How do I choose the right daycare in Oakland?

When choosing a daycare in Oakland, 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 Oakland?

Oakland offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 124 facilities Headstart Programs — 14 facilities Church Daycare — 1 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 19 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Headstart Programs in Oakland, California (14 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 Oakland for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Oakland

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.

Daisy Child Development Center

4.8 score

5(20)

5016 Daisy St, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 71 children

Daisy Child Development Center receives universal 5-star praise from parents who highlight the caring leadership of owners Irfan and Fey, excellent staff, and well-rounded programming. Parents consistently commend the outdoor facilities, on-site farm animals, music and yoga classes, and the center's ability to help children transition into enjoying school. Children reportedly thrive socially and academically in a nurturing, community-oriented environment.

Caring and attentive owners and staffoutdoor play structures with shadeon-site animals (goatschickens

My Own Montessori School

4.76 score

5(16)

5723 Oak Grove Avenue, Oakland, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 28 children

Parents consistently praise My Own Montessori for its authentic Montessori curriculum, caring and attentive teachers, and calm, nurturing environment that fosters independence and curiosity. Children develop strong social-emotional skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning through carefully prepared activities and play. The school community is described as warm, welcoming, and supportive with strong parent involvement.

Montessori method implementationcaring and dedicated teacherswell-designed curriculum with creative activitiesbalanced approach to structured learning and free play

First Covenant Treehouse Preschool

4.72 score

4.9(20)

4000 Redwood Road, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 107 children

First Covenant Treehouse Preschool receives unanimous 5/5 star ratings from parents who praise the caring, experienced teaching staff and strong academic curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten. Parents highlight the nurturing environment, emphasis on both learning and play, and positive social-emotional development their children experienced during their time at the school.

Caring and experienced teachersstrong teacher-student ratiosexcellent academic

Gan Mah Tov Preschool

4.71 score

5(12)

3778 Park Boulevard, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children

Parents consistently praise Gan Mah Tov as an excellent Jewish preschool with a warm, nurturing environment and highly attentive staff. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in diverse activities, and developing academically, socially, and emotionally. The inclusive community and responsive communication are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

Warm and caring teachersclean and safe facilitycreative environmenton-site outdoor playground

Gan Mah Tov Preschool

4.71 score

5(12)

3778 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 14 children

Gan Mah Tov Preschool is a highly regarded Jewish preschool in Oakland offering a warm, nurturing environment with engaged teachers and a strong community. Parents consistently praise the clean facilities, creative activities, outdoor space, and the director's involvement. Children are reported to be happy, engaged in diverse learning activities, and developing academically, socially, and emotionally.

Warm and caring staffDirector Melanie's involvement and kindnessClean and safe environmentCreative indoor and outdoor spaces

Bright Future Early Learning Center

4.69 score

5(11)

1515 Clay St., Ste 146, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 32 children

Parents consistently praise Bright Future Early Learning Center for its caring, qualified staff, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community. Children are reported to thrive academically and socially, with notable development in confidence and school readiness. The center's non-profit model, provided meals, enrichment activities, and excellent communication are frequently highlighted as major strengths.

Caring and attentive staffstrong parent communityme

La Plazita Preschool II

4.64 score

5(9)

3625 Macarthur Blvd, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

La Plazita Preschool II receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who praise the Spanish immersion program, caring staff, and strong sense of community. Parents consistently report significant Spanish language development, excellent preparation for kindergarten, and a warm, welcoming environment where children feel happy and safe.

Spanish immersion and language developmentdedicated and caring teachersstrong sense of communityfamily events and quarterly parties

La Plazita Preschool III

4.64 score

5(9)

3616 - 3636 35th Ave., Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 110 children

La Plazita Preschool III receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the Spanish immersion program, caring and creative teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents report their children are happy, safe, and well-prepared for kindergarten with fluent Spanish skills.

Spanish immersion curriculumfluent Spanish proficiency in childrencaring and nurturing teacherswelcoming community atmosphere

La Plazita Preschool IV

4.64 score

5(9)

3637 Magee Ave, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 92 children

La Plazita Preschool IV receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the Spanish immersion program, caring and creative teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents report significant Spanish language development, excellent kindergarten preparation, and engaging themed curriculum and special events.

Spanish immersion programfluent Spanish developmentcaring and nurturing teacherscreative curriculum with monthly themes

Broadway Children'S School Of Oakland INC.

4.62 score

5(8)

394 Adams Street, Oakland, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children

Broadway Children's School of Oakland is a highly-regarded play-based preschool with consistently excellent reviews. Parents praise the caring, well-trained staff, nurturing environment, and flexible scheduling. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and some commute from other cities to attend.

caring and attentive teachersplay-based learning curriculumstrong child development outcomesflexible scheduling options

Headstart Programs in Oakland, California

There are 14 headstart programs in Oakland, California, making up 9% of the 158 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 Oakland, 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 14 headstart programs daycares in Oakland, California, out of 158 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 Oakland, 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

Oakland offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 124 facilities
Headstart Programs — 14 facilities
Church Daycare — 1 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 19 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 Oakland for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Oakland 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.

14 Headstart Programs in Oakland, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Oakland

Top Rated

Oakland Head Start - San Antonio

Oakland Head Start - Tassafaronga

Oakland Head Start - San Antonio Park

Oakland Head Start - 85th Avenue Center

Oakland Head Start - Frank Mar

Oakland Head Start - Sungate

Map

Daycare types in Oakland

Browse by type in Oakland