Children at daycare

63 Daycare Centers in Palo Alto, California

Browse all 63 daycare centers in Palo Alto, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Palo Alto

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

    575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

    Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.

    Montessori philosophy and hands-on learningindividualized instructi
  2. 2
    Heffalump Preschool
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

    Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.

    Dedicated and caring teacherswarm and welcoming environmentstrong focus on child development (academic and emotional)children excited to attend
  3. 3

    3789 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

    Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.

    Warm and nurturing staffindividualized attentionfamily-oriented approachsupportive environment for children with behavioral challenges
  4. 4

    3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children

    Country Day Little School is a Waldorf-based preschool in Palo Alto that parents consistently praise for its nurturing, nature-focused environment and highly trained, stable teaching staff. Parents highlight the school's emphasis on outdoor play, organic meals, mixed-age classrooms, and developmentally-attuned individual attention. All reviewers strongly recommend the school for families seeking a play-based, imagination-focused early education.

    Experiencedcaringlong-tenured teachers with low turnoverextensive outdoor play and nature connection
  5. 5

    957 Colorado St, Palo Alto, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 38 children

    Palo Alto Friends Nursery School is a highly-regarded, play-based preschool focused on social-emotional development and creativity. Parents consistently praise the nurturing, knowledgeable teachers, flexible scheduling options, and strong community environment. The school has maintained an excellent reputation in the Palo Alto area for generations.

    Play-based curriculumsocial-emotional development focuscreative learning environmentnurturing and caring teachers
  6. 6

    2585 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

    Mustard Seed Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, quality learning environment, and bilingual Chinese language programs. Parents appreciate the reliable after-school care, homework help, and activities like playground time and games. One negative review expresses dissatisfaction with after-school programs generally rather than specific issues with the center.

    caring stafffocus on child learning and developmentbilingual Chinese instructionreliable after-school care
  7. 7

    4000 Middlefield Road T-1, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 112 children

    THE CHILDREN'S PRE-SCHOOL CENTER receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising dedicated teachers, low teacher-to-child ratios, outdoor activities, and strong parent communication. However, one review raises serious concerns about past incidents of child abuse, inappropriate discipline, loss of NAEYC accreditation, staff credentialing issues, and high teacher turnover.

    Low teacher-to-child ratiodedicated and kind teachersoutdoor timehealthy snacks
  8. 8
    The Learning Center
    4.1 score
    4.2(5)

    459 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    The Learning Center in Palo Alto receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the engaging curriculum, low staff turnover, and caring teachers. Parents highlight the strong community feel, outdoor activities, and nutritious meals. However, one review raises serious safety concerns about an injury and reporting compliance.

    Engaging activitiesgood teacher-to-student ratiolow staff turnoverwarm and caring staff
  9. 9

    3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 250 children

    Note: The reviews provided are for the Oshman Family JCC fitness facility, not the T'ENNA Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, classes, and locker room services. Most reviewers rate it highly, though a few note pricing concerns and occasional staff friendliness issues.

    Clean facilitymodern equipmentheated poolsvariety of classes
  10. 10

    3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 154 children

    NOTE: These reviews are for the Oshman Family JCC gym and fitness facility, not a daycare center. The reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, and classes. Members highlight the welcoming community, professional staff, and good value for the membership price.

    Clean facilityheated outdoor poolvariety of classesmodern gym equipment

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Palo Alto based on parent reviews

Palo Alto Montessori School INC.

5(20)

575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.

Montessori philosophy and hands-on learningindividualized instructi

Heffalump Preschool

5(20)

3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA

Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.

Dedicated and caring teacherswarm and welcoming environmentstrong focus on child development (academic and emotional)

Lilliput Preschool Center

5(8)

3789 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA

Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.

Warm and nurturing staffindividualized attentionfamily-oriented approach

Country Day Little School

5(7)

3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA

Country Day Little School is a Waldorf-based preschool in Palo Alto that parents consistently praise for its nurturing, nature-focused environment and highly trained, stable teaching staff. Parents highlight the school's emphasis on outdoor play, organic meals, mixed-age classrooms, and developmentally-attuned individual attention. All reviewers strongly recommend the school for families seeking a play-based, imagination-focused early education.

Experiencedcaringlong-tenured teachers with low turnover

Palo Alto Friends Nursery School

5(5)

957 Colorado St, Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto Friends Nursery School is a highly-regarded, play-based preschool focused on social-emotional development and creativity. Parents consistently praise the nurturing, knowledgeable teachers, flexible scheduling options, and strong community environment. The school has maintained an excellent reputation in the Palo Alto area for generations.

Play-based curriculumsocial-emotional development focuscreative learning environment

Cornerstone Mandarin Chinese Immersion School

5(3)

4243 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto, CA

Map

Daycare Centers in Palo Alto, California

There are 63 daycare centers in Palo Alto, California. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto

Showing 63 results

Juana Briones Kid'S Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4100 Orme Street, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 856-3874
Hoover Kids' Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
445 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 565-8847
Young Life Christian Pre-School Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
687 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 494-7885
Amigos De Palo Alto
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1611 Stanford Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-4300
Barron Park Childrens Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
800 Barron Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-2361
Downtown Children'S Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
555 Waverly, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 321-9578
Genius Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
569 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 759-8381
Good Neighbor Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4000 Middlefield Road, #K4, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-2777
Lilliput Preschool Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Lilliput Preschool Center receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a warm, nurturing, and family-oriented facility. Parents highlight the genuine care and individual attention their children receive, as well as the staff's ability to support children's development through play-based learning. Multiple families report long-term enrollment and describe the teachers as extensions of their family.

Warm and nurturing staffindividualized attentionfamily-oriented approach
Address
3789 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 856-7407
Palo Alto Friends Nursery School
Before or After School Daycare
5

Palo Alto Friends Nursery School is a highly-regarded, play-based preschool focused on social-emotional development and creativity. Parents consistently praise the nurturing, knowledgeable teachers, flexible scheduling options, and strong community environment. The school has maintained an excellent reputation in the Palo Alto area for generations.

Play-based curriculumsocial-emotional development focuscreative learning environment
Address
957 Colorado St, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 856-6152
Palo Alto Montessori School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Palo Alto Montessori School receives universal praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong Montessori philosophy implementation, caring and experienced staff with low turnover, and individualized attention to each child's development. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while genuinely enjoying attending school.

Montessori philosophy and hands-on learningindividualized instructi
Address
575 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-5930
Mini Infant Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3149 Waverly Street, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-2361
Cornerstone Mandarin Chinese Immersion School
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
4243 Manuela Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 215-0208
Country Day Little School
Before or After School Daycare
5

Country Day Little School is a Waldorf-based preschool in Palo Alto that parents consistently praise for its nurturing, nature-focused environment and highly trained, stable teaching staff. Parents highlight the school's emphasis on outdoor play, organic meals, mixed-age classrooms, and developmentally-attuned individual attention. All reviewers strongly recommend the school for families seeking a play-based, imagination-focused early education.

Experiencedcaringlong-tenured teachers with low turnover
Address
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 494-8044
Sojourner Truth Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-5990
Heffalump Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Heffalump Preschool in Palo Alto receives perfect 5-star ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff (particularly Ms. Barbara and Ms. Meenakshi) for creating a warm, nurturing environment where children thrive academically and emotionally while building confidence and friendships.

Dedicated and caring teacherswarm and welcoming environmentstrong focus on child development (academic and emotional)
Address
3990 Ventura Court, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 856-4321
The Wonder Years Preschool INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
991 Commercial Street, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 494-6800
Duveneck Kids' Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
705 Alester Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 328-8356
El Carmelo Kids Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3024 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 856-6150
Palo Alto Infant-Toddler Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4111 Alma St, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-2240
Besse Bolton Kids Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
500 East Meadow, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 856-0847
Covenant Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
670 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-9505
Barron Park Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5
Address
3650 La Donna Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-7597
Mustard Seed Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Mustard Seed Learning Center receives mostly positive reviews from parents who praise the caring staff, quality learning environment, and bilingual Chinese language programs. Parents appreciate the reliable after-school care, homework help, and activities like playground time and games. One negative review expresses dissatisfaction with after-school programs generally rather than specific issues with the center.

caring stafffocus on child learning and developmentbilingual Chinese instruction
Address
2585 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 494-7389
The Children'S Pre-School Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

THE CHILDREN'S PRE-SCHOOL CENTER receives overwhelmingly positive reviews praising dedicated teachers, low teacher-to-child ratios, outdoor activities, and strong parent communication. However, one review raises serious concerns about past incidents of child abuse, inappropriate discipline, loss of NAEYC accreditation, staff credentialing issues, and high teacher turnover.

Low teacher-to-child ratiodedicated and kind teachersoutdoor time
Address
4000 Middlefield Road T-1, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-5770
The Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

The Learning Center in Palo Alto receives mostly positive feedback from parents who praise the engaging curriculum, low staff turnover, and caring teachers. Parents highlight the strong community feel, outdoor activities, and nutritious meals. However, one review raises serious safety concerns about an injury and reporting compliance.

Engaging activitiesgood teacher-to-student ratiolow staff turnover
Address
459 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 325-6683
T'Enna Preschool At The Oshman Family Jcc
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Note: The reviews provided are for the Oshman Family JCC fitness facility, not the T'ENNA Preschool daycare program. Reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, classes, and locker room services. Most reviewers rate it highly, though a few note pricing concerns and occasional staff friendliness issues.

Clean facilitymodern equipmentheated pools
Address
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 223-8788
Club J At The Oshman Family Jcc
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

NOTE: These reviews are for the Oshman Family JCC gym and fitness facility, not a daycare center. The reviews consistently praise the clean, modern facility with excellent amenities including pools, gym equipment, and classes. Members highlight the welcoming community, professional staff, and good value for the membership price.

Clean facilityheated outdoor poolvariety of classes
Address
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 223-8788
Children'S Creative Learning Centers INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Parents praise CHILDREN'S CREATIVE LEARNING CENTERS INC. for its caring, qualified staff and personalized approach to child development. Most reviews highlight positive experiences with attentive teachers, good communication, and a nurturing environment. However, two negative reviews cite administrative issues with waitlist management and an incident involving a director allegedly denying a child bathroom access during nap time.

Qualified and devoted staffpersonali
Address
848 Ramona Drive, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 473-1100
Ohlone Kids' Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
950 Amarillo Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
Phone
(650) 493-0774

Page 1 of 3· 63 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 63 all daycares in Palo Alto, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Palo Alto, 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
Palo Alto offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 55 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 7 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 Palo Alto for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Palo Alto 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.