Philadelphia Family Early Childhood Education Guide
Your guide to the BEST preschools, daycare centers, early learning programs, and child development experts in Philly and beyond!
Presented by Greater Philadelphia YMCA
Choosing the right preschool, daycare, or enriching activities for your child is a big decision, and this Early Childhood Education Guide is here to make it easier. Inside, you’ll find local expertise, real parent recommendations, and the resources you need to feel good about your choices.
Browse our list of preschools and kindergarten programs in Philly that make early learning meaningful, and find out how your child can attend free pre-K through PHLpreK. Burn off some energy at the city’s best jump places or explore our roundup of the best playgrounds in Philadelphia — city favorites plus a few suburban picks worth the drive.
You’ll also find play date etiquette tips for every age, and don’t miss everything the Free Library of Philadelphia has to offer families beyond just books.
Whether you’re comparing preschools, planning a playground trip, or booking your next play date, our Guide covers everything families need to support curious, growing minds.
You’ve Found Your Village: The Philly Family Community
This Philly Baby Guide and Philadelphia Family are published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids in Philly with resources, events, and each other.
Our High Five email newsletters arrive every Thursday with our latest stories and the best weekend events for families. Connect with @PhillyFamilyMag on Instagram and through our Philly Family Community Facebook group to find friends and trusted referrals.
The organizations below make this work possible. By partnering with local businesses and nonprofits through our Marketing Services and Membership programs, Family Focus Media fosters connections that help families thrive.
- Interested in reaching Philly parents during key decision-making moments? Learn how to become a Contributing Sponsor in the next edition.
Philadelphia Family Early Childhood Education Guide Stories
Free, full-day PHLpreK is enrolling now at four Philadelphia YMCA locations — no income limit, no employment requirement, just a 3- or 4-year-old and a Philadelphia address.
Funded by Philadelphia’s soda tax, PHLpreK offers free, high-quality early childhood education for 3- and 4-year-olds, plus affordable after care options
Discover seven top trampoline parks and bounce places where kids can flip, climb, and play all day long
From relaxed performances to quiet spaces, here are the places working to make Philly more accessible for all
The Philly library system is so much more than books — it’s a free, fun destination for the whole family
This list of the best Philadelphia playgrounds makes it easy to find where to go next
Whether you’re an urban local or visiting from out of town, discover new places to play at these Center City Philly playgrounds
Here are our favorite playgrounds in Fishtown, Kensington, Port Richmond, and Northern Liberties! From waterfront green spaces to brand-new custom climbing structures, the River Wards deliver serious playground fun for families
Moving to Northwest Philly or do you want a new place to take the kids? Drop in and play at these Northwest Philly playgrounds
The Aspen Grove School brings urban nature based learning and Reggio-inspired education to the heart of Philadelphia
Playtime, your way. Enjoy epic rec spots and playgrounds in Northeast Philly
Fishtown Montessori is a Philadelphia Montessori school serving children from 18 months through kindergarten in the heart of the Fishtown neighborhood
Find out what happens when families with a common goal come together to create their dream preschool at Clementine Montessori.
Discover the Philly Family Community's Top Recommended Preschools and Kindergarten Programs to find the right fit for your student.
Here we share common questions and answers from local experts to help pave your way to play date perfection
Philadelphia Family Members: Preschools, Kindergarten & Enrichment Programs
Philadelphia Family Members are local community builders like us who would like to be more connected with families in Philly. The Members below support the Philly Family Community and our Education Guide. Have you had a great experience with any of them? You can help other families benefit from your experience with an endorsement on their Profile Page! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT WITH A 5-STAR REVIEW.
Amigos Spanish Immersion Preschool
Amigos is a Spanish immersion preschool located in Old City, Philadelphia for students 1-5 years…
Clementine Montessori School
Clementine offers a true Montessori toddler, preschool, and kindergarten program for children from 18 months…
Fishtown Montessori
Fishtown Montessori is locally owned and operated and was founded in 2017 to provide children…
Friends’ Central School
Friends’ Central School is a Quaker, co-educational, college-preparatory day school for students in nursery through…
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
The YMCA is proud to partner with various agencies to offer funded preschool opportunities to…
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy is an independent Catholic academy for preschool to eighth grade students located in…
Schuylkill Center Nature Preschool
Schuylkill Center Nature Preschool nurtures children through a play-based program of curiosity, exploration, and hands-on…
The Children’s Community School
The Children's Community School is a non-profit early childhood education program for children aged 15-months…
The Children’s House of Philadelphia
The Children's House of Philadelphia provides a nurturing Montessori preschool experience for children aged 3…
The Learning Experience
From their curriculum to their vibrant centers to their lovable characters, The Learning Experience has…
The Montessori School
At The Montessori School, children grow through engaging academics, individual support, and a community that…
