Preschool children need optimal nutrition, including a variety of nutrient-dense foods, for growth and development. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in foods and nutrients consumed at childcare and home environments. Children ages 3-to-5years (n=90, 3.8±0.7years; 56% female) from 16 childcare centers participated in this cross-sectional study from 2011 to 2014. Lunches at childcare were observed for two days; three days of dinners at home were reported by caregivers. Nutrient-dense and energy-dense foods were counted and nutrient content of meals was determined using FoodWorks®. More servings of fruit (0.92±0.82 vs. 0.15±0.26; p≤0.0001), vegetables (1.47±1.43 vs. 0.62±0.60; p≤0.0001), and low-fat dairy (0.83±0.32 vs. 0.07±0.19; p≤0.0001) were consumed at childcare than at home. More servings of high-fat, high-sugar foods (0.08±0.18 vs. 0.43±0.39, p≤0.0001) and sugary drinks (0.22±0.41 vs. 0.39±0.35. p≤0.001) were consumed at home than at childcare. There were no differences between environments in whole-grains, high-fat meats, or high-fat high-sugar condiments consumed. On average, children consumed 333.0±180.3kcal at childcare and 454.7±175.3 at home (p≤0.0001). There were no differences in macronutrient profiles or in iron, zinc, folate, or vitamin B6 intake. More calcium (86.2±44.6 vs. 44.6±22.2mg/kcal, p≤0.0001) and vitamin A/kcal (56.1±36.9 vs. 26.5±24.2RAE/kcal, p≤0.0001) were consumed at childcare than at home. Preschool children are consuming more nutrient-dense foods and a more servings of fruit and vegetables at childcare during lunch than at home during dinner. Childcare and parents should work together to provide early and consistent exposure to nutrient-rich foods to ensure optimal nutrition for developing children.