46 Daycare Centers in Santa Cruz, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Santa Cruz

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

   Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz

   4.74 score

   5(14)

   818 North Branciforte Ave, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children

   Midtown Montessori Santa Cruz receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and well-rounded Montessori curriculum. Parents report their children show significant growth, independence, and enthusiasm for learning, while appreciating the strong sense of community and stable environment.

   Experienced and stable teaching staffcaring and patient teacherswell-rounded curriculum with diverse activitiesfield trips
2. 2

   Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center

   4.67 score

   5(10)

   1738 16th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

   Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center receives perfect 5-star ratings across all reviews, with parents praising the staff's warmth, responsiveness, and child-centered approach. Parents consistently highlight the outdoor-focused curriculum, RIE/Montessori philosophy emphasizing toddler agency and respect, and the center's positive impact on both children's development and parental growth.

   Exceptional and dedicated staffoutdoor-focused learning environmenttoddler agency and respect emphasizedexperiential play and activities (cooking
3. 3

   Bridges To Kinder Parent And E.C.E. Program

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   1000 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 18 children

   Parents consistently praise Bridges to Kinder as an exceptional preschool program with highly dedicated teachers who create an inclusive, joyful learning environment. Children show enthusiasm for attending and develop strong social-emotional skills and school readiness. The program's integration of positive discipline, parent education classes, and access to Westlake Elementary resources (library, life lab, buddy classes) receive particular appreciation.

   Caring and passionate teachersinclusive classroom environmentstrong school readiness preparationexcellent parent communication with photos and updates
4. 4

   Emeline Preschool Center

   4.4 score

   4.8(5)

   1030 Emeline Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 23 children

   Parents consistently praise Emeline Preschool for its nurturing, patient teachers and small class sizes (approximately 8 children per classroom). Children reportedly thrive developmentally and gain confidence in this safe, enriching environment that features outdoor play areas, a garden, and live animals.

   Patient and nurturing teacherssmall class sizessafe and comfortable facilityoutdoor play yard with garden and animals
5. 5

   Coastal Community Preschool

   4.4 score

   4.6(10)

   900 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children

   Coastal Community Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents praising the caring staff, play-based curriculum, nature-focused activities, and strong child development outcomes. One negative review raises serious concerns about communication, staff conduct, inclusion practices, and how a child with behavioral challenges was handled. The facility maintains consistently low student-to-teacher ratios and employs credentialed ECE staff.

   Caring and at

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