Children at daycare

294 Child Daycare & Preschools in San Francisco, California

Browse all 294 child daycare & preschools in San Francisco, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Francisco

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
    Moldovan Academy INC.
    4.78 score
    5(18)

    1270 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

    Moldovan Academy receives consistent 5-star reviews from parents who praise the school's warm, caring environment and strong focus on social-emotional development. Parents report significant developmental gains in their children's speech, emotional regulation, and social skills, along with enthusiasm for attending school daily. The facility is noted for its small class sizes, engaging curriculum, and dedicated leadership under owner Kathleen.

    Warm and caring teachersstrong social-emotional development focussmall class sizesengaging hands-on curriculum (science
  2. 2

    401 Euclid Avenue, San Francisco, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 59 children

    Laurel Hill Nursery School is a play-based cooperative preschool in San Francisco with consistently excellent ratings. Parents praise the caring teachers, nurturing community atmosphere, exceptional outdoor space, and the co-op model that encourages parental involvement and education. Families report significant positive impacts on their children's development and their own parenting skills.

    Experienced and caring teachersplay-based learning approachlarge and well-equipped outdoor spacecooperative model with parent involvement
  3. 3

    1105 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 104 children

    Little Star Preschool Too receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the warm, welcoming environment and dedicated teachers. Parents consistently report significant child development across academic, social, and emotional areas, with children eager to attend daily. The school is commended for quality facilities, engaging activities, community involvement, and strong parent communication.

    Caring and dedicated teachersindividual attention to each child's needsstrong child development (academic/social/emotional)warm and welcoming community atmosphere
  4. 4

    25 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Parents consistently praise MCH as an exceptional Montessori school with highly experienced, long-tenured teachers (many with 25+ years), a calm and nurturing environment, and strong community. Children are reported to thrive developmentally with increased independence, confidence, and love of learning. The school is described as well-run, welcoming to working families, and fostering genuine friendships among parents.

    Experienced teaching staff with long tenureauth
  5. 5

    1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

    Parents universally praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and experienced leadership under Ms. Vasi. Children consistently show enthusiasm about attending, and parents report strong developmental progress across academics and life skills. The school fosters a warm, welcoming environment where children feel accepted and families feel supported.

    Caring and loving teachersexperienced leadership (Ms. Vasi)clean and well-maintained facilitiesstrong communication with parents
  6. 6

    1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 18 children

    Parents consistently praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and nurturing environment. Director Ms. Vasi and her experienced teaching staff are highlighted as deeply invested in children's development and highly communicative with families. Children show genuine enthusiasm for attending school and demonstrate strong developmental progress across academic and social-emotional skills.

    Experiencedcaringand loving staff; Director Ms. Vasi's involved leadership and mentorship; Cleanwell-maintained facilities; Extended hours (7:30am-6pm); Montessori curriculum emphasizing exploration and learning; Strong communication with parents about daily activities and developmental milestones; Continuity from infant through pre-K; Bilingual exposure; Staff longevity (15-20+ years); Family partnership approach to challenges like potty training
  7. 7

    1401 Broadway, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children

    Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery (TelHi) receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, community-focused cooperative preschool. Parents highlight the play-based learning model, exceptional teachers, strong sense of belonging, and diverse, inclusive environment. The parent participation component is valued for building lasting friendships and providing insight into their child's development.

    Cooperative model with parent invol
  8. 8
    St. Anne Preschool
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    1362a 14th Avenue, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 25 children

    St. Anne Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its experienced, caring staff and strong educational program. Parents highlight the school's balanced approach combining academics with developmental and social-emotional learning, along with excellent communication from director Judy. The facility fosters a strong sense of community among families.

    Experienced and dedicated teaching staff with high retention rateswarm and welcoming environmentstrong curriculum balancing academics and life skillslow student-teacher ratio
  9. 9
    Little Bee
    4.67 score
    5(10)

    2733 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

    Parents consistently praise Little Bee as an excellent preschool with caring, attentive staff and strong communication. The bilingual immersion program (Mandarin and English), outdoor exploration in the Presidio, organized curriculum, and active community are frequently highlighted as major strengths. All reviewers report positive experiences with their children's development and adjustment.

    Warm and attentive staffbilingual immersion (Mandarin)outdoor exploration in Presidiodaily photo/video updates
  10. 10

    3595 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    Little People Preschool receives consistently positive reviews from parents whose children attended. Parents praise the nurturing staff, educational curriculum combined with engaging activities, and the director Galina's leadership. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially while enjoying the program daily.

    Caring and patient teachersclean and organized facilitybalanced mix of academics and hands-on activitiesquality meals provided

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in San Francisco based on parent reviews

Moldovan Academy INC.

5(18)

1270 Sanchez Street, San Francisco, CA

Moldovan Academy receives consistent 5-star reviews from parents who praise the school's warm, caring environment and strong focus on social-emotional development. Parents report significant developmental gains in their children's speech, emotional regulation, and social skills, along with enthusiasm for attending school daily. The facility is noted for its small class sizes, engaging curriculum, and dedicated leadership under owner Kathleen.

Warm and caring teachersstrong social-emotional development focussmall class sizes

Little Star Preschool Too

5(17)

1105 Quintara Street, San Francisco, CA

Little Star Preschool Too receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the warm, welcoming environment and dedicated teachers. Parents consistently report significant child development across academic, social, and emotional areas, with children eager to attend daily. The school is commended for quality facilities, engaging activities, community involvement, and strong parent communication.

Caring and dedicated teachersindividual attention to each child's needsstrong child development (academic/social/emotional)

Montessori Children'S House Of The West Coast

5(17)

25 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA

Parents consistently praise MCH as an exceptional Montessori school with highly experienced, long-tenured teachers (many with 25+ years), a calm and nurturing environment, and strong community. Children are reported to thrive developmentally with increased independence, confidence, and love of learning. The school is described as well-run, welcoming to working families, and fostering genuine friendships among parents.

Experienced teaching staff with long tenureauth

Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC.

5(16)

1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA

Parents universally praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and experienced leadership under Ms. Vasi. Children consistently show enthusiasm about attending, and parents report strong developmental progress across academics and life skills. The school fosters a warm, welcoming environment where children feel accepted and families feel supported.

Caring and loving teachersexperienced leadership (Ms. Vasi)clean and well-maintained facilities

Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC. - Infant

5(16)

1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA

Parents consistently praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and nurturing environment. Director Ms. Vasi and her experienced teaching staff are highlighted as deeply invested in children's development and highly communicative with families. Children show genuine enthusiasm for attending school and demonstrate strong developmental progress across academic and social-emotional skills.

Experiencedcaringand loving staff; Director Ms. Vasi's involved leadership and mentorship; Clean

Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery

5(10)

1401 Broadway, San Francisco, CA

Telegraph Hill Parent Participation Nursery (TelHi) receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise it as a nurturing, community-focused cooperative preschool. Parents highlight the play-based learning model, exceptional teachers, strong sense of belonging, and diverse, inclusive environment. The parent participation component is valued for building lasting friendships and providing insight into their child's development.

Cooperative model with parent invol

Map

Child Daycare & Preschools in San Francisco, California

There are 294 child daycare & preschools in San Francisco, California, making up 82% of the 358 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco

Showing 294 results

Montessori School Of The Bay Area INC. - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Montessori School of the Bay Area for its loving, attentive care and nurturing environment. Director Ms. Vasi and her experienced teaching staff are highlighted as deeply invested in children's development and highly communicative with families. Children show genuine enthusiasm for attending school and demonstrate strong developmental progress across academic and social-emotional skills.

Experiencedcaringand loving staff; Director Ms. Vasi's involved leadership and mentorship; Clean
Address
1550 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 292-7970
Star Light Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
750 - 26th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 221-8005
Marin Day Schools - Hills Plaza Campus (Infant)
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Parents consistently praise Marin Day Schools Hills Plaza Campus for exceptional infant and toddler care with warm, attentive staff and engaging developmental activities. The center is noted for excellent communication with families through daily photos/videos and real-time updates, strong health and safety protocols, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Caring and responsive teachersengaging and creative activitiesexcellent parent communication with daily photos and videos
Address
2 Harrison St., #150, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 777-9696
Grattan After School Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
165 Grattan St., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 506-8617
Sfusd John Mclaren Early Ed. School (Preschool)
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2055 Sunnydale Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 469-4519
South Of Market Child Care Center On Natoma
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
685 Natoma Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 487-0389
St. Nicholas Day Care And Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
5200 Diamond Heights Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 550-1536
Tinker Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Tinker Preschool in San Francisco receives consistently high praise from parents. The center is distinguished by its emphasis on outdoor play in nearby parks, caring and dedicated teachers, and thoughtful curriculum design that supports children's social-emotional development and academic growth.

Extensive outdoor play opportunitiesdedicated and caring teachersstrong sense of community among families
Address
554 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 299-9821
Compass Children'S Center-Infants
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
144 Leavenworth Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 644-0504
Sts.Peter And Paul-Laura Vicuna Pre-Kindergarten
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
666 Filbert Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 296-8549
St.Thomas The Apostle Pre&K Lrng Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
710 - 40th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 387-5511
Slippery Fish Initiative INC.-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 585-5300
Wind In The Willows
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
713 Monterey Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 333-7165
St. Nicholas Day Care And Preschool-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
5200 Diamond Heights Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 550-1536
The Scandinavian School In San Francisco
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

The Scandinavian School in San Francisco offers online and in-person language classes for adults in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish. Reviewers praise the qualified native-speaking instructors, effective teaching methods, affordable pricing, and strong community building through classes and cultural events. All reviews are 4-5 stars with consistently positive feedback about language progress and student engagement.

Qualified native-speaking instructorseffective grammar instructionaffordable pricing
Address
20 Woodside Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 665-3276
Children'S After School Arts
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9
Address
443 Burnett Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 643-2272
Grace Infant Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

The reviews provided are not for a daycare center but for Dharma Treasure Temple, a Buddhist meditation and learning facility. There is a significant mismatch between the stated daycare name/purpose and the actual review content.

None mentioned
Address
3201 Ulloa Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 681-6606
University Child Care At Mission Bay (Inf)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise University Child Care at Mission Bay for its friendly, knowledgeable staff who show genuine care for the children. The facility features new amenities as of June with expanded classes and improved play areas. Parents report their children are enjoying their time there.

Friendly and knowledgeable staffgenuine care from teachersnew facilities
Address
727 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(617) 673-8000
Star Of The Sea Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Star of the Sea Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the exceptional, caring teachers and well-rounded curriculum combining Montessori, Spanish immersion, and faith-based education. Parents consistently report their children are happy, feel safe, and thrive both academically and emotionally in this nurturing community environment.

Warm and devoted teachersMontessori curriculumSpanish language instruction
Address
360 Ninth Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 221-7449
Yerba Buena Gardens Child Dev Ctr
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9
Address
790 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 820-3500
Sfusd-Las Americas Early Education School (Ps)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
801 Treat Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 695-5746
Friends Of St. Francis Childcare Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
50 Belcher Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 861-1818
Sfsu - Children'S Campus (Preschool)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
N. State Dr.&Lake Merced Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 405-4011
Sfusd-Zaida T. Rodriguez (Ees) Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
2950 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 695-5842
Sfsu - Children'S Campus (Infant)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
N. State Dr.&Lake Merced Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 405-4011
Associated Students Children'S Center - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
1650 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 338-2403
Letterman Digital Arts Ccc (Preschool)
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive with a 4.7/5 rating. Parents praise the facility's beautiful green space, imaginative environment, and world-class campus design. The location in San Francisco's Presidio is highlighted as a major attraction.

Beautiful green spaceimaginative environmentamazing facilities
Address
1 Letterman Dr., Bldg. B, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 746-5444
Balboa Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
521 Balboa Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 668-5877
Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7
Address
200 Cashmere Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 401-1377
Mission Childcare Consortium INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Mission Childcare Consortium receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with parents praising the caring and professional staff, strong curriculum, and supportive approach to families. However, one reviewer reported witnessing staff speaking disrespectfully to toddlers. The facility appears to offer enriching programs and activities that help children thrive academically and emotionally.

caring and loving staffprofessional teachersstrong curriculum tailored to in
Address
4750 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 586-6139

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Frequently asked questions

There are 294 child daycare & preschools daycares in San Francisco, California, out of 358 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 San Francisco, 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
San Francisco offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 294 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 16 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 9 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 39 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 San Francisco for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in San Francisco 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.