Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Stockton, CA

Compare 125 daycare centers in Stockton. Average rating: 4.22/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Stockton, California at a glance

Daycares
125
Avg rating
4.22/5
Parent reviews
369
Top rated (4.5+)
21

Stockton has 125 licensed daycares with 369 parent reviews averaging 4.22/5.21 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 44% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 95210 (avg 4.8 stars), while 95206 has the largest selection (22 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Stockton

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

    3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 49 children

    Central Methodist Church Day Nursery School in Stockton receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, nurturing staff and positive developmental outcomes for children. Parents emphasize the safe, educational environment, reasonable pricing, flexible scheduling options, and strong community involvement.

    Caring and engaged teachersdevelopmental progress in speech and behaviorsafe environmentaffordable pricing
  2. 2
    Capc - Sierra Vista
    4.56 score
    4.7(20)

    2436 Belleview Street, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

    These reviews appear to be for Sierra Vista Apartments, a residential community, rather than a daycare center. Parents/residents consistently praise the living conditions, amenities, responsive management, and welcoming staff across multiple years of residency.

    Clean facilitiesresponsive managementcommunity amenities (poolplaygrounds
  3. 3
    Little Learners Preschool
    4.53 score
    4.7(15)

    3588 Brookside Road, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 165 children

    Little Learners Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring and welcoming staff, strong educational curriculum, and visible developmental growth in their children. Parents appreciate the Christian values, affordable pricing, included meals, flexible hours, and warm learning environment that makes children feel safe and excited to attend.

    Caring and patient teacherswelcoming environmentchild development and academic growthChristian values
  4. 4

    5211 Barbados Circle, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 150 children

    Joan Richards Learning Village receives consistently positive feedback from parents of children ages 3-6. Parents praise the caring staff, school-like environment, and supportive approach to families. The facility is noted for excellent front desk service and flexible school hours.

    Caring and dedicated staffstrong social and academic developmentschool-like environmentexcellent front desk service
  5. 5
    Capc-Central 1
    4.27 score
    4.4(10)

    540 N. California St., Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 56 children

    CAPC-CENTRAL 1 receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the friendly and helpful staff. However, one detailed review raises serious concerns about a child welfare case involving a father with a history of child endangerment and alleged verbal abuse, though this appears to be a custody/legal matter rather than a daycare-specific issue.

    Friendly and welcoming staffhelpful staff membersparents feel the center fulfills its mission
  6. 6
    Capc - Baby Steps 2
    4.27 score
    4.4(10)

    521 E. Miner, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

    CAPC - Baby Steps 2 receives mostly positive feedback about staff friendliness and job performance. One review raises serious concerns about a child custody situation involving alleged verbal abuse, which appears to be a personal family matter rather than a daycare facility issue.

    Friendly and nice staffhelpfulgood environment for childrenstaff dedication
  7. 7
    Capc - Baby Steps 1
    4.27 score
    4.4(10)

    521 E. Miner, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children

    CAPC - Baby Steps 1 receives mostly positive feedback about staff friendliness and job performance. However, one detailed review raises serious child welfare concerns involving a custodial parent, though this appears to be a broader legal/CPS matter rather than a daycare center issue.

    Friendly and nice staffhelpfulappropriate environment for children
  8. 8
    Scribbles And Giggles Ps
    4.23 score
    4.4(7)

    17 E. Poplar Street, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 54 children

    Scribbles and Giggles receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with children reportedly eager to attend and benefiting from structured curriculum including academics, Spanish, and sign language. However, one parent reported the facility failed to accommodate a child with behavioral issues as promised, citing inadequate supervision, excessive isolation, lack of comfort after injury, and harsh treatment during dismissal.

    warm and welcoming staffcl
  9. 9
    The Campus Downtown INC.
    4.19 score
    4.3(9)

    123 North Sutter St, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    THE CAMPUS DOWNTOWN INC. receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the supportive staff, director Tyanne Smith's leadership, and strong communication throughout the day. Children reportedly develop socially and academically in a clean, safe facility. One parent reported a negative experience citing unprofessional conduct by the director.

    Director Tyanne Smith's leadership and passionResponsive and communicative staffAttentive to children's allergies and medical needsReal-time updates via app about activities and meals
  10. 10
    Casa De Experanza (Ps)
    4.18 score
    4.3(8)

    2260 S. Netherton Ave, Stockton, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

    Parents describe CASA DE ESPERANZA as a clean, well-maintained facility with friendly staff and a pleasant environment. Most reviewers praise the care provided and recommend the center. One review appears unrelated to the daycare experience.

    Clean facilitiesfriendly staffnice environmentgood food

Rating Distribution

Based on 48 daycares with Google ratings in Stockton

4.5 - 5.0
21
4.0 - 4.4
16
3.0 - 3.9
5
Below 3
6

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 369 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Clean facilities
5
2Affordable pricing
3
3Friendly staff
3
4Safe environment
3
5Clean and well-organized facility
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Stockton zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
9521012
4.8
3
9520310
4.58
2
9520714
4.38
2
9520622
4.3
4
952157
4.17
3
9520514
4.16
1
9520212
4.12
0
9520412
4
3
952198
3.87
1
9520910
3.6
1

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Stockton (15–220 children)

Small

up to 30 children

62

Medium

31–75 children

46

Large

76–150 children

14

Very Large

150+ children

3

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Stockton based on parent reviews

Central Methodist Church Day Nursery School

5(11)

3700 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA

Central Methodist Church Day Nursery School in Stockton receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring, nurturing staff and positive developmental outcomes for children. Parents emphasize the safe, educational environment, reasonable pricing, flexible scheduling options, and strong community involvement.

Caring and engaged teachersdevelopmental progress in speech and behaviorsafe environment

Capc - Sierra Vista

4.7(20)

2436 Belleview Street, Stockton, CA

These reviews appear to be for Sierra Vista Apartments, a residential community, rather than a daycare center. Parents/residents consistently praise the living conditions, amenities, responsive management, and welcoming staff across multiple years of residency.

Clean facilitiesresponsive managementcommunity amenities (pool

Little Learners Preschool

4.7(15)

3588 Brookside Road, Stockton, CA

Little Learners Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents who highlight the caring and welcoming staff, strong educational curriculum, and visible developmental growth in their children. Parents appreciate the Christian values, affordable pricing, included meals, flexible hours, and warm learning environment that makes children feel safe and excited to attend.

Caring and patient teacherswelcoming environmentchild development and academic growth

Joan Richards Learning Village

5(5)

5211 Barbados Circle, Stockton, CA

Joan Richards Learning Village receives consistently positive feedback from parents of children ages 3-6. Parents praise the caring staff, school-like environment, and supportive approach to families. The facility is noted for excellent front desk service and flexible school hours.

Caring and dedicated staffstrong social and academic developmentschool-like environment

Creative Child Care INC.- Eleventh Street

5(2)

1700 East Eleventh Street, Stockton, CA

One parent notes their daughter enjoys the daily learning activities and feels excited to share them at home, while another highlights the professional and friendly nature of the staff, including the principal. Both reviewers express strong satisfaction with the welcoming environment and the positive relationships between the children and the teachers.

Friendly and smiling staffprofessional teamengaging learning activities

Capc - Building Futures Academy 2

5(2)

3100 Monte Diablo, Stockton, CA

One parent highlights the school's construction training and Americorps opportunities, noting it as a valuable path for young adults seeking diplomas or college scholarships. Another reviewer simply describes the teachers and staff as amazing and great people.

construction trainingAmericorps hoursscholarship opportunities

Map

Browse by type in Stockton

Daycare Centers in Stockton, California

Stockton offers a diverse landscape of childcare options, ranging from independent preschools to community-funded head start programs, ensuring families can find a setting that fits their schedule and budget. Parents frequently highlight the importance of clean facilities, affordable pricing, and a safe environment when evaluating these centers. For those prioritizing high satisfaction, the 95210 zip code stands out with a strong average rating across its local facilities.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Stockton have an average rating of 4.22 out of 5 across 48 rated facilities, with 44% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 369 parent reviews. Parents in Stockton most frequently praise daycares for clean facilities, affordable pricing, and friendly staff.

When choosing a daycare in Stockton, 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 Stockton

Showing 125 results

Page 5 of 5· 125 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 125 all daycares in Stockton, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Stockton have an average Google rating of 4.22 out of 5 across 48 rated facilities. About 44% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Stockton, 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
Stockton offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 87 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 11 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 3 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 24 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 Stockton for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Stockton 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 95210 zip code is the best-rated area, averaging 4.8 stars across 12 nearby facilities, making it a strong candidate for families seeking top-performing centers.
Yes, LITTLE LEARNERS PRESCHOOL holds a 4.7/5 rating, though it currently has 0 reviews. Similarly, RUTHIE KEENER EARLY CARE AND LEARNING CENTER is listed with a 2.8/5 rating and 0 reviews, so parents should verify current status directly.
Analysis of 375 parent reviews indicates that the most frequently mentioned positives are clean facilities, affordable pricing, and a safe environment for children.