How do I choose the right daycare in Merced?

When choosing a daycare in Merced, 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

What types of daycare are available in Merced?

Merced offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 26 facilities Headstart Programs — 3 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 6 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Child Daycare & Preschools in Merced, California (26 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in California?

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 Merced for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Merced

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.

Dina'S Daycare And Preschool

4.58 score

5(7)

220 S. Canal St., Merced, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

Dina's Daycare and Preschool in Merced receives uniformly positive feedback from parents. Reviews highlight the quality of the preschool program, children's academic progress, and strong staff performance. Parents consistently recommend the facility.

Excellent preschool programchildren learning and succeeding in schoolgood quality carefriendly and competent staff

Merced College Child Development Center

4.16 score

4.2(20)

3600 M Street, Merced, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children

NOTE: The reviews provided are for Merced College, a community college, not for the Child Development Center daycare. Based on college reviews only: Students praise the quality of education, supportive professors, and available student services, though some note parking issues and variable staff quality.

Quality professors and educationhelpful staff going above and beyondstrong support services (EOP&SDSPS

Child Daycare & Preschools in Merced, California

There are 26 child daycare & preschools in Merced, California, making up 72% of the 36 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.

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

Frequently asked questions

There are 26 child daycare & preschools daycares in Merced, California, out of 36 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Merced, 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

Merced offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 26 facilities
Headstart Programs — 3 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 6 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 Merced for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Merced 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.

26 Child Daycare & Preschools in Merced, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Merced

Top Rated

Dina'S Daycare And Preschool

Sonshine Christian Preschool

Sonshine Christian Preschool

John O'Bannion Child Development Center

Cccds John O Banion Cdc

Merced College Child Development Center

Map

Daycare types in Merced

Browse by type in Merced