standout for reviews.
Best out of school care
A & D Child Care Centre and Out of School Care: 4.7 stars. Sherwood Park. Before and after school with pickup from several Sherwood Park schools.
Little Feet Big Steps Childcare: 4.9 stars. Fort Saskatchewan. Day care plus OSC under one roof.
Happy Faces Child Care: 4.7 stars. Sherwood Park. Known for consistent staff, which matters more than any facility feature.
What to actually check before you enroll
Reviews only tell you so much. When you tour, pay attention to:
- How staff talk to the kids who aren't being watched by parents. Easy to spot.
- Staff turnover. Ask how long the room educators have been there.
- Real daily reports vs. "She had a great day." Centres that log naps, meals and activities give you a window into the day.
- Outdoor space. Edmonton kids are outside a lot. Fenced yard, equipment, shade matter.
- Nap room setup and food prep area.
- The waitlist process. If they say "we have a spot right now," ask why.
How to find one near you
Browse all Edmonton daycares, filter by daycares, early learning centres, preschools, Montessori or day homes. Then filter by North Edmonton, South Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert or your area.
Alberta's $10 a day childcare is still rolling out, and most licensed centres in Edmonton participate. Confirm with each centre before you enroll.
