15 Before or After School Daycare in Berkeley, California
Browse all 15 before or after school daycare in Berkeley, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.
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.
- 1Berkeley Hills Nursery School4.8 score5(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 - 2Childrens Community Center4.75 score5(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 - 3Mustard Seed Preschool4.72 score5(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 - 4The New School Of Berkeley-Schoolage4.67 score5(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) - 5The New School Of Berkeley4.67 score5(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) - 6Congregation Beth Israel-Gan Shalom4.61 score4.8(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 - 7Beth El Nursery School4.59 score4.8(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 - 8Berkeley International Montessori School4.55 score5(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 - 9Dandelion Nursery School INC4.55 score5(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 - 10Congregation Netivot Shalom4.55 score5(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
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Berkeley based on parent reviews
Berkeley Hills Nursery School
1161 Sterling Avenue, Berkeley, CA
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.
Beth El Nursery School
1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
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.
Berkeley International Montessori School
1227 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA
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.
Step One School
499 Spruce Street, Berkeley, CA
Step One School receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents who highlight its nurturing, play-based approach and caring staff. Parents report significant positive developmental changes in their children, including increased confidence, emotional growth, and love of learning. The school is consistently described as a special, magical environment where children thrive academically and socially.
Cedar Creek Montessori School
1600 Sacramento St., Berkeley, CA
Cedar Creek Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the experienced, caring teaching staff and the Montessori approach to early childhood education. Parents highlight their children's development of independence, confidence, and social skills, as well as strong preparation for kindergarten. Families describe feeling supported and part of a warm community throughout their time at the school.
Via Nova Children'S School
3032 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA
Via Nova Children's School is highly regarded by parents as a warm, professional daycare with experienced, caring teachers and strong leadership. Parents consistently praise the outdoor space, creative programming, and the school's focus on child development and socio-emotional learning. The facility is described as balancing a cozy, community-oriented environment with reliable, well-organized operations.
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Daycare types in Berkeley
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Before or After School Daycare in Berkeley, California
There are 15 before or after school daycare in Berkeley, California, making up 22% of the 67 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 Berkeley, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Before or After School Daycare in Berkeley
Showing 15 results
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.
- Address
- 1227 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 838-1815
Cedar Creek Montessori School receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the experienced, caring teaching staff and the Montessori approach to early childhood education. Parents highlight their children's development of independence, confidence, and social skills, as well as strong preparation for kindergarten. Families describe feeling supported and part of a warm community throughout their time at the school.
- Address
- 1600 Sacramento St., Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 525-1377
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.
- Address
- 1161 Sterling Avenue, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 849-1216
Step One School receives unanimous 5-star praise from parents who highlight its nurturing, play-based approach and caring staff. Parents report significant positive developmental changes in their children, including increased confidence, emotional growth, and love of learning. The school is consistently described as a special, magical environment where children thrive academically and socially.
- Address
- 499 Spruce Street, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 527-9021
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.
- Address
- 1301 Oxford Street, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 848-9428
Via Nova Children's School is highly regarded by parents as a warm, professional daycare with experienced, caring teachers and strong leadership. Parents consistently praise the outdoor space, creative programming, and the school's focus on child development and socio-emotional learning. The facility is described as balancing a cozy, community-oriented environment with reliable, well-organized operations.
- Address
- 3032 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 848-6687
- Address
- 1850 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 848-2322
- Address
- 3339 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 868-1815
- Address
- 2830 - 9th St, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 845-6969
- Address
- 830 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 843-2273
- Address
- 2030 Francisco Street, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 849-8340
- Address
- 2138 Cedar St, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 859-7679
- Address
- 1332 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 649-9110
- Address
- 2410 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 845-2025
- Address
- 1333 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA
- Phone
- (510) 981-0291
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Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 45 facilities
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- Before or After School Daycare — 15 facilities