Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Sacramento, CA

Compare 286 daycare centers in Sacramento. Average rating: 4.36/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Sacramento, California at a glance

Daycares
286
Avg rating
4.36/5
Parent reviews
963
Top rated (4.5+)
67

Sacramento has 286 licensed daycares with 963 parent reviews averaging 4.36/5.67 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 60% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 95831 (avg 5 stars), while 95814 has the largest selection (19 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Sacramento

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
    Fremont Nursery School
    4.75 score
    5(15)

    5770 Carlson Drive, Sacramento, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 64 children

    Fremont Nursery School receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as an exceptional, play-based preschool with caring and creative teachers. Parents consistently highlight their children's enthusiasm for school, strong academic and social-emotional development, and the warm community atmosphere. Multiple families have sent multiple children or attended themselves as children, indicating strong multi-generational satisfaction.

    Experienced and nurturing teachersplay-based and developmentally appropriate curriculumcreative and engaging activitiesclean facilities
  2. 2

    2224 Beaumont Street, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 68 children

    NHDF Child Development Center (Little Summit) in Sacramento receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the staff's expertise with children on the autism spectrum, the director's exceptional care and communication, and the center's clean, nurturing environment. Parents consistently report their children thrive academically and socially, with staff being attentive, kind, and easy to work with.

    Director is compassionate and highly communicativeknowledgeable
  3. 3

    1820 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Cadence Education Inc - Alhambra receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and professional staff, quality curriculum, and strong communication through daily activity updates and photos. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience good developmental progress, and benefit from a clean, well-organized facility with responsive leadership.

    Caring and professional staffquality curriculum supporting language and learning
  4. 4

    5315 H Street, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

    Creative Spaces Preschool and Learning Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, attentive, and well-trained staff. Parents consistently highlight the clean, well-organized facility, nurturing environment, and developmental benefits that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. The center is noted for excellent hours, limited closures, and a balance of structured learning with child-directed play.

    Warm and caring teacherspatient and nurturing staffclean and organized facilitymixed-age classrooms
  5. 5
    Dar-Ul-Madinah
    4.64 score
    4.8(20)

    4110 North Freeway Blvd, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

    DAR-UL-MADINAH is an Islamic center and school in Sacramento with a 4.8/5 Google rating. Parents praise it as a welcoming, well-managed facility that serves as both a mosque and educational institution for children and adults. The center offers prayer services, Quranic instruction, Islamic classes in multiple languages, and community programs for all ages.

    Peaceful and welcoming atmosphereexcellent prayer arrangements for men and womenmultiple Islamic learning programs in English and other languagesQuranic memorization (Hifz) classes
  6. 6
    Good Neighbors
    4.64 score
    4.9(12)

    3700 Knightlinger, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

    Good Neighbors is a highly-rated daycare center in Sacramento with 10 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the quality of care, teacher engagement, and strong communication. The center has a 70+ year history in the community and provides scholarships to local high school students.

    excellent teachersgreat environmentstrong parent communicationchild happiness
  7. 7
    Dot Tot Center
    4.59 score
    4.8(14)

    1630 12th Street, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    DOT Tot Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff with exceptional longevity, non-profit model, and inclusive services. Parents consistently highlight the director's responsiveness, strong teacher retention (some staff since the 1980s), and the significant convenience of included diapers, wipes, and meals. Families report their children thrive socially and emotionally in this affordable, well-managed environment.

    Experienced staff with high retention (some 40+ years)non-profit organizationincluded diapers/wipes/meals/snacksaffordable tuition
  8. 8

    1996 Del Paso Rd, Suite 178, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    Inspire Preschool Academy in Sacramento receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, family-like environment combined with strong academics and structured learning programs. Parents highlight the experienced, caring staff, developmentally appropriate curriculum with daily activities in music, art, and STEAM, and excellent communication with families. Children show strong kindergarten readiness and parents report smooth transitions and improved social-emotional skills.

    Experienced and long-tenured staffwarm and intimate environmentstrong academic preparation for kindergartendaily themed learning activities
  9. 9

    3265 Norwood Avenue, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

    Reviews praise Norma Johnson Early Learning Center as a beautiful nature-focused facility with well-maintained trails, educational programs, and community activities. Visitors highlight the outdoor features including ponds, butterfly exhibits, bird viewing areas, and various hiking paths suitable for families. The location serves as both an early learning center and public wilderness park with seasonal events and activities.

    nature educationscenic trailsbutterfly exhibitsbird viewing areas
  10. 10

    3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    St. Ignatius Parish Preschool is a church-based facility in Sacramento with a 4.7/5 Google rating. Reviews consistently praise the spiritual atmosphere, sense of community, and welcoming environment. Parents highlight the school's educational quality, youth programs, and community outreach initiatives.

    Strong spiritual environmentfriendly staff and teachersquality educationyouth ministry programs

Rating Distribution

Based on 111 daycares with Google ratings in Sacramento

4.5 - 5.0
67
4.0 - 4.4
15
3.0 - 3.9
24
Below 3
5

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 963 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facility
7
2Caring and attentive staff
7
3Safe environment
6
4Family-like treatment
5
5Affordable pricing
4
6Meals provided
4
7Field trips
3
8Clean facilities
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Sacramento zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
9583114
5
1
958199
4.96
5
958299
4.9
2
958388
4.88
4
9583510
4.75
2
958349
4.74
4
958649
4.72
5
9581419
4.65
10
9583317
4.63
2
958167
4.5
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Sacramento (9–239 children)

Small

up to 30 children

112

Medium

31–75 children

133

Large

76–150 children

34

Very Large

150+ children

7

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Sacramento based on parent reviews

Fremont Nursery School

5(15)

5770 Carlson Drive, Sacramento, CA

Fremont Nursery School receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as an exceptional, play-based preschool with caring and creative teachers. Parents consistently highlight their children's enthusiasm for school, strong academic and social-emotional development, and the warm community atmosphere. Multiple families have sent multiple children or attended themselves as children, indicating strong multi-generational satisfaction.

Experienced and nurturing teachersplay-based and developmentally appropriate curriculumcreative and engaging activities

Nhdf Child Development Center - Sacramento

5(11)

2224 Beaumont Street, Sacramento, CA

NHDF Child Development Center (Little Summit) in Sacramento receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the staff's expertise with children on the autism spectrum, the director's exceptional care and communication, and the center's clean, nurturing environment. Parents consistently report their children thrive academically and socially, with staff being attentive, kind, and easy to work with.

Director is compassionate and highly communicativeknowledgeable

Cadence Education INC - Alhambra

4.8(20)

1820 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA

Cadence Education Inc - Alhambra receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and professional staff, quality curriculum, and strong communication through daily activity updates and photos. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience good developmental progress, and benefit from a clean, well-organized facility with responsive leadership.

Caring and professional staffquality curriculum supporting language and learning

Creative Spaces Preschool And Learning Center

4.8(20)

5315 H Street, Sacramento, CA

Creative Spaces Preschool and Learning Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, attentive, and well-trained staff. Parents consistently highlight the clean, well-organized facility, nurturing environment, and developmental benefits that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. The center is noted for excellent hours, limited closures, and a balance of structured learning with child-directed play.

Warm and caring teacherspatient and nurturing staffclean and organized facility

Dar-Ul-Madinah

4.8(20)

4110 North Freeway Blvd, Sacramento, CA

DAR-UL-MADINAH is an Islamic center and school in Sacramento with a 4.8/5 Google rating. Parents praise it as a welcoming, well-managed facility that serves as both a mosque and educational institution for children and adults. The center offers prayer services, Quranic instruction, Islamic classes in multiple languages, and community programs for all ages.

Peaceful and welcoming atmosphereexcellent prayer arrangements for men and womenmultiple Islamic learning programs in English and other languages

Good Neighbors

4.9(12)

3700 Knightlinger, Sacramento, CA

Good Neighbors is a highly-rated daycare center in Sacramento with 10 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the quality of care, teacher engagement, and strong communication. The center has a 70+ year history in the community and provides scholarships to local high school students.

excellent teachersgreat environmentstrong parent communication

Map

Daycare Centers in Sacramento, California

Sacramento offers a robust selection of 286 childcare facilities, ranging from independent preschools to community-based Head Start programs. Parents consistently highlight clean environments, safe spaces, and attentive staff as the defining features of their chosen centers. One standout area is the 95831 zip code, which maintains perfect 5-star averages across its 14 local facilities.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Sacramento have an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 across 111 rated facilities, with 60% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 963 parent reviews. Parents in Sacramento most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, caring and attentive staff, and safe environment.

When choosing a daycare in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento

Showing 286 results

Sunshine Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2452 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(209) 595-1875
Washington Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
520 18th Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 264-4186
Sutterville Preschool INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight Sutterville Preschool Inc. as a top-rated, cooperative-style program featuring a large backyard and play-heavy learning environment. Reviewers appreciate the dedicated staff, including specialized art instruction, and the opportunity for family participation in the school community.

large backyard and playgroundplay-based learning philosophycooperative family participation model
Address
5520 Gilgunn Way, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 455-9420
Washington Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
530 18th Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 264-4365
Stepping Stones School At River Life
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents describe Stepping Stones School as a charming, new preschool located in East Sacramento with a refurbished facility and updated play yard. Reviewers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable director and a positive, play-based learning model. One parent highly recommends the program, noting its convenient proximity to downtown.

Friendly and knowledgeable directornew equipment and furniturerefurbished building
Address
4421 A Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 254-0837
Cadence Education INC - I Street
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight the nurturing and knowledgeable staff who successfully prepare children for kindergarten and support developmental milestones from infancy. Reviewers appreciate the program's ability to create a smooth transition during the pandemic and foster social, emotional, and language skills in a safe, inclusive environment.

knowledgeable and kind staffeffective kindergarten preparationstrong focus on social and emotional growth
Address
600 I Street, #100, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 442-0722
4th R - Crocker Riverside
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2970 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 264-8385
4th R - Natomas Park
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
4700 Crest Drive, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 264-1064
Robla Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Robla Preschool receives consistently high ratings from parents who praise the genuine care and dedication of staff. Parents appreciate the close collaboration between teachers and families, and report that children are well-prepared for kindergarten. One parent had a negative experience with a teacher assignment request that was not accommodated.

Caring and genuine staffteacher dedicationkindergarten readiness preparation
Address
4351 Pinell Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 927-0136
Seta - Northview Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.9

One parent describes a friendly and caring environment where staff prioritize children's happiness, health, and educational preparation. The review highlights the provision of three meals daily and attentive teaching, while noting that high enrollment may require scheduling appointments with the site supervisor for specific inquiries.

Friendly and caring teachersnutritious meals (breakfastlunch
Address
2401 Northview Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 563-5374
Champions @ Arnold Adreani Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Champions @ Arnold Adreani Elementary for its caring, patient staff and safe, clean environment. The program effectively prepares children academically and provides reliable after-school care for working families. Children are reported to enjoy attending and feel loved and supported by staff.

Attentive and patient staffwell-prepared for kindergartenclean facility
Address
9927 Wild Hawk West, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 647-7269
Good Neighbors
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Good Neighbors is a highly-rated daycare center in Sacramento with 10 five-star reviews. Parents consistently praise the quality of care, teacher engagement, and strong communication. The center has a 70+ year history in the community and provides scholarships to local high school students.

excellent teachersgreat environmentstrong parent communication
Address
3700 Knightlinger, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 649-6966
Only Love Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents highlight the staff's professionalism, kindness, and family-like atmosphere, with multiple families noting multi-generational enrollment and high satisfaction. Reviewers appreciate the welcoming environment and the care provided to children, noting staff maintain a positive attitude regardless of daily challenges. Although the business listing indicates zero reviews, the provided text contains four distinct five-star testimonials.

professional staffnice managementfamily-like treatment
Address
2666 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 920-8724
Only Love Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents highlight the management and teaching staff as professional, caring, and welcoming, noting that the team treats families like family. Several reviewers mention positive experiences spanning multiple years, with one family enrolling a fourth child at the center.

professional staffcaring environmentfamily-like treatment
Address
2670 Howe Ave., Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 920-8724
Only Love Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents highlight the staff's professionalism, kindness, and family-like atmosphere, with one parent noting a multi-generational enrollment history spanning three years per child. Reviewers consistently describe the environment as loving, caring, and welcoming for both students and families.

professional staffnice managementcaring attitude
Address
2581 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 920-8724
Champions @ Arnold Adreani Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Champions @ Arnold Adreani Elementary for its caring, patient staff and safe, clean environment. The program effectively prepares children academically while offering engaging activities for after-school and seasonal care. Working parents appreciate the flexible scheduling and homework support.

Caring and patient staffchildren feel loved and well-cared foracademic preparation for kindergarten
Address
9927 Wildhawk West Drive, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 405-6094
Seta - Parker Avenue Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.8

One parent describes the staff as being very patient and great with children, offering a strong recommendation for the program.

Patient staffGreat with kids
Address
4516 Parker Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 563-5071
Cadence Education INC - Alhambra
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Cadence Education Inc - Alhambra receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring and professional staff, quality curriculum, and strong communication through daily activity updates and photos. Parents report their children are excited to attend, experience good developmental progress, and benefit from a clean, well-organized facility with responsive leadership.

Caring and professional staffquality curriculum supporting language and learning
Address
1820 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 452-5150
Centennial Christian Pre-School
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents describe Centennial Christian Pre-School as a convenient and highly recommended program where children thrive socially and academically. Reviewers highlight the loving staff, thoughtful curriculum, and strong sense of community fostered through parent participation. Several families returned for multiple children due to the nurturing environment and lasting friendships formed.

convenient downtown locationloving and nurturing staffprofessionally run curriculum
Address
5401 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 453-0976
Dot Tot Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

DOT Tot Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced staff with exceptional longevity, non-profit model, and inclusive services. Parents consistently highlight the director's responsiveness, strong teacher retention (some staff since the 1980s), and the significant convenience of included diapers, wipes, and meals. Families report their children thrive socially and emotionally in this affordable, well-managed environment.

Experienced staff with high retention (some 40+ years)non-profit organizationincluded diapers/wipes/meals/snacks
Address
1630 12th Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 442-5421
Creative Spaces Preschool And Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Creative Spaces Preschool and Learning Center receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, attentive, and well-trained staff. Parents consistently highlight the clean, well-organized facility, nurturing environment, and developmental benefits that prepare children for kindergarten and beyond. The center is noted for excellent hours, limited closures, and a balance of structured learning with child-directed play.

Warm and caring teacherspatient and nurturing staffclean and organized facility
Address
5315 H Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 307-7109
Dar-Ul-Madinah
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

DAR-UL-MADINAH is an Islamic center and school in Sacramento with a 4.8/5 Google rating. Parents praise it as a welcoming, well-managed facility that serves as both a mosque and educational institution for children and adults. The center offers prayer services, Quranic instruction, Islamic classes in multiple languages, and community programs for all ages.

Peaceful and welcoming atmosphereexcellent prayer arrangements for men and womenmultiple Islamic learning programs in English and other languages
Address
4110 North Freeway Blvd, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 779-2109
Seta - Norma Johnson Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Reviews praise Norma Johnson Early Learning Center as a beautiful nature-focused facility with well-maintained trails, educational programs, and community activities. Visitors highlight the outdoor features including ponds, butterfly exhibits, bird viewing areas, and various hiking paths suitable for families. The location serves as both an early learning center and public wilderness park with seasonal events and activities.

nature educationscenic trailsbutterfly exhibits
Address
3265 Norwood Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 563-5371
Hand In Hand Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
1614 N Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 441-7450
Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd Preschool
Church Daycare
4.7

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Preschool is highly rated by reviewers who praise its warm, welcoming community and friendly staff. One former teacher highlighted it as a safe, fun learning environment with great staff and families. The facility is known for its Christian values, community involvement, and inclusive atmosphere.

Warm and friendly staffsafe learning environmentwelcoming community
Address
1615 Morse Avenue, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 483-0466
Penleigh Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Penleigh Child Development Center in Sacramento receives consistently positive feedback from parents. All reviews are 5-star ratings, with parents praising the caring staff, family-like environment, strong developmental outcomes, and transparent communication. Families report their children thrive academically and socially during their time at the center.

Warm and caring stafffamily-like environmenttransparent daily communication via messages and photos
Address
1400 E Street, Suite D & E, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 822-5020
St. Ignatius Parish Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

St. Ignatius Parish Preschool is a church-based facility in Sacramento with a 4.7/5 Google rating. Reviews consistently praise the spiritual atmosphere, sense of community, and welcoming environment. Parents highlight the school's educational quality, youth programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Strong spiritual environmentfriendly staff and teachersquality education
Address
3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 488-3907
Calvary Christian Center Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

This listing appears to be for a church rather than a daycare preschool. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (10/10 five-star ratings) and focus on the church's spiritual guidance, welcoming community, and pastoral leadership rather than preschool or childcare services.

Welcoming and inclusive communityspiritual guidance and pastoral leadershipdiverse congregation
Address
2727 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 921-9303
Forever Friends Early Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Forever Friends Early Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring staff, family-like environment, and developmental programs. Most reviews highlight strong communication, smooth transitions for children, and long-lasting relationships. One negative review alleges discriminatory practices and poor directorship.

caring and flexible staffsmooth transitions for childrendiverse and inclusive environment
Address
1390 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 912-0758
Fruitridge Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Fruitridge Preschool is highly rated as a community resource center offering employment services, skills training, and various community support programs. Parents praise the friendly and helpful staff, safe atmosphere, and comprehensive services available to families. The facility features open spaces suitable for community events and activities.

Friendly and helpful staffpeaceful atmospherefree resources (typing tests
Address
4625 44th Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone
(916) 277-6288

Page 2 of 10· 286 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 286 all daycares in Sacramento, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Sacramento have an average Google rating of 4.36 out of 5 across 111 rated facilities. About 60% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Sacramento, 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
Sacramento offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 248 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 17 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 20 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 Sacramento for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Sacramento 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 95831 zip code stands out as the best-rated area, maintaining a perfect 5/5 average rating across 14 facilities.
Out of 286 total facilities, 112 have been rated on Google, contributing to a pool of 967 analyzed parent reviews.
Yes, Robla Preschool holds a 4.9/5 rating, though it currently has zero recorded reviews.