Finding the right childcare
in Winston-Salem

KinderCare at Wake Forest University opened in fall 2024 on the university's Reynolds Boulevard campus in northeast Winston-Salem and rapidly earned NC's top 5-star quality rating. The modern facility serves children from 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten, with small class sizes that allow unusually individualized teacher attention. Early parent reviews are uniformly enthusiastic, highlighting staff warmth, administrative responsiveness, and the nurturing environment — making this a standout new option for Forsyth County families.

Bright Horizons at Wake Forest Baptist Health is a NC 5-star licensed center on Lockland Avenue in Winston-Salem's 27103 zip code, operated by Bright Horizons — one of the most credentialed early education networks in the country. Its research-backed curriculum, hospital-caliber safety standards, and comprehensive nutrition program set it apart in the Triad. The center recently opened enrollment to community families alongside its primary hospital employee constituency, making it accessible to a broader population.

Epiphany Early Childhood Center is a faith-based, 5-star NC licensed preschool affiliated with the Lutheran Church of the Epiphany in northwest Winston-Salem. With intentionally small class sizes and a highly educated teaching staff, EECC provides a Christ-centered, curriculum-driven experience for children 18 months through kindergarten-ready age. Its intimate scale and low ratios distinguish it in the Forsyth County childcare market.

Foundations Early Learning Center on North Poplar Street is a NC 5-star licensed program anchored in downtown Winston-Salem's Innovation Quarter, serving children ages six weeks through twelve years with a STEAM-based curriculum. The center's Triad Moms on Main Favorite Childcare recognition reflects its strong foothold in the community, and its large 190-child capacity makes it one of the more complete care options in the 27101 zip code. Parent feedback is largely positive on programming quality, though teacher retention has been flagged as an ongoing concern.

La Petite Academy of Winston-Salem holds a 5-star NC DCDEE license and serves 121 children from 6 weeks through age 12 in the Reynolda/Buena Vista corridor of western Winston-Salem. The center is distinguished by its deep enrichment programming — Spanish, yoga, soccer, music, and phonics — along with a classroom live-streaming app that keeps parents connected throughout the day. Staff experience runs deep, with a majority holding 5+ years in early childhood education.

Childtime Children's Center on West Clemmonsville Road holds a 5-star NC DCDEE license and has operated in southwest Winston-Salem since 1991, serving infants through school-age children with a structured, nationally recognized curriculum. The center's large capacity and extended hours make it a practical choice for working families in Forsyth County's 27127 corridor. Parent feedback highlights a warm staff culture and clean facility, anchored by experienced leadership at the front office.

Waughtown Kids R Us has anchored childcare in south Winston-Salem's Waughtown district since 1996, earning a 5-star NC DCDEE license and operating one of the highest-capacity licensed centers in the city at 200 children. The center accepts ages infant through 12 and participates in subsidized childcare programs, making it an accessible option for working families across the 27107 zip code. Its multi-decade community presence and state-top licensure make it a reliable stalwart of south Winston-Salem childcare.

Today's Child Learning Center is a Novant Health-affiliated, 5-star NC licensed center that has served Winston-Salem families since 1974. With a capacity of 500 children, it is one of the largest licensed facilities in the Triad area. The center prioritizes safety and developmental programming for infants through school-age children.