Children at daycare

16 Headstart Programs in San Francisco, California

Browse all 16 headstart programs 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

Map

Headstart Programs in San Francisco, California

There are 16 headstart programs in San Francisco, California, making up 4% 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 Headstart Programs in San Francisco

Showing 16 results

Mission Head Start-Bernal Dwellings Childcare Ctr.
Headstart Programs
5
Address
3125 - 3141 26th Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 826-1653
Alemany Center-Head Start (Ps)
Headstart Programs
5
Address
956 Ellsworth Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 635-0904
Mission Head Start-Women'S Building Center
Headstart Programs
4.6

Reviews praise the Women's Building's stunning exterior murals and artistic features as a landmark in San Francisco's Mission District. Reviewers highlight the building's beauty, community impact, and support services for women. However, most reviews focus on the building's architecture and community programs rather than daycare services specifically.

Beautiful murals and artworkwell-maintained buildingcommunity-focused services
Address
3543 18th Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 701-1995
Mission Head Start - Valencia Gardens
Headstart Programs
3.7
Address
380 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 552-0169
Kai Ming Head Start - St. Luke Center (Ps)
Headstart Programs

Kai Ming Head Start receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, professional staff and nurturing environment. Parents report their children have shown improvements in confidence, social skills, language development, and independence. The curriculum is described as balanced, engaging, and age-appropriate with strong emphasis on cultural awareness and safety.

Warm and professional staffpatient and attentive teachersnurturing environment
Address
1755 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 690-1014
Kai Ming Head Start - Sunset Center
Headstart Programs
Address
2800 Taraval Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 759-8980
Mission Head Start-101 Valencia Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
1330 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 252-7008
Kai Ming Head Start-Dr. T. Kong Lee Center
Headstart Programs
Address
950 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 982-4777
Kai Ming Head Start-Geary Center
Headstart Programs

Kai Ming Head Start-Geary Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with six 5-star reviews praising the nurturing teachers, educational environment, and strong community communication. Children reportedly feel welcomed, respected, and show significant growth in independence, social skills, and academics. One 1-star review provided no details.

Nurturing and passionate teacherswelcoming environmentchild safety and care
Address
6221 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 387-3133
Kai Ming Head Start-North Beach Center
Headstart Programs
Address
1170 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 931-1088
Kai Ming Head Start-Richmond
Headstart Programs
Address
426 33rd Avenue 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 386-3096
Kai Ming Early Head Start-Broadway Center Inf
Headstart Programs
Address
820 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 982-4570
Mission Head Start-Mission Bay Child Dev. Ctr.
Headstart Programs
Address
152 Berry Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 856-0650
Mission Head Start - Adult Center (Capp Center)
Headstart Programs
Address
362 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 206-7752
Mission Head Start - Jean Jacobs
Headstart Programs
Address
459 Vienna Street, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 469-2162
Southeast Families United/Mission Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
1337 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Phone
(415) 920-7000

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Frequently asked questions

There are 16 headstart programs 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.