Gastonia, NC · Charlotte Metro, NC · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Gastonia

Gastonia earned its nickname "Spindle City" through its dominance in textile manufacturing—by the 1920s, the city housed over 570,000 spindles across its mills and became the Combed-Yarn Capital of the World. The city played a pivotal role in American labor history as the site of the historic 1929 Loray Mill Strike, a watershed moment that shaped labor organizing efforts across the South. With 16 childcare centers serving Gastonia (pop. 82,169), we reviewed each across 11 real dimensions to help families navigate options in this North Carolina city. We scored each DCDEE-licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

16Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
82,169City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Webb Street School
Licensed Childcare Center
7.2/ 10
Safety
0
Curriculum
0
Art/Music
0
Infant care
0
K-ready
0
Teachers
7
Compassion
7.5
Mgmt
0
Culture
0
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
0

Strengths

    Considerations

      What parents say
      “I put my special needs son in Webb Street School after having him in a regular school. They are more equipped to work with these children on a one-on-one basis all day long. Even though my child was integrated into some classes in regular school, he did not seem to excel.”
      “This school is so wonderful with their students and everyone of their students come first.”
      2
      Licensed Childcare Center
      4-Star DCDEEInfant CareNAC AccreditedBefore & After School
      6.9/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      8
      Compassion
      8
      Mgmt
      7
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      6
      Extracurriculars
      7
      Dixon KinderCare on Dixon Road in Gastonia is a DCDEE 4-star, NAC-accredited center serving children from 6 weeks through school age, led by a long-tenured director with over 30 years at the location. Parents consistently praise the warm, family-like staff culture and strong child development outcomes, though 2023 inspection findings flagged several compliance items that prospective families should weigh alongside the center's many strengths.

      Strengths

      • DCDEE 4-star licensed center with National Accreditation Commission (NAC) recognition
      • Center Director Sharon Williams-Floyd has been with KinderCare since 1995, providing exceptional continuity of leadership
      • Combined staff experience exceeds 100 years, with Spanish spoken on site
      • Full age range served from 6 weeks through 12 years including before/after school programs
      • Structured enrichment classes: Cooking Academy, Music Explorers, and Phonics Adventures
      • Nutritious meals and snacks planned by a registered dietitian
      • Keypad security entry and fenced playgrounds for child safety
      • Parents describe staff as 'like family' with strong daily communication via the KinderCare app

      Considerations

      • 4-star state rating (not 5-star) leaves room for regulatory improvement
      • Limited publicly available Google or Yelp reviews makes comprehensive consumer rating difficult to assess
      • Capacity of 152 is large, which may reduce individual attention in busy classrooms
      What parents say
      “He has grown so much and learned a lot throughout the past four years. Enrolling Joshua Jr. in Dixon KinderCare was the best educational decision made for my son.”
      “The staff has become like family, and I never worry when I have to leave her. They are very informative about her day.”
      “As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care.”
      3
      Licensed Childcare Center
      5-Star DCDEEInfant CareNC Pre-KSchool-Age Transport
      6.8/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      8
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      8
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      6
      Extracurriculars
      7
      Childcare Network #240 on Oak Hollow Road in Gastonia is a large, DCDEE 5-star licensed center led by a doctoral-level director, offering HighReach curriculum from infant through school age with NC Pre-K and school transportation. While the program credentials and staff tenure draw positive parent feedback, 2023 inspection records flagged several procedural violations that prospective families should review before enrolling.

      Strengths

      • Holds NC DCDEE 5-star rating with capacity for 213 children
      • Director Nasheika Glenn-Moore holds a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership
      • HighReach Learning Curriculum spanning infant through school-age
      • Offers NC Free Pre-K, USDA-approved free meals and snacks, and flexible part-time care
      • Transportation provided to six local elementary schools
      • Nut-free policy with allergy accommodations
      • Parents note strong teacher relationships: 'my son loves his teachers' and 'my daughter excels in school thanks to the foundation she received here'
      • Staff described as consistently great with children across age groups

      Considerations

      • 2023 inspection violations include unlocked hazardous materials, incomplete infant sleep monitoring, and expired staff CPR/First Aid certifications — corrective actions required
      • Limited online reviews make it difficult to assess sustained parent satisfaction
      • Infant and toddler slots on waitlist or limited availability
      • Large capacity (213) may mean less individual attention in some rooms
      What parents say
      “The staff have always been great with my kids.”
      “My daughter excels in school thanks to the foundation she received here. My son loves his teachers.”
      “Wonderful communication.”
      4
      3.7 (32 Google)    2 (4 Yelp)  ·  Licensed Childcare Center
      5-Star DCDEENC Pre-KLearning Jungle Brand
      6.8/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      8
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      8
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      6
      Extracurriculars
      7
      Learning Jungle Gastonia (formerly Smart Kids Child Development Center #5) holds a 5-star DCDEE active license at 740 Cox Rd, Gastonia NC 28054. Parents consistently report strong developmental gains for children in language, literacy, and social skills, with dedicated teachers and a structured curriculum. Consumer ratings are mixed across platforms, with positives around staff quality and educational outcomes offset by some concerns about management consistency.

      Strengths

      • 5-star DCDEE license (active) — highest NC quality rating
      • Strong developmental outcomes reported: children gain literacy, numeracy, and language skills
      • Teachers praised for dedication and individual attention; director reportedly knows each child by name
      • Participates in NC Pre-K program; accepts subsidized child care
      • Convenient location off I-85; full-day and part-time options, meals included
      • Part of Learning Jungle national brand with structured High Reach Learning curriculum

      Considerations

      • Mixed consumer reviews across platforms (3.7-3.8 aggregated); some older reviews raise cleanliness and management concerns
      • Yelp rating is low (2.0/4 reviews) suggesting inconsistent parent experiences on that platform
      • Capacity not publicly confirmed in DCDEE search results
      • Some parent reviews note management or staff transitions affecting quality
      What parents say
      “My son started at learning jungle about 6 months ago and since attending hes grown so much, he's a lot more verbal, he can count, he knows all of his ABC and can name over a dozen of different animals, colors, shapes, foods, and other objects. At home he goes on and on about all his friends and his teachers.”
      “My daughter has been attending Learning Jungle for 2 years now and she has progressed so much. I think that the instructors truly dedicate themselves to the kiddies there.”
      “My son has attended this daycare since he was two years old, and in those two years we have never had a problem with the staff, the other children, or anything really. The teachers and helpers are the best I have ever seen... My son asks each and every morning (weekend too) if he is going to school today.”
      5
      Licensed Childcare Center
      5-Star DCDEEInfant CareNC Pre-KSchool-Age Transport
      6.6/ 10
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      6
      Extracurriculars
      7
      Childcare Network #99 on Union Road in Gastonia is an active DCDEE 5-star licensed center with capacity for 199 children from infancy through age 12, offering the HighReach curriculum, NC Pre-K, free USDA meals, and school transportation. The center has been operating since 2019 and is distinct from the #240 Oak Hollow Road location. Parent feedback notes welcoming staff and strong communication, though 2023 inspection records flagged procedural violations that families should review before enrolling.

      Strengths

      • Active NC DCDEE 5-star license (license #36000191) with capacity for 199 children
      • Full age range served: infants through school-age (0–12 years)
      • HighReach Learning Curriculum across all age groups, including Bright Babies infant program
      • NC Free Pre-K offered; USDA-approved free meals and snacks
      • Transportation provided to 7 local elementary schools
      • Nut-free facility with allergy management accommodations
      • Staff described as 'extremely nice and helpful' by parents; director notes commitment to children leaving 'every day with a smile'
      • Operating since 2019, Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM

      Considerations

      • November 2023 DCDEE inspection violations included emergency contact record lapses, incomplete medical records, and playground safety surfacing deficiencies
      • Very limited publicly available parent reviews make sustained satisfaction difficult to assess
      • Capacity of 199 is large; individual attention may vary by classroom
      • Infant and toddler enrollment availability limited at times
      What parents say
      “Every one is extremely nice and helpful.”
      “Wonderful communication.”
      Safety
      7
      Curriculum
      7
      Art/Music
      6
      Infant care
      5
      K-ready
      7
      Teachers
      7
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      6
      Culture
      7
      Class sizes
      7
      Extracurriculars
      6
      Gina's KidsFirst Child Development Center is a long-standing, family-operated 4-star DCDEE-licensed center in eastern Gastonia's 28056 zip code, serving children ages 1–12 since 2000 with a structured academic curriculum. Its small size (capacity 82) fosters a community feel that returning families consistently praise. Most recent 2024 inspection came back clean, suggesting ongoing operational improvements.

      Strengths

      • Family-operated and community-rooted since 2000 — over two decades serving Gastonia
      • Holds a 4-star DCDEE license, reflecting above-average quality standards
      • Small capacity (82 children) means a more personalized, lower-ratio environment
      • Parents praise kind, caring teachers and the welcoming atmosphere
      • Participates in subsidized childcare program, making it accessible to more families
      • Structured academic curriculum for ages 1–12, including Pre-K

      Considerations

      • Some parent complaints about management communication and director responsiveness
      • Occasional staffing shortages leading to early pickup requests
      • Limited visibility inside the facility reported by some families
      • 2023 inspections cited playground equipment and supervision concerns (resolved by Feb 2024 inspection showing no violations)
      What parents say
      “We love Gina's! 3 of my babies attend there. It is small, perfect for kids going into daycare for the 1st time.”
      “Great staff that goes above and beyond for the kids. The kids are happy and have fun while being there.”
      “My daughters have attended Gina's Kids First for over two years now and have never had a problem. Their teachers are very nice to both of them all the time. They love this place and refuse to even think about moving to a different daycare.”
      Safety
      6
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      6
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      7
      Mgmt
      5
      Culture
      6
      Class sizes
      7
      Extracurriculars
      6
      Eagles Nest Child Development Center is a DCDEE-licensed private childcare facility at 5611 Lewis Rd in Gastonia, operating under license #36000596 with a capacity of 53 children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. The center offers full-day care, before/after school programs, and summer camp, with meals provided daily. Parent feedback is mixed — many praise the caring staff and daily communication, while some reviews flag professionalism concerns; no NC star rating has been published by DCDEE.

      Strengths

      • Serves a wide age range from 6 weeks through school age with before/after school and summer camp
      • Staff noted by parents as friendly and genuinely caring for children
      • Daily communication to families including meal logs and activity summaries via email
      • Provides all meals — breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack

      Considerations

      • Some reviewers noted concerns about staff professionalism and inconsistent communication with parents.
      • Limited online presence with few verified third-party ratings
      What parents say
      “The professionalism, the quality the care is amazing. The director and staff are so super friendly and care for the children. My 5 year old loves it here.”
      “All three of my children attend this great childcare facility (ages 1 - 8). They have a wonderful staff that truly cares for each child. They are great at communicating and are very helpful.”
      “Hands down the best daycare! My son enjoys going everyday & at the end of each day I get an email of the meals he ate along with everything he's done during the day.”
      8
      Wee Care Day School
      Licensed Childcare Center
      6.1/ 10
      Safety
      4
      Curriculum
      8
      Art/Music
      0
      Infant care
      4
      K-ready
      0
      Teachers
      7.5
      Compassion
      7.5
      Mgmt
      4
      Culture
      7.5
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      0

      Strengths

        Considerations

          What parents say
          “My son absolutely LOVES to attend here. He can not wait to go every morning. The curriculum is wonderful, and I feel really prepares the students for kindergarten.”
          “My two boys have had a great experience at Wee Care, the teachers and administrators are great!”
          “Wonderful people and caring environment. Monday through Friday job with no weekends.”
          9
          A Toddler Tech University
          Licensed Childcare Center
          6.0/ 10
          Safety
          0
          Curriculum
          0
          Art/Music
          0
          Infant care
          0
          K-ready
          0
          Teachers
          6
          Compassion
          0
          Mgmt
          0
          Culture
          6
          Class sizes
          0
          Extracurriculars
          0

          Strengths

            Considerations

              What parents say
              “Toddler Tech University is amazing my son loves it there. He loves his teachers and everything that they do there. He is always ready to go to school.”
              “the teachers, especially Mrs. Young, she helped taught my son”
              “I love A Toddler Tech University a great place to work!!!”
              10
              Smart Kids Child Development Center
              Licensed Childcare Center
              4.7/ 10
              Safety
              3.5
              Curriculum
              6
              Art/Music
              0
              Infant care
              5.5
              K-ready
              5
              Teachers
              5
              Compassion
              4.5
              Mgmt
              3
              Culture
              4.5
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              5

              Strengths

                Considerations

                  What parents say
                  “My daughter attends Pre-K program at this Smart Kids. I love this place and so does my daughter. The teachers are great and very helpful. It is very clean.”
                  “Not clean, and teachers were very rude when trying to enroll for prek. They like to charge extra for everything and said uniforms were required but talking to the prek office I found out they are not.”
                  “Some reviewers on Yelp reported concerns about cleanliness and described entry to the facility during a visit as not closely monitored.”
                  11
                  First Wesleyan Day Care
                  Licensed Childcare Center
                  3.9/ 10
                  Safety
                  2.5
                  Curriculum
                  6
                  Art/Music
                  0
                  Infant care
                  0
                  K-ready
                  0
                  Teachers
                  5
                  Compassion
                  0
                  Mgmt
                  4
                  Culture
                  3.5
                  Class sizes
                  2.5
                  Extracurriculars
                  0

                  Strengths

                    Considerations

                      What parents say
                      “DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO THIS SCHOOL! If you are searching for a christian school as I was, I advise you to pass this school up!”
                      “Great place to work. No complaints other than pay.”
                      “Some employees on Indeed described the workplace environment as difficult, citing concerns about favoritism.
                      12
                      Day Dream Learning Center
                      Licensed Childcare Center
                      0.0/ 10
                      Safety
                      0
                      Curriculum
                      0
                      Art/Music
                      0
                      Infant care
                      0
                      K-ready
                      0
                      Teachers
                      0
                      Compassion
                      0
                      Mgmt
                      0
                      Culture
                      0
                      Class sizes
                      0
                      Extracurriculars
                      0

                      Strengths

                        Considerations

                          13
                          First Baptist Church Childcare Ministries Gastonia
                          Licensed Childcare Center
                          0.0/ 10
                          Safety
                          0
                          Curriculum
                          0
                          Art/Music
                          0
                          Infant care
                          0
                          K-ready
                          0
                          Teachers
                          0
                          Compassion
                          0
                          Mgmt
                          0
                          Culture
                          0
                          Class sizes
                          0
                          Extracurriculars
                          0

                          Strengths

                            Considerations

                              What parents say
                              “A few reviewers mentioned wanting more responsiveness from the front-office staff, though the center holds North Carolina's top Five-Star license per the state's NC child care search.”
                              “No help mangers are very rude and one sided”
                              “Stressful and full of drama unproductive”
                              14
                              Precious Moments Childcare Center
                              Licensed Childcare Center
                              0.0/ 10
                              Safety
                              0
                              Curriculum
                              0
                              Art/Music
                              0
                              Infant care
                              0
                              K-ready
                              0
                              Teachers
                              0
                              Compassion
                              0
                              Mgmt
                              0
                              Culture
                              0
                              Class sizes
                              0
                              Extracurriculars
                              0

                              Strengths

                                Considerations

                                  15
                                  Save Our Children Youth Academy
                                  Licensed Childcare Center
                                  0.0/ 10
                                  Safety
                                  0
                                  Curriculum
                                  0
                                  Art/Music
                                  0
                                  Infant care
                                  0
                                  K-ready
                                  0
                                  Teachers
                                  0
                                  Compassion
                                  0
                                  Mgmt
                                  0
                                  Culture
                                  0
                                  Class sizes
                                  0
                                  Extracurriculars
                                  0

                                  Strengths

                                    Considerations

                                      What parents say
                                      “Good quality care in a small christian setting”
                                      16
                                      Toddler Time Child Care Center
                                      Licensed Childcare Center
                                      0.0/ 10
                                      Safety
                                      0
                                      Curriculum
                                      0
                                      Art/Music
                                      0
                                      Infant care
                                      0
                                      K-ready
                                      0
                                      Teachers
                                      0
                                      Compassion
                                      0
                                      Mgmt
                                      0
                                      Culture
                                      0
                                      Class sizes
                                      0
                                      Extracurriculars
                                      0

                                      Strengths

                                        Considerations

                                          What parents say
                                          “Excellent employees, great daycare”
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