Concord, CA · Contra Costa County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Concord, California

Concord carries deep historical roots tied to World War II: in July 1944, a catastrophic ammunition explosion at the nearby Naval Weapons Station killed 320 people, an event that became pivotal to the civil rights movement when African-American sailors subsequently refused to continue loading munitions in what became known as the Port Chicago Mutiny. Today, the city's heart is Todos Santos Plaza, a 2.5-acre historic downtown gathering space anchored by a year-round farmers market with over 30 vendors from across Northern California, reflecting Concord's commitment to community and local agriculture. The plaza's name preserves the city's original Spanish heritage from its founding as Todos Santos in 1868. Find top-rated, CCLD-licensed child care centers in Concord, CA. We scored each California-licensed childcare center across 11 real dimensions — safety, curriculum, arts & music, infant care, kindergarten readiness and more. Scores drawn from major public review platforms and parent communities — not center marketing.

8Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
129,295City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 4.5/31 · Reggio-Inspired · Ages 2–5 · Tier 3 QRIS · Est. 2019
7.0/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
8
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #073408880 — DAY CARE CENTER; capacity 39 children; active license issued November 5, 2020; most recent reports April 2026 — current regulatory standing with active oversight
  • Yelp 4.5 stars from 31 reviews (Yahoo Local, attributed, June 2026) — Yelp breakdown shows 29 four-star and 2 five-star reviews — unusually consistent mid-to-high ratings reflecting reliable parent satisfaction
  • Reggio Emilia inspired play-based curriculum using The Project Approach — children take an active role in deep, meaningful inquiry-based learning; philosophy documented and consistently applied
  • Earned Contra Costa County Quality Improvement Initiative Tier 3 rating in its first year of participation — independent quality recognition validating curriculum and teacher preparation
  • Founded 2004 as a home daycare by Melissa Cady; moved to current Oak Grove Rd facility in 2019 — strong founder-led mission with 20+ year community presence
  • Full-day care from approximately 7:00 AM–6:00 PM in ZIP 94518 on Oak Grove Road — accessible to families in south Concord near the Pleasant Hill border

Considerations

  • CCLD history shows complaint investigations and citations in 2021 and 2023 — families should request the complete post-2023 inspection record and current compliance status from the CCLD portal
  • Capacity 39 is small — waitlist likely given strong reputation; contact well in advance of needed start date
  • No confirmed infant program — serves ages approximately 2 and up; families needing infant care must seek a separate provider
2
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedArts-Integrated
6.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
8
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD-licensed Day Care Center and Infant Center (license 073408239)
  • Licensed for 27 children — most recent CCLD inspection April 2026 with no citations
  • Arts-integrated "whole child" curriculum covering 6 developmental domains
  • Molekule air purifiers and Purple Air quality monitors in every classroom
  • Touchpad entry and video cameras throughout — strong security focus
  • Parent communication via Brightwheel app
  • 4.7-star Yelp rating with 83 reviews at sister location confirms brand quality
  • Serves ages 0–6

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed — unable to verify Google review count
  • Licensed capacity of 27 is small — waitlist likely
  • National brand network may mean less local-community feel than independent centers
  • No public reviews on childcarecenter.us for this specific location
3
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 14 Reviews · Montessori · Ages 2–K · 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio · Est. 1973
6.8/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #070208886 — DAY CARE CENTER; licensed at 2353 5th Ave, Concord 94518; operating since 1973 — over 50 years as a Montessori provider in the same ZIP 94518 location
  • AMS-affiliated school (American Montessori Society) — Children's House classroom (ages 2–K) uses authentic Montessori materials and philosophy within a warm, welcoming community
  • 6:1 student-teacher ratio across the Children's House — among the lowest ratios of any licensed center researched in Concord; individualized attention in a 63-student school
  • Yelp 14 reviews (search-attributed Yelp listing, June 2026 updated); Niche 4.5 out of 5 from parent reviews — parents describe 'everything done with intention' and children gaining 'independence, self-confidence, and whole world learning'
  • Non-profit governance with AMS accreditation pathway — mission-driven school with accountability to both regulatory and professional Montessori standards
  • Open Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–6:30 PM in ZIP 94518 — full working-parent coverage; central Concord 5th Ave location accessible to families across the western ZIP codes

Considerations

  • Yelp star count not confirmed from an attributed source in this research — families should check the current Yelp listing before making enrollment decisions
  • Children's House enrollment within a PK–6 school campus — preschool families share grounds with older elementary students; confirm play area separation
  • No infant program — youngest age in Children's House is approximately 2 years; families needing care for children under 24 months must seek a separate provider
4
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 27 Reviews · 5-Star QRIS · AMS Affiliated · Ages 2–6 · Est. 2000
6.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #073402302 — DAY CARE CENTER; capacity 49 children; active license issued April 7, 2000; licensed at 1566 Bailey Rd, Concord 94521 — over 25 years of continuous operation
  • 5-star QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement Scale) awarded by the Contra Costa Board of Education and California First 5 — highest QRIS tier recognition indicating consistently high program quality
  • Affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) and the National Association of Independent Schools — dual third-party accreditation pathway demonstrates curriculum and governance quality
  • Yelp 27 reviews (search-attributed Yelp listing, March 2026 updated) — parents describe it as 'a hidden gem' with teachers praised as 'caring and kind'; children reported reading by age 3 in some testimonials
  • Serves ages 2 through 6 — full Montessori Children's House continuum with individualized pacing; children given freedom to learn at their own pace and build self-esteem
  • Open Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; ZIP 94521 Bailey Road corridor — accessible to east Concord and Ygnacio Valley families

Considerations

  • CCLD inspection records from March 13, 2025 show Type B citation violations — families should request the complete current inspection report and corrective action documentation from the CCLD portal
  • Yelp rating (star count) not confirmed from an attributed source in this research — families should check the current Yelp listing before relying on review summaries
  • No infant program — serves ages 2 and up; families needing care for children under 24 months must seek a separate provider
5
4.8 (6 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedGoogle 4.8/6 · Yelp 4.5/25 · Ages 6 wks–12 yrs · NAEYC Eligible · Bailey Rd
6.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license #73406630 — INFANT CENTER; SCHOOL AGE DAY CARE CENTER; capacity 48 children; licensed at 1551 Bailey Rd, Concord 94521 — active license with 2021 clean inspection
  • Google 4.8 stars from 6 reviews (search-attributed Google snippet, June 2026); Yelp 4.5 from 25 reviews (search-attributed Yelp count, June 2026) — consistent cross-platform positive parent experience
  • Serves ages 6 weeks through 12 years — confirmed infant enrollment from 6 weeks with full toddler, preschool, and school-age continuum at a single Bailey Rd campus
  • NAEYC accreditation eligible within KinderCare network — structured teacher training standards and curriculum tiers (Discovery Preschool, Preschool, PreKindergarten) with consistent quality benchmarks
  • Open 6:30 AM–6:00 PM Monday–Friday in ZIP 94521 — early opening suitable for early-commute families; director Kathy Conrow on-site
  • Tour report: welcoming staff, fun and clean center — parents describe knowing 'right away that it was the best fit for our family' after initial visit

Considerations

  • Only 6 Google reviews — small sample for a center with 48-child capacity; limited public review data; families should seek additional references from current enrolled families
  • CCLD most recent inspection from August 2021 — older available inspection record; families should request a current inspection report from the CCLD portal before enrolling
  • Corporate KinderCare franchise — teacher turnover can vary by campus; families should ask about staff tenure and director continuity at this specific location
  • Capacity 48 across multiple age groups — ask about specific infant-room capacity and waitlist given the limited infant slots typical of mixed-age centers
6
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAEYC AccreditedNonprofit Since 1972
6.3/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license 070207083 — Day Care Center, operating since 1972
  • NAEYC accredited since 2002 — nationally recognized quality standard
  • Licensed capacity 44 children, serves ages 18 months to 1st grade
  • Nonprofit serving low-income families; City of Concord provides and maintains facilities
  • CCLD inspections 2023 and 2025 both show No Citations — strong compliance record
  • Subsidized child care program participant — accessible to qualifying families
  • Operates at multiple Detroit Avenue sites serving different age groups
  • Open Monday–Friday

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Income-eligibility requirements may limit enrollment to qualifying families
  • No infant program at this specific site
7
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNo Citations Mar 2025 · NAEYC Accredited · QRIS Level 5 · Infants & Toddlers · Est. 1972
6.3/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
8
K-ready
4
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license #070207084 — INFANT CENTER; capacity 32 children; most recent inspection March 2025 with zero citations — current clean regulatory standing at the infant-toddler specific building
  • NAEYC accredited organization — the infant-toddler program shares the CCCC non-profit's Level 5 QRIS rating, the highest quality tier in Contra Costa County
  • Dedicated infant center (building 1360 B Detroit Ave) — separate from the preschool building; focused environment designed specifically for very young children's developmental needs
  • Non-profit mission serving Concord infants from low-income families since 1972 — over 50 years of infant care expertise with City of Concord operational partnership
  • Capacity 32 for infants and toddlers — meaningful availability at a zero-citation center with highest QRIS recognition in an underserved segment of the licensed infant market
  • Zero citations on both the March 2025 and September 2023 inspections — two consecutive fully clean inspections for the infant-specific building

Considerations

  • Primarily serves income-qualifying families through subsidized programs — families above income thresholds may not qualify for enrollment; verify eligibility requirements before planning
  • Does not participate in a subsidized child care program for all families — families should confirm current enrollment policies, income requirements, and any waitlist directly with Concord Child Care Center
8
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAEYC AccreditedNonprofit
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license 070210756 — Day Care Center, capacity 40 children
  • NAEYC accredited since 2002 — same organization as the flagship CCCC program
  • Most recent CCLD inspection March 7, 2025 — No Citations
  • Nonprofit established 1972 — over 50 years serving Concord families
  • Located on same Detroit Avenue campus for easy sibling enrollment across age groups
  • Subsidized child care program participant
  • Open Monday–Friday

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Morning/part-day program structure may not fit full-time working parents
  • Income-eligibility requirements may apply
9
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 4.5/23 · Ages 0–5 · Est. 2004 · Best in Concord Award · ZIP 94518
6.2/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license #073404859 — DAY CARE CENTER; INFANT CENTER; SCHOOL AGE DAY CARE CENTER; capacity 30 children; most recent inspection January 22, 2026 — current regulatory review with active standing
  • Yelp 4.5 stars from 23 reviews (Yahoo Local, attributed, June 2026) — review breakdown shows 18 five-star and 4 four-star among 23 total — strongly positive parent feedback pattern
  • Operating since 2004 — over 20 years serving Concord families at 2140 Minert Rd (ZIP 94518); named Best in Concord award recipient multiple years
  • Serves infants through school-age — confirmed infant enrollment from birth with full preschool and after-school programs; rare all-ages continuum at a small center
  • Nurturing play-based environment; parents praise owner Nicole's dedication and consistent quality; multiple reviewers cite children thriving and developing social skills
  • BBB A+ rating — administrative quality and community accountability recognized by the Better Business Bureau

Considerations

  • Capacity 30 is small — significant demand given long operating history and awards; families should contact well in advance of needed start date
  • CCLD shows Type B citations on record from 2022–2026 inspections — families should request the complete current inspection report and citation details from the CCLD portal
  • Open Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–5:00 PM only — earlier closing time than many competitors; families with late work schedules should verify whether hours meet their needs
10
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAEYC AccreditedNonprofit
6.1/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
4
Infant care
8
K-ready
3
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license 070207084 — Infant Center, licensed since February 1982
  • NAEYC-accredited organization — same Concord Child Care Center nonprofit
  • Licensed capacity 32 infants — dedicated infant-only facility
  • CCLD inspections March 7, 2025 and September 19, 2023 both show No Citations
  • Over 40 years of infant care on the Detroit Avenue campus
  • Part of a multi-site organization serving ages birth through school age
  • Open Monday–Friday

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Infants only — families needing continuity to toddler/preschool must re-enroll at sibling site
  • Income-eligibility requirements may apply
11
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 14 Reviews · Montessori–Christian · Ages 2–6 · Winnie 5.0 · AMS on Pathway
6.1/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CCLD license #70200266 — DAY CARE CENTER; capacity 48 children; licensed since April 23, 1975 at 1965 Colfax St, Concord 94520 — one of the longest-established licensed centers in Concord with a 50-year operating history
  • AMS-trained and credentialed teachers — on the accreditation pathway with the American Montessori Society; teachers guide children in self-chosen activities building independence and curiosity
  • Yelp 14 reviews (search-attributed Yelp listing, January 2026 updated); Winnie 5.0 rating — parent reviews describe a 'warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment' with flexible part-time scheduling
  • Serves ages 24 months through 6 years in two structured classrooms (ages 24 months–3 years; ages 3–6) — intentional small-group Montessori environment with Christian values integrated
  • Open Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM; ZIP 94520 Colfax St location near First Presbyterian Church — central Concord location accessible to Monument Boulevard corridor families
  • Founded 2011 — relatively newer school applying 50-year-old foundational license; teacher credentials reviewed by AMS pathway — combination of established legal history and evolving program quality

Considerations

  • Yelp star count not confirmed from an attributed source in this research — families should check the current Yelp listing before making enrollment decisions
  • Faith-based (Christian Montessori) curriculum — families seeking a secular Montessori program should evaluate the faith integration carefully before enrolling
  • CCLD most recent inspection from May 2022 with Type B citations noted in 2018 and 2019 — families should request the current 2024–2026 inspection report from the CCLD portal
12
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFaith-BasedSince 1990
5.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license 070211160 — Day Care Center, licensed since May 1990
  • Over 35 years serving Concord families — deeply community rooted
  • Licensed capacity 41 children
  • Open 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM Monday–Friday — full-day hours for working families
  • Staff described as experienced Christian teachers focused on caring and educating
  • Faith-based environment in Lutheran tradition

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Faith-based model may not suit all families
  • No confirmed infant program — preschool focus
13
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedFaith-BasedSince 1995
5.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license 073406683 — Day Care Center, licensed since 2011
  • Founded 1995 — nearly 30 years serving the Concord community
  • Licensed capacity 72 children — one of the larger independent centers in the area
  • Christian values and character education integrated throughout curriculum
  • Academic and spiritual development focus — may suit faith-aligned families
  • Open Monday–Friday

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • CCLD citations found in 2021 and 2023 inspections — review reports before enrolling
  • Faith-based model may not suit all families
  • Full street address confirmed but contact center for current enrollment details
14
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedSince 1995
5.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
4
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license 070215149 — Day Care Center, licensed since January 1995
  • Licensed capacity 97 children — one of the largest centers in Concord
  • Open 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Monday–Friday — extended hours for working families
  • Serves infants through school age — one-stop care across all ages
  • Director reports 26 years of experience; approximately one-third of teaching staff have 10+ years tenure at the school
  • National brand with structured age-appropriate curriculum

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Multiple CCLD complaint investigations and citations on record (2021–2025) — review reports before enrolling
  • National chain — less personalized feel than independent centers
  • Large capacity may feel impersonal
15
Beginnings & Beyond Montessori Christian Preschool
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessoriFaith-Based
5.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Montessori method with Christian values integration
  • CCLD-licensed Day Care Center in Concord
  • Faith-based environment may suit families seeking values alignment
  • Preschool-focused curriculum with individualized pacing

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating or review count found
  • Full address not publicly listed — contact required for details
  • Faith-based model may not suit all families
  • No infant program confirmed
16
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNonprofitMt. Diablo USD
5.3/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license 073405021 — Day Care Center, licensed since September 2005
  • Nonprofit serving Mt. Diablo Unified School District community
  • Licensed capacity 30 children — small, intimate setting
  • Open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Monday–Friday
  • Most recent CCLD inspection August 26, 2025 on file
  • Operated by Dianne Adair organization with 20+ years across Contra Costa County
  • Professional trained staff with community embedded approach

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • 2 Type B CCLD citations on record — review reports before enrolling
  • Small capacity (30) — waitlist likely
17
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYMCASchool Age
5.3/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
2
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license 073406655 — School Age Day Care Center, licensed since October 2010
  • Licensed capacity 50 children
  • CCLD inspections 2023 and 2026 both show No Citations — strong compliance record
  • YMCA brand — physical activity, creative learning, and character development emphasis
  • Operated by YMCA of the Central Bay Area serving nearly 1,000 children across multiple sites
  • Affordable rates typical of YMCA programs
  • Open Monday–Friday

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • School-age program only — not suitable for infants or preschoolers
  • Before and after school care focus — may not offer full-day childcare
18
El Monte Day Care Center
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.3/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD-licensed Day Care Center
  • Long-established center in Concord (zip 94518)
  • Phone-listed provider — community-embedded program

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Full street address not publicly confirmed in sources reviewed
  • Limited public information available — contact center directly for details
19
Highlands Day Care Center
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.3/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD-licensed Day Care Center in Concord (zip 94521)
  • Community-based program

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Very limited public information — contact center directly for details
  • Full street address not confirmed in sources reviewed
20
King's Valley Preschool
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.3/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD-licensed Day Care Center in Concord
  • Preschool-focused program

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating found — unable to verify Google review count
  • Full street address not confirmed in sources reviewed
  • Limited public information — contact center directly for enrollment details
No centers match this filter.

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