7 Headstart Programs in Berkeley, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Berkeley

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

   Berkeley Hills Nursery School

   4.8 score

   5(20)

   1161 Sterling Avenue, Berkeley, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 40 children

   Berkeley Hills Nursery School receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all reviewers. Parents consistently praise the warm, nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and play-based curriculum that supports children's social, verbal, and motor skill development. The school's intimate setting, outdoor spaces, and strong parent community are frequently highlighted as key strengths.

   Experienced and caring teacherswarm and nurturing environmentplay-based learning approach
2. 2

   Childrens Community Center

   4.75 score

   5(15)

   1140 Walnut St, Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 52 children

   Parents consistently praise Children's Community Center as an exceptional cooperative preschool with a play-based, anti-bias curriculum and strong sense of community. Teachers are highly experienced and skilled at supporting child development and conflict resolution, while the co-op model provides meaningful parent involvement and learning opportunities. The beautiful campus with extensive indoor and outdoor spaces creates an engaging, inclusive environment where children thrive.

   Play-based learning approachexperienced and passionate teachersstrong community and belongingparent involvement and workshops
3. 3

   Mustard Seed Preschool

   4.72 score

   5(13)

   1640 Hopkins Street, Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 66 children

   Parents consistently praise Mustard Seed Preschool as an excellent, well-run program with caring staff and a strong sense of community. Children thrive in the structured, play-based environment with emphasis on social-emotional development, outdoor play, and fresh daily meals prepared by an onsite chef.

   Caring and communicative stafflow staff turnoverstrong director (Candace) and leadershipage-appropriate classroom structure
4. 4

   The New School Of Berkeley-Schoolage

   4.67 score

   5(10)

   1924 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

   The New School of Berkeley is highly praised by parents for its child-centered, play-based curriculum and exceptional teaching staff. Parents consistently report their children are happy, engaged, and thriving while developing strong social-emotional skills. The school is also valued for its convenient hours, after-school programs, community integration, and seamless transitions from preschool to elementary school.

   Play-based curriculumcaring and nurturing teachersoutdoor play emphasis (80-90% of day)extended hours (8am-6pm)
5. 5

   The New School Of Berkeley

   4.67 score

   5(10)

   1606 Bonita, Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 48 children

   The New School of Berkeley is highly praised by parents for its play-based, child-centered curriculum and nurturing teaching staff. Parents consistently highlight their children's happiness, social-emotional development, and smooth transitions to kindergarten. The school's extended hours, outdoor focus, community integration, and after-school program are particularly valued by working families.

   Play-based curriculumnurturing and caring teacherschild-centered philosophyextensive outdoor time (80-90% of day)
6. 6

   Congregation Beth Israel-Gan Shalom

   4.61 score

   4.8(16)

   2230-32 Jefferson Street, Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

   Congregation Beth Israel-Gan Shalom is a highly-rated Jewish community center in Berkeley with consistently positive reviews praising its warm, welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community. Parents and members highlight the leadership of Rabbi and Rebbitzen Cohen, vibrant social activities, and commitment to Jewish identity and charitable work. The facility features beautiful acoustics and hosts various events including services and concerts.

   Warm and welcoming communitykind and supportive leadershipfamily-centric environmentvibrant and active membership
7. 7

   Beth El Nursery School

   4.59 score

   4.8(14)

   1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 74 children

   Beth El Nursery School is a synagogue-based preschool in Berkeley with consistently positive reviews praising its welcoming and warm community atmosphere. Parents appreciate the quality of its educational programs, including preschool, summer camp, and family education. The facility also hosts community events and meals that families enjoy.

   warm and welcoming atmosphereexcellent summer camp programsquality preschool and family educationtop-notch activities for all ages
8. 8

   Berkeley International Montessori School

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   1227 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 21 children

   Parents consistently praise Berkeley International Montessori School for its exceptional Montessori methodology, bilingual Japanese-English immersion program, and dedicated teaching staff. Children show rapid development in independence, academic skills, language acquisition, and social-emotional growth within a small, tight-knit community. The school maintains reasonable safety protocols and strong parent-teacher communication.

   Montessori teaching methodologyJapanese language immersionchild independence and confidence buildingacademic excellence (math
9. 9

   Dandelion Nursery School INC

   4.55 score

   5(6)

   941 The Alameda, Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 24 children

   Parents consistently praise Dandelion Nursery School as a magical, nurturing environment where children thrive emotionally and academically. The school is distinguished by highly skilled and caring teachers, a play-based curriculum, and a strong cooperative community model that builds lasting family connections.

   Caring and experienced teachersplay-based learning curriculumsafe and loving environmentbeautiful indoor and outdoor spaces
10. 10

    Congregation Netivot Shalom

    4.55 score

    5(6)

    1316 University Ave., Berkeley, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    Congregation Netivot Shalom's preschool is praised for its inclusive, welcoming community that celebrates diversity across age, race, ability, gender, and sexual orientation. Parents highlight the quality Jewish curriculum, beautiful facilities, consistent and caring staff with low turnover, and intentional social justice values. The community is described as participatory, egalitarian, and open-minded.

    Diverse and inclusive communityconsistent teachers with low turnoverbeautiful spacesage-appropriate Jewish curriculum

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