guides

Merrimack Valley Daycare and Preschool Guide

By Cheryl Lachendro - Macaroni Kid North Shore & Merrimack Valley January 10, 2025

Choosing outside childcare may be one of the most difficult decisions as a parent. It is likely the first time you will separating from your child and with them at such a vulnerable age, their safety and security is paramount. You will discover that no place is one size fits all, but you can find the perfect fit for you and your child. We hope to help you in your search by providing our 2024-25 Local Childcare Guide: Daycare and Preschools.

*We are always finding and adding new childcare centers. Keep checking back!

1. Bookmark this guide.
2. Click on Learn More for details about each business.
3. Contact each business directly for help with registration or questions.
4. Tell them you found them on Macaroni KID, and they'll be pleased to help you with anything you need.


Next Generation Children's Center

516 S Main St
Andover, MA 01810

(978) 824-6260

Next Generation Children’s Centers have proudly served thousands of families throughout Massachusetts since we opened our first preschool in 1993. Our Andover center was opened in 2001 and has 19 spacious classrooms, a commercial kitchen, two indoor gym spaces, a covered outdoor play area, and two large outdoor playgrounds that were all created to accommodate the varying needs of different age groups.


Andover Children's Academy

15 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
P: (978)975-8483
E: info@acapreschool.com

Andover Children’s Academy was founded in 1992 to provide high-quality childcare services to families and superior education and training for the students.

The focus of every activity at our center is on quality care. Our families will experience personal attention that treats them as valued and invited members, not only meeting but exceeding their expectations. ACA is committed to providing an educational environment that recognizes cultural and national diversity and to developing and maintaining programs, services, and practices that promote respect for people of all backgrounds.


The Learning Experience

The Learning Experience

161 River Rd Andover, MA, 01810

978-655-1867

andover@tlechildcare.com

TLE® is committed to delivering quality childcare and early childhood education all year long through our fun and engaging  program. It’s the perfect place for your child to explore their curiosity—and to learn—through a variety of monthly themed programs that include hands-on activities, on-site entertainment, and loads of outdoor fun!



Over the Rainbow Family Childcare and Preschool

29 Summer St.

Georgetown, MA 01833

  Now in their 31st year, Miss Trish has molded generation after generation of children in local families. With love and Kindness Miss Trish nurtures your children and begins their formative years in a positive safe learning environment. 


Pentucket Workshop Preschool

161 West Main St.

Georgetown, MA 01833

978- 352-2398

Since 1972, Pentucket Workshop Preschool has been a fully licensed, multi-aged program serving children ages 2 years 9 months through5 years. We use a team teaching approach and serve up to 36 children at one time, maintaining a 6:1 ratio of students to teachers. We operate from September through mid June with vacation weeks in December,  February and April.  Our program runs from 8:30 until noon and we offer an  optional extended day program.


Early Childhood School of Georgetown

42 East Main Street
Georgetown, MA 01933

978.352.4900

 Email:Susan.EarlyChildhoodSchool@gmail.com

At the Early Childhood School of Georgetown we believe in creating an atmosphere where parents, teachers and children are learning and growing with each other.

Early Childhood School of Georgetown’s team consists of a group of like-minded educators, who are excited to welcome you and your family to become part of ours as well! We have worked hard to make our community a home away from home for our families.


Little Scholars

284 Kenoza Avenue

Haverhill, MA

978-478-6395


Our qualified and gifted teachers are invested and passionate about teaching children and participate in continuous training and education courses. They are dedicated to providing each child the personalized attention they need to succeed. Many of our teachers have years of experience and all are equipped to take care of your children!


Merrimack Valley Children's Academy

468 Merrimack St.

Methuen, MA 01844


Merrimack Valley Children's Academy is a place for children to learn and grow into tomorrow's leaders. Quality care paired with top rate early education makes this a place every child wants to be. A staff of dedicated early childhood educators engage the children in activities that excite their senses and form the building blocks of learning. Come see our brand new space today!!


Little Sprouts- Lawrence

354 Merrimack Street, 

Lawrence, MA 01843 


Little Sprouts schools are filled with passionate early educators committed to supporting children’s social, emotional, physical, and academic growth. We create healthy and safe spaces to help our youngest children meet their milestones, expand their imaginations, and make plenty of new friends.



YMCA

Andover/North Andover YMCA

165 Haverhill Street
Andover, MA 01810

Phone: 978-685-3541


Lawrence YMCA

40 Lawrence Street
Lawrence, MA 01840

Phone: 978-686-6191


Methuen YMCA

129 Haverhill Street
Methuen, MA 01844

Phone: 978-683-5266

We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. At the Y, children learn how to be their best selves. Merrimack YMCA Child Care Programs serve children ages 15 months to 14 years old in a nurturing environment that offers a safe place to learn, develop healthy relationships, and build self-reliance.

All of our programs are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Our Toddler and Preschool programs are National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC) accredited.

Enrolled children receive a FREE YMCA membership. We accept Child Care Circuit vouchers and financial assistance is available for those who qualify.


Helpful tips and tricks to get you started. 


Choosing a Preschool or Child Care Center- What Questions Should I Ask?

When Choosing a Preschool, Consider These 5 Points

15 Tips For Picking a Daycare

Is My Child Ready For Preschool?


Would you like to have your daycare or preschool featured here in the Merrimack Valley Daycare and Preschool guide? Email us at cheryllachendro@macaronikid.com.