Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Stockton, CA

Compare 87 child daycare & preschools 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

Programs
87
Avg rating
4.22/5
Parent reviews
369
Top rated (4.5+)
21

Stockton has 87 licensed child daycare & preschools 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

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

Capc - Building Futures Academy 1

5(2)

3100 Monte Diablo, Stockton, CA

Map

Browse by type in Stockton

Child Daycare & Preschools in Stockton, California

Stockton offers 87 childcare and preschool options, providing parents with a wide array of choices for their children's early education. Many facilities are known for maintaining clean, well-organized environments that create a welcoming atmosphere for both kids and families. For those prioritizing high ratings, the 95210 zip code stands out with an average score of 5/5 across its six local centers.

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 Child Daycare & Preschools in Stockton

Showing 87 results

Kids Junction
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.9

Parents highlight the center's organized, sanitary environment and caring staff, with some noting specific communication efforts like daily photo updates. However, a few reviewers report negative experiences involving rigid scheduling that conflicts with individual child needs, perceived rudeness from leadership, and concerns about hygiene and supervision standards.

organized and sanitary environmentcaring and kind staffdaily photo updates and check-ins
Address
6311 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 951-5437
Creative Child Care @ New Directions
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.3

This facility appears to be a substance abuse treatment center, not a daycare. Positive reviews from graduates cite life-changing recovery outcomes and long-term sobriety. Negative reviews cite poor staff attitudes, inadequate treatment services, excessive chores, unsanitary conditions including bed bugs and lice, and lack of support for residents' needs.

Life-changing recovery programlong-term sobriety outcomessupportive environment for those committed to change
Address
1981 Cherokee Rd, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 941-4093
Kiddie Kingdom
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
1121 South Oro Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 462-3730
Ruthie Keener Early Care And Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.8

One parent reports being disappointed when a teacher removed their twins' Halloween costumes, describing the experience as removing fun from the day. Another review characterizes the facility as the worst daycare, citing concerns about staff stability and enrollment specialists who allegedly pressure families.

Teachers are described as okay
Address
1105 N. Sacramento Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 939-9270
Creative Child Care INC. - Conway
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.8

One parent reports being extremely disappointed after staff forced their twin children to remove Halloween costumes, citing a lack of fun and previous negative experiences. Another review criticizes the company as the worst option, warning that while some teachers are acceptable, management may unfairly dismiss families who conflict with enrollment staff.

some teachers are described as okay
Address
742 Dallas Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 465-3851
Capc - Emerald Pointe (Ps)
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.8
Address
9537 Kelley Drive, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 851-3479
Creative Child Care INC @ Small World Nursery
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.7

One parent highlights the nurturing environment, noting that teachers treat children with the utmost respect and care. The reviewer expresses strong gratitude for the sweet and caring staff.

respectful treatmentcaring staffsweet teachers
Address
6600 Grigsby Place, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 952-9334
Creative Child Care @ Don Avenue Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
2.3

One parent describes most staff as sweet but reports that a specific employee, Ms. Myra, was very rude. The overall experience appears mixed based on this single account.

sweet staff
Address
8121 Don Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 956-2686
Creative Child Care - Country Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
1
Address
2448 Country Club Blvd, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 941-9100
Peyton Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2525 Gold Brook, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 933-7420
Loving Kids Academy (Ps)
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1004 North Grant St, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 425-1543
Washington Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1735 West Sonora, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 933-7320
John R. Williams Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2450 Meadow Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 953-9492
Lincoln Unified School District-Claudia Landeen
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4128 Feather River Drive, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 953-8094
Merryhill School-Trinity
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise Merryhill School-Trinity for its caring, attentive staff and effective transition support for children with separation anxiety. The school is recognized for strong early learning outcomes, good communication with parents through daily photos and updates, and secure facilities. All 10 reviews gave 5-star ratings.

Loving and caring teacherseffective separation anxiety supportholistic child development
Address
10250 Trinity Parkway, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 474-0518
Weber Technical Institute Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
302 W.Weber Classroom A, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 467-7054
El Concilio Preschools
Child Daycare & Preschools

El Concilio Preschools is a welcoming community center in Stockton that provides childcare alongside social services including immigration assistance and emergency aid. Parents consistently praise the staff for being kind, helpful, and going above and beyond to assist families. Children learn basic academics and skills while receiving nutritious meals.

Kind and helpful staffwelcoming environmentstaff go above and beyond to help families
Address
224 S. Sutter Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 644-2600
Kindercare Learning Center - Mariners (Sa)
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Stockton as an excellent, family-oriented facility with dedicated and caring staff. Multiple long-term families report that the center prioritizes cleanliness, safety, and educational development while providing daily communication through photos and updates. The facility is noted for its welcoming environment, structured curriculum, and support for both children and working parents.

Caring and patient staffclean and well-maintained facilitystrong educational curriculum
Address
7801 Mariners Drive, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 477-3723
Marci Massei Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
215 West 5th Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 242-9540
Creekside State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2515 Estate Drive, Portable B, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 953-8285
El Dorado Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1540 North Lincoln, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 460-1824
Bright Minds Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2367 Waudman Ave, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 808-8349
Capc - New Vision
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4726 Mccuen Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 464-4524
Annunciation Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
440 West Rose Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 465-2961
Ccci@Team Charter Bianchi School-Age
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1016 East Bianchi Road, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 941-9100
Clairmont State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8282 Le Mans Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 953-8284
Colonial Heights State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8135 Balboa Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 953-8734
Creative Child Care INC @ Fremont Street Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools

One parent describes a deeply positive two-year preschool experience at this center, highlighting the staff's affection and the child's readiness for kindergarten. The review specifically praises teachers for teaching potty training, academic preparation, and social skills.

affectionate staffpotty training supportkindergarten readiness
Address
2295 E. Fremont St, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 323-4335
Edison Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
100 W. Dr. Mlk Jr. Blvd, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 933-7425
Fillmore Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2644 E. Poplar Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 933-7185

Page 2 of 3· 87 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 87 child daycare & preschools daycares in Stockton, California, out of 125 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 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 currently holds the distinction of being the best-rated area, maintaining an average score of 5/5 across its six facilities.
Of the 87 total facilities in the directory, 39 have been rated on Google, resulting in 304 parent reviews being analyzed for this page.
Review themes frequently highlight clean facilities, well-organized spaces, and a welcoming environment as key factors parents mention most often.