Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Oakland, CA

Compare 158 daycare centers in Oakland. Average rating: 4.46/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Oakland, California at a glance

Daycares
158
Avg rating
4.46/5
Parent reviews
506
Top rated (4.5+)
44

Oakland has 158 licensed daycares with 506 parent reviews averaging 4.46/5.44 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 55% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 94610 (avg 4.74 stars), while 94619 has the largest selection (24 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Oakland

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    5016 Daisy St, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 71 children

    Daisy Child Development Center receives universal 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring leadership of owners Irfan and Fey, excellent staff, and well-rounded programming. Parents consistently commend the outdoor facilities, on-site farm animals, music and yoga classes, and the center's ability to help children transition into enjoying school. Children reportedly thrive socially and academically in a nurturing, community-oriented environment.

    Caring and attentive owners and staffoutdoor play structures with shadeon-site animals (goatschickens
  2. 2

    5723 Oak Grove Avenue, Oakland, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 28 children

    Parents consistently praise My Own Montessori for its authentic Montessori curriculum, caring and attentive teachers, and calm, nurturing environment that fosters independence and curiosity. Children develop strong social-emotional skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning through carefully prepared activities and play. The school community is described as warm, welcoming, and supportive with strong parent involvement.

    Montessori method implementationcaring and dedicated teacherswell-designed curriculum with creative activitiesbalanced approach to structured learning and free play
  3. 3

    4000 Redwood Road, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 107 children

    First Covenant Treehouse Preschool receives unanimous 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and strong academic curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, emphasis on both learning and play, and positive social-emotional development their children experienced during their time at the school.

    Caring and experienced teachersstrong teacher-student ratiosexcellent academic
  4. 4
    Gan Mah Tov Preschool
    4.71 score
    5(12)

    3778 Park Boulevard, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

    Parents consistently praise Gan Mah Tov as an excellent Jewish preschool with a warm, nurturing environment and highly attentive staff. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in diverse activities, and developing academically, socially, and emotionally. The inclusive community and responsive communication are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

    Warm and caring teachersclean and safe facilitycreative environmenton-site outdoor playground
  5. 5
    Gan Mah Tov Preschool
    4.71 score
    5(12)

    3778 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 14 children

    Gan Mah Tov Preschool is a highly regarded Jewish preschool in Oakland offering a warm, nurturing environment with engaged teachers and a strong community. Parents consistently praise the clean facilities, creative activities, outdoor space, and the director's involvement. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in diverse learning activities, and developing academically, socially, and emotionally.

    Warm and caring staffDirector Melanie's involvement and kindnessClean and safe environmentCreative indoor and outdoor spaces
  6. 6

    1515 Clay St., Ste 146, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

    Parents consistently praise Bright Future Early Learning Center for its caring, qualified staff, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially, with notable development in confidence and school readiness. The center's non-profit model, provided meals, enrichment activities, and excellent communication are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

    Caring and attentive staffstrong parent communityme
  7. 7

    3625 Macarthur Blvd, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    La Plazita Preschool II receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the Spanish immersion program, caring staff, and strong sense of community. Parents consistently report significant Spanish language development, excellent preparation for kindergarten, and a warm, welcoming environment where children feel happy and safe.

    Spanish immersion and language developmentdedicated and caring teachersstrong sense of communityfamily events and quarterly parties
  8. 8

    3616 - 3636 35th Ave., Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 110 children

    La Plazita Preschool III receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the Spanish immersion program, caring and creative teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents report their children are happy, safe, and well-prepared for kindergarten with fluent Spanish skills.

    Spanish immersion curriculumfluent Spanish proficiency in childrencaring and nurturing teacherswelcoming community atmosphere
  9. 9

    3637 Magee Ave, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

    La Plazita Preschool IV receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the Spanish immersion program, caring and creative teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents report significant Spanish language development, excellent kindergarten preparation, and engaging themed curriculum and special events.

    Spanish immersion programfluent Spanish developmentcaring and nurturing teacherscreative curriculum with monthly themes
  10. 10

    394 Adams Street, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

    Broadway Children's School of Oakland is a highly-regarded play-based preschool with consistently excellent reviews. Parents praise the caring, well-trained staff, nurturing environment, and flexible scheduling. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and some commute from other cities to attend.

    caring and attentive teachersplay-based learning curriculumstrong child development outcomesflexible scheduling options

Rating Distribution

Based on 80 daycares with Google ratings in Oakland

4.5 - 5.0
44
4.0 - 4.4
29
3.0 - 3.9
5
Below 3
2

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 506 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Strong parent community
4
2Safe environment
3
3Supportive staff
3
4Caring and attentive staff
3
5Small class sizes
3
6Flexible scheduling
3
7Caring and nurturing teachers
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Oakland zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
946109
4.74
4
9460515
4.74
3
9461112
4.7
3
9462113
4.66
3
946127
4.58
4
9460910
4.58
3
946028
4.5
3
9461924
4.45
7
9460710
4.42
2
9460115
4.26
1

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Oakland (12–275 children)

Small

up to 30 children

63

Medium

31–75 children

66

Large

76–150 children

23

Very Large

150+ children

6

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Oakland based on parent reviews

Daisy Child Development Center

5(20)

5016 Daisy St, Oakland, CA

Daisy Child Development Center receives universal 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring leadership of owners Irfan and Fey, excellent staff, and well-rounded programming. Parents consistently commend the outdoor facilities, on-site farm animals, music and yoga classes, and the center's ability to help children transition into enjoying school. Children reportedly thrive socially and academically in a nurturing, community-oriented environment.

Caring and attentive owners and staffoutdoor play structures with shadeon-site animals (goats

My Own Montessori School

5(16)

5723 Oak Grove Avenue, Oakland, CA

Parents consistently praise My Own Montessori for its authentic Montessori curriculum, caring and attentive teachers, and calm, nurturing environment that fosters independence and curiosity. Children develop strong social-emotional skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning through carefully prepared activities and play. The school community is described as warm, welcoming, and supportive with strong parent involvement.

Montessori method implementationcaring and dedicated teacherswell-designed curriculum with creative activities

First Covenant Treehouse Preschool

4.9(20)

4000 Redwood Road, Oakland, CA

First Covenant Treehouse Preschool receives unanimous 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and strong academic curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, emphasis on both learning and play, and positive social-emotional development their children experienced during their time at the school.

Caring and experienced teachersstrong teacher-student ratiosexcellent academic

Gan Mah Tov Preschool

5(12)

3778 Park Boulevard, Oakland, CA

Parents consistently praise Gan Mah Tov as an excellent Jewish preschool with a warm, nurturing environment and highly attentive staff. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in diverse activities, and developing academically, socially, and emotionally. The inclusive community and responsive communication are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

Warm and caring teachersclean and safe facilitycreative environment

Gan Mah Tov Preschool

5(12)

3778 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA

Gan Mah Tov Preschool is a highly regarded Jewish preschool in Oakland offering a warm, nurturing environment with engaged teachers and a strong community. Parents consistently praise the clean facilities, creative activities, outdoor space, and the director's involvement. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in diverse learning activities, and developing academically, socially, and emotionally.

Warm and caring staffDirector Melanie's involvement and kindnessClean and safe environment

Bright Future Early Learning Center

5(11)

1515 Clay St., Ste 146, Oakland, CA

Parents consistently praise Bright Future Early Learning Center for its caring, qualified staff, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially, with notable development in confidence and school readiness. The center's non-profit model, provided meals, enrichment activities, and excellent communication are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

Caring and attentive staffstrong parent communityme

Map

Daycare Centers in Oakland, California

Oakland offers a diverse landscape of childcare options, ranging from large centers to intimate home-based setups, ensuring parents can find a setting that fits their family's rhythm. The directory highlights a strong emphasis on community and safety, with parents frequently praising the supportive staff and welcoming environments. For those seeking high satisfaction, the 94610 zip code stands out as a neighborhood where quality and care consistently align.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Oakland have an average rating of 4.46 out of 5 across 80 rated facilities, with 55% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 506 parent reviews. Parents in Oakland most frequently praise daycares for strong parent community, safe environment, and supportive staff.

When choosing a daycare in Oakland, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Oakland

Showing 158 results

Page 6 of 6· 158 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 158 all daycares in Oakland, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Oakland have an average Google rating of 4.46 out of 5 across 80 rated facilities. About 55% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Oakland, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with California's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in California)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Oakland offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 124 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 14 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 19 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in California typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Oakland for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Oakland must be licensed by California's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.
The 94610 zip code currently holds the best average rating of 4.74/5 stars across 9 facilities, making it a standout area for finding high-quality care.
Analysis of 506 parent reviews shows that families prioritize a strong parent community, a safe environment, and supportive staff when evaluating centers.
Yes, the directory lists Rockridge Montessori School and Rockridge Little School, both holding ratings of 4.5/5 or higher, including a 5/5 rating for Rockridge Little School.