Find a daycare in Oakland, CA

Find daycares in Oakland, CA

Find daycares in Oakland, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Oakland, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Oakland, CA

Parents agree: these Oakland daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Buttafllys Playcare

Buttafllys Playcare

5.0(2)
6+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Acacia R. says, "Buttafly Playcare is the best! My son loves Vida so much. He plays so well with the other kids and comes home with all new drawings!" Read more
Growing Hearts & Minds Childcare

Growing Hearts & Minds Childcare

New on TrustedCare
Serves Oakland, CA
Hi parents! Growing Hearts & Minds Childcare is now enrolling in Walnut Creek, Ca! We are a licensed and insured small in home daycare providing lots of love, nurture, and learning! We provide nutritious snacks, breakfast and lunch, structured activities, outdoor play, and lots more in our clean and friendly environment! CPR and first aid certified. Please contact us now for any questions or to schedule a tour! [email protected] (925) 553-9674
Little Hearts United Childcare

Little Hearts United Childcare

New on TrustedCare
12+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Little Hearts United Childcare, located in Oakland, CA, is an in-home family childcare center that encourages children to learn, share, and play with peers. The curriculum is designed to target the development of the whole child, with a specific focus on kindergarten readiness through developmentally appropriate activities. They provide holistic support including potty training, and nutritious meals including breakfast, lunch, and two snacks.
Iona's Little Dreamers

Iona's Little Dreamers

New on TrustedCare
8+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Welcome to Iona's Little Dreamers, where your child's journey of discovery and growth begins. Nestled in the heart of Oakland, CA, we provide a nurturing daycare environment that feels like a home away from home. With a focus on personalized care and attention, our intimate setting, led by a dedicated team of two passionate caregivers, ensures that every child receives the love and support they need to thrive. At Iona's Little Dreamers, we believe in fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence in every little dreamer. Join us in nurturing the future, one child at a time.
Tots And Friends

Tots And Friends

New on TrustedCare
22+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Tots and Friends is a home-based daycare that serves Oakland, San Leandro, CA, and the surrounding areas. The daycare, located in the Davis Tract area, focuses on providing quality care and nurturing environment for both infants and toddlers. With its dedicated and experienced staff, it strives to give the best early childhood experience to all its wards.
Monte Tavor - Bayo- Laguna -Skyline - Forest Preschool - Forest Elementary School

Monte Tavor - Bayo- Laguna -Skyline - Forest Preschool - Forest Elementary School

New on TrustedCare
31+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Monte Tavor, situated in Oakland, CA, and surrounding areas, has been offering a unique Spanish immersion program since 1994. Founded by a Nicaraguan family, the school promotes bilingual education for children aged 0-5 years at three of their locations. They recently added Forest Schooling for 18 months-7 years old. The curriculum is crafted around children's interests, ensuring they acquire language through engaging activities like music, dance, art, and science. Monte Tavor's approach helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem, preparing them for advanced education. Additionally, the forest schooling program in the Oakland Hi
Keishna Thompson-Hamilton

Keishna Thompson-Hamilton

New on TrustedCare
27+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Keishna's Kiddie Corner, established in 1998 in Oakland, CA, provides quality childcare services and transportation to the local community and surrounding areas. The daycare offers a safe and nurturing environment, focusing on each child's individual needs. Open 24/7, it caters to families with unconventional schedules. The facility is state-licensed and exceeds all health and safety guidelines. Owned by a UC Berkeley graduate and her dedicated team, the center is committed to delivering developmentally appropriate activities for kids of all ages. No drop-ins are accepted. Reach out to receive a direct contact number for the owner.
Little Elephant Daycare

Little Elephant Daycare

New on TrustedCare
5+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Founded in 2017, Little Elephant Daycare is located in San Francisco, California and serves the surrounding areas. With a strong belief in hands-on learning, they provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can grow socially and academically. Little Elephant Daycare specializes in bilingual education, with staff fluent in Spanish and trained in basic ASL. The daycare accepts children from newborn to first grade, and provides meals and snacks. With a goal to expand and care for more children, Little Elephant Daycare is a welcoming place where children can thrive.
Joyful Journeys Childcare & Learning Center

Joyful Journeys Childcare & Learning Center

5.0(1)
1 hire on TrustedCare
Serves Oakland, CA
Kelley H. says, "Journey is trustworthy and amazing with children. She has cared for my two children in both a childcare setting and in my home for years and I would absolutely recommend her! She takes the initiative to think up fun activities (gingerbread houses, making popsicles) and handles the kids' big emotions and energetic behavior in a calm, loving and developmentally appropriate manner. We love Journey!" Read more
Young World Preschool & Childcare LLC

Young World Preschool & Childcare LLC

New on TrustedCare
21+ years in business
Serves Oakland, CA
Located in Daly City, California, Young World Preschool & Childcare LLC is committed to delivering high-quality educational services for children of all ages. Founded in 1978, the center provides a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses academic, creative, and social components. It fosters an environment where children can develop at their own pace, focusing on academic readiness, social development, and play. The center offers full and half-schedule programs for children aged 2 months to 6 years, including infant, toddler, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten programs. Safety is a top priority, with stringent sign-in/sign-out pro

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

Reviews for Oakland daycares

Recent success stories from people in the Oakland area.
Lashae V.
My child loves going to daycare everyday. Vida and Steven are very welcoming and loving with the kids. They are very structured and super clean. I would highly recommend.
Buttafllys playcare
Juan S.
Tiny Turtles Daycare is a fantastic place for little ones to learn, play, and grow. Alma is incredibly warm and attentive, creating a safe and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable and cared for. Their curriculum balances structured learning with plenty of creative play, fostering both cognitive and social development. The Daycare is clean, well-organized, and filled with engaging toys and activities suitable for different age groups. Parents receive regular updates, which helps create a strong sense of trust and communication. Overall, Tiny Turtles Daycare is a wonderful choice for parents looking for a high-quality daycare with a loving and supportive atmosphere. Highly recommended!
Tiny turtles daycare
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