Children at daycare

Best Headstart Programs in Stockton, CA

Compare 11 headstart programs 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
11
Avg rating
4.22/5
Parent reviews
369
Top rated (4.5+)
21

Stockton has 11 licensed headstart programs 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

Diamond Cove II - Susd Head Start

4.8(2)

5506 Tam O'Shanter, Stockton, CA

Parents highlight the staff as being super nice and helpful, with one review specifically praising the excellent personnel. Another parent expresses gratitude for the team, describing them as blessed.

nice staffhelpful staffexcellent personnel

Creative Child Care INC.@Creative Head Start

4.6(2)

7505 Tam O'Shanter, Stockton, CA

One parent highlights the facility's structure, nutritious meals, and provision of diapers, noting they feel at ease with the staff's genuine care. Another reviewer describes it as the best daycare in town, praising the communicative staff and their children's success in elementary school.

structured environmentcaring staffexcellent curriculum

Gleason Park - Susd Head Start

4.1(12)

605 E. Church Street, Stockton, CA

Reviews are mixed in relevance - many appear to be about Gleason Park Apartments rather than the Head Start daycare center. The limited daycare-specific feedback praises staff care and professionalism. Parents generally rate the facility positively overall.

Staff care and professionalismclean facilitiesquiet environment

Grant Village - Susd Head Start

5

2040 S. Grant Street, Stockton, CA

Wysteria - Susd Head Start

3.9(2)

1921 Pock Lane, Stockton, CA

Community Of All Nations - Susd Head Start

3.7(20)

2172 Dockery Court, Stockton, CA

Parents consistently praise the facility for its cleanliness, recent renovations, and well-maintained appearance. The center is described as a nice and welcoming place, though it has a long waiting list. One reviewer specifically complimented a staff member.

Clean and well-kept facilityrecently remodeledfriendly staff

Map

Browse by type in Stockton

Headstart Programs in Stockton, California

There are 11 headstart programs in Stockton, California, making up 9% of the 125 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.

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 Headstart Programs in Stockton

Showing 11 results

Grant Village - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
5
Address
2040 S. Grant Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 323-4286
Diamond Cove II - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.8

Parents highlight the staff as being super nice and helpful, with one review specifically praising the excellent personnel. Another parent expresses gratitude for the team, describing them as blessed.

nice staffhelpful staffexcellent personnel
Address
5506 Tam O'Shanter, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 474-9150
Creative Child Care INC.@Creative Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.6

One parent highlights the facility's structure, nutritious meals, and provision of diapers, noting they feel at ease with the staff's genuine care. Another reviewer describes it as the best daycare in town, praising the communicative staff and their children's success in elementary school.

structured environmentcaring staffexcellent curriculum
Address
7505 Tam O'Shanter, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 956-2686
Gleason Park - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
4.1

Reviews are mixed in relevance - many appear to be about Gleason Park Apartments rather than the Head Start daycare center. The limited daycare-specific feedback praises staff care and professionalism. Parents generally rate the facility positively overall.

Staff care and professionalismclean facilitiesquiet environment
Address
605 E. Church Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 466-4995
Wysteria - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
3.9
Address
1921 Pock Lane, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 594-1433
Community Of All Nations - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
3.7

Parents consistently praise the facility for its cleanliness, recent renovations, and well-maintained appearance. The center is described as a nice and welcoming place, though it has a long waiting list. One reviewer specifically complimented a staff member.

Clean and well-kept facilityrecently remodeledfriendly staff
Address
2172 Dockery Court, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 466-0304
Cap Early Head Start Prog.-St. Mary'S
Headstart Programs
Address
545 West Sonora Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 242-9540
Westgate - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs

Westgate Head Start in Stockton receives positive ratings for cleanliness and staff friendliness. Parents appreciate the facility's appearance and community environment, though some express concerns about income-based eligibility requirements that may create financial hardship.

Clean facilitynice appearancequiet community
Address
6119 Danny Drive, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 474-7471
Cap Kern Early Head Start Prog - California St.
Headstart Programs
Address
425 N. California Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 242-9540
Santa Fe - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
639 W. Worth Street, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 463-1355
Villa Montecito - Susd Head Start
Headstart Programs
Address
1339 Kingsley Avenue, Stockton, CA
Phone
(209) 547-9088

Page 1 of 1· 11 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 11 headstart programs 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.