Canterbury Children's Center

Canterbury Children’s Center is a preschool in Wakefield, Massachusetts, offering a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum for children starting at 2.9 years old. The center provides quality care in a nurturing environment focused on fostering growth, learning, and joyful exploration through play. It serves families across Wakefield and surrounding areas, emphasizing individualized support and a well-balanced approach to social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development. With a 4.70 rating based on customer reviews, the center is recognized for its consistent, high-quality programming and responsive care. It operates 51 weeks a year, ensuring continuity for working families.

Rooted in a commitment to inclusivity, Canterbury Children’s Center is a non-profit, non-denominational program established by the Emmanuel Parish. It serves children and families of all backgrounds, with no discrimination based on family structure, socioeconomic status, race, religion, disability, or cultural heritage. The center’s philosophy centers on creating a safe, happy, and responsive space where children can learn through experience and play. Staff members, including Executive Director Amy Yatsuhashi and Administrative Director LeighAnn O'Neill, are dedicated to maintaining a healthy learning environment that supports both individual and group development. The center was re-licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care in February 2025, affirming its adherence to high standards.

Located at 5 Bryant Street in Wakefield, the center sits just a short walk from Upper Common and Hiker Monument and Rockery, both public parks, and is within a quarter mile of Wakefield Town Hall and the Yale Avenue Historic District. It is also near Main Street and Salem Street, key roads that anchor the town’s central area.

Canterbury Children’s Center is known for its strong reputation in early childhood education, supported by a well-documented online presence and a website optimized for clarity and accessibility. The center’s consistent, transparent information and long-standing service to the community reinforce its standing as a trusted resource for families in Wakefield.

As a cornerstone of early education in Wakefield, Canterbury Children’s Center combines nurturing care with a commitment to holistic development, helping children grow with confidence and joy in a community-centered environment.