Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Lafayette, CA

Compare 14 child daycare & preschools in Lafayette. Average rating: 4.89/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Lafayette, California at a glance

Programs
14
Avg rating
4.89/5
Parent reviews
40
Top rated (4.5+)
13

Lafayette has 14 licensed child daycare & preschools with 40 parent reviews averaging 4.89/5.13 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 93% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 94549 zip code, averaging 4.89 stars across 18 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lafayette

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
    Lafayette Nursery School
    4.64 score
    5(9)

    979 First Street, Lafayette, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 25 children

    Lafayette Nursery School is a highly-regarded co-op preschool where parents actively participate in classroom activities. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong sense of community that extends beyond school hours.

    Experienced and caring teachersplay-based learning philosophywarm and welcoming environmentstrong parent community and involvement
  2. 2
    Michael Lane Preschool
    4.5 score
    5(5)

    682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

    Michael Lane Preschool in Lafayette receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents. Reviewers highlight the warm, experienced teaching staff led by director Holly, the play-based learning philosophy, and the welcoming community atmosphere. Parents report their children feel safe, loved, and engaged while making meaningful progress developmentally.

    Experienced and caring teacherswarm and patient directorplay-based learning approachbeautiful and interactive facilities
  3. 3
    Gan Ilan Preschool - Temple Isaiah
    4.5 score
    5(5)

    945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 95 children

    Gan Ilan Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the caring, intentional teachers and strong Jewish identity education. Parents highlight the supportive community, flexible scheduling, outdoor learning spaces, and positive daily experiences for their children.

    Warm and caring teachersintentional individualized instructionJewish identity and cultural educationstrong parent community

Rating Distribution

Based on 14 daycares with Google ratings in Lafayette

4.5 - 5.0
13
4.0 - 4.4
1
3.0 - 3.9
0
Below 3
0

Daycare Types Compared

Average ratings by facility type in Lafayette, based on parent reviews

Child Daycare & Preschools

4.85avg rating
14 daycares · 10 rated

Before or After School Daycare

5avg rating
3 daycares · 3 rated

Church Daycare

5avg rating
1 daycares · 1 rated

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Lafayette zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
9454918
4.89
13

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Lafayette (17–141 children)

Small

up to 30 children

2

Medium

31–75 children

9

Large

76–150 children

7

Very Large

150+ children

0

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Lafayette based on parent reviews

Michael Lane Preschool

5(5)

682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, CA

Michael Lane Preschool in Lafayette receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents. Reviewers highlight the warm, experienced teaching staff led by director Holly, the play-based learning philosophy, and the welcoming community atmosphere. Parents report their children feel safe, loved, and engaged while making meaningful progress developmentally.

Experienced and caring teacherswarm and patient directorplay-based learning approach

Building Bridges Preschool

5(4)

1003 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA

Parents describe Building Bridges Preschool as a warm, second-home environment with caring and patient teachers who support individual development. Reviewers highlight the engaging, hands-on curriculum that includes outdoor time, animal care, and diverse activities like art and reading. While feedback is exclusively positive, the small number of reviews suggests these observations reflect a limited sample.

caring and supportive teachersengaging and creative curriculumoutdoor time

First Steps Learning Center

5(4)

3201 Stanley Boulevard, Lafayette, CA

Parents highlight the loving teachers, engaging activities, and large outdoor play area, noting their children's happiness and smooth transitions. Reviewers also appreciate the convenient location, ample parking, and responsive communication from the staff.

loving teachersfun activitieslarge play yard

Happy Days Learning Center

5(2)

3205 Stanley Blvd, Lafayette, CA

Joyful Beginnings Preschool

5(2)

955 Moraga Road, Lafayette, CA

Husky House INC.

5(2)

3855 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette, CA

Map

Daycare types in Lafayette

Child Daycare & Preschools 14Church Daycare 1Before or After School Daycare 3

Browse by type in Lafayette

🎨 Preschools 4🌱 Montessori 3

Child Daycare & Preschools in Lafayette, California

There are 14 child daycare & preschools in Lafayette, California, making up 78% of the 18 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Lafayette have an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 across 14 rated facilities, with 93% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 40 parent reviews.

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

All Child Daycare & Preschools in Lafayette

Showing 14 results

Michael Lane Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Michael Lane Preschool in Lafayette receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents. Reviewers highlight the warm, experienced teaching staff led by director Holly, the play-based learning philosophy, and the welcoming community atmosphere. Parents report their children feel safe, loved, and engaged while making meaningful progress developmentally.

Experienced and caring teacherswarm and patient directorplay-based learning approach
Address
682 Michael Lane, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 284-7244
Building Bridges Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents describe Building Bridges Preschool as a warm, second-home environment with caring and patient teachers who support individual development. Reviewers highlight the engaging, hands-on curriculum that includes outdoor time, animal care, and diverse activities like art and reading. While feedback is exclusively positive, the small number of reviews suggests these observations reflect a limited sample.

caring and supportive teachersengaging and creative curriculumoutdoor time
Address
1003 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 283-6792
Child Day School LLC-Lafayette
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1049 Stuart Street, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 284-7092
Happy Days Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3205 Stanley Blvd, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 932-8088
Joyful Beginnings Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
955 Moraga Road, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 284-1143
First Steps Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents highlight the loving teachers, engaging activities, and large outdoor play area, noting their children's happiness and smooth transitions. Reviewers also appreciate the convenient location, ample parking, and responsive communication from the staff.

loving teachersfun activitieslarge play yard
Address
3201 Stanley Boulevard, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 933-6283
Diablo Valley Montessori School INC. #2
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3408 Deerhill Road, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 283-6036
Husky House INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3855 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 283-7100
Seedlings
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

One parent describes SEEDLINGS as a great school with supportive staff and notes the convenience of a large parking lot.

great stafflarge parking lot
Address
49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 284-3870
Kid'S Hideout
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
3309 Springhill Road, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 283-7808
The White Pony
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
999 Leland Dr., Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 938-9958
Merriewood Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
561 Merriewood Drive, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 284-2121
Growing Light Montessori School Of Lafayette
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
584 Glenside Drive, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 282-9699
Center Of Arts Technology And Science
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
961 First Street, Lafayette, CA
Phone
(925) 283-4500

Page 1 of 1· 14 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 14 child daycare & preschools daycares in Lafayette, California, out of 18 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Lafayette have an average Google rating of 4.89 out of 5 across 14 rated facilities. About 93% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Lafayette, 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
Lafayette offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 14 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 1 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 3 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 Lafayette for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Lafayette 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.