Oakland, CA · Alameda County · Based on public reviews & parent communities

Finding the right childcare
in Oakland, California

Oakland earned "The Town" as its defining nickname, a title championed by local hip-hop legends like Too $hort and Digital Underground, who pioneered the independent Bay Area rap scene in the 1980s and 90s. The Port of Oakland stands as one of the busiest shipping hubs on the U.S. West Coast, driving the city's identity as a major center of maritime commerce and trade. From the Black Panthers to contemporary music culture, Oakland has long been a crucible of African American political activism and artistic innovation. Oakland (pop. 440,646) in Alameda County has 28 reviewed centers spanning Montessori studios, bilingual classrooms, and infant-to-kinder programs that reflect the city's educational diversity. 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.

28Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
440,646City population
Sort by
🔍
Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Escuela Bilingue Internacional
410 Alcatraz Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedSpanish-English ImmersionIB PYP Authorized
7.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
9
Art/Music
7
Infant care
3
K-ready
8
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
9
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Spanish-English dual language immersion from Pre-K through Grade 8
  • IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programme authorized
  • Close-knit, warm and nurturing community in Rockridge neighborhood
  • Teachers praised as 'very warm and nurturing' across multiple platforms
  • 46 Yelp reviews; GreatSchools 4.6 based on 35 reviews

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating publicly confirmed
  • Limited infant program; primarily pre-K and up
2
Colibrí Preschool
4420 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedSpanish Immersion
6.9/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
7
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • True Spanish immersion: 4-year-olds reported conversing fluently with teachers and peers in Spanish
  • Creative Curriculum framework supplemented with soccer, capoeira, and dance funded by parent board
  • Teachers described as 'very engaged, attentive, warm, and loving' across multiple BPN reviews
  • Care.com 5.0 stars from 4 reviews — consistent parent praise
  • Long hours (7 am–6 pm) praised by working families
  • CCLD license 013422467: active since 2017

Considerations

  • Ages 2–5 only — no infant program
  • Google Maps star rating not confirmed in available sources
  • Facebook shows only 2 reviews — limited public review breadth beyond Care.com
3
Growing Light Montessori School of Oakland
4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
★ 4.5 (21 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessoriToddler-2nd Grade
6.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
7
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Family-owned Montessori program operating since 1986
  • Veteran teachers praised as loving and caring with deep Montessori training
  • Strong parent communication; no COVID shutdowns reported
  • Children build independence, social-emotional and academic skills
  • Accepts toddlers (24 months) through 2nd grade; 21 Yelp reviews

Considerations

  • May not suit children who need more play-based or social learning
  • CCLD License #13415884; capacity 72
4
Grace Children's Academy
993 53rd St, Oakland, CA 94608
★ 4.6 (11 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedReggio EmiliaSince 1986
6.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
8
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Reggio Emilia approach — play-based, child-centered, experiential learning
  • Established 1986 with 33+ years serving Temescal/Emeryville families
  • Mindfulness and creativity woven into curriculum
  • 4.6 Google rating (11 reviews); 20 Yelp reviews; CCLD License #010210313

Considerations

  • Small capacity (32 children) means limited availability
  • Limited infant care; primarily ages 18 months to 4 years
5
Lakeshore Children's Center
3534 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
★ 5 (4 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedChurch-AffiliatedVery Low Staff Turnover
6.5/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
5
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 5.0 Google rating (4 reviews)
  • Extremely low staff turnover consistently praised by multiple parents on BPN
  • Diverse staff and students in Lake Merritt neighborhood
  • Great play spaces; minimal holiday closures
  • Affiliated with Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church; open Mon-Thu 8am-5:30pm, Fri 8am-6pm

Considerations

  • Very small Google review sample (4 reviews)
  • Limited online presence for detailed program information
6
SquareCare Oakland
2129 8th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedSpanish-English Bilingual
6.4/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Yelp 5.0 stars from 14 reviews — perfect score with substantive parent sample
  • Bilingual English-Spanish play-based program; lead teacher Mitzy holds M.S. in Early Childhood Studies
  • Parents report children 'happy and thriving' — described as 'phenomenal daycare program'
  • Live-stream camera access for parents; Brightwheel app for daily updates
  • Flexible half-day and full-day options; fenced backyard play area

Considerations

  • Ages 19 months and older — no newborn or young infant care
  • Very small capacity (14 children) — likely difficult enrollment
  • CCLD license 013420364; Google Maps rating not confirmed in available sources
7
Rockridge Montessori School
5610 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessoriSince 1986
6.4/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
5
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Trusted Rockridge community Montessori school since 1986
  • Infant/toddler program ages 12-24 months; preschool ages 2-5
  • High demand — currently full with waitlist for 2026-27 school year
  • Warm nurturing environment consistently praised on BPN and Yelp (15 reviews)

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
  • Currently full; lengthy waitlist required
8
Broadway Children's School of Oakland
394 Adams St, Oakland, CA 94610
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedPlay-Based70+ Years Serving Oakland
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
3
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
5
Culture
7
Class sizes
5
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Over 70 years serving Oakland families in the Adams Point neighborhood
  • Excellent ~6:1 teacher-to-child ratio in preschool classrooms
  • Toddler program capped at 3:1 adult-to-child ratio
  • Described as a 'wonderfully magical home away from home' by parents
  • 5.0 rating on Winnie; 100% recommend on Facebook (8 reviews); 51 Yelp reviews; CCLD License #013411080

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed — using Winnie/Yelp as proxy
  • Primarily half-day program; limited full-day options
9
Pride In Learning Montessori School
1255 1st Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessori
6.1/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Accepts infants from 8 weeks through age 6 — full range from Lake Merritt neighborhood
  • Montessori-certified staff praised across BPN reviews; children arrive happy every morning per parents
  • CCLD license 013422415: most recent inspection June 2026 — no citations

Considerations

  • Small capacity of 16 children limits availability
  • CCLD record shows 4 Type B citations (2021–2023) including lead testing deadline missed and electrical hazard
  • No Google Maps or Yelp rating confirmed in available sources
10
BlueSkies for Children - Ellen Sherwood Nursery School
3021 Brookdale Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNAEYC AccreditedAges 2.5-5.5
5.8/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
3
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • NAEYC-accredited — the only NAEYC-accredited center in Oakland
  • Strong positive Yelp presence (16 reviews)
  • Non-profit organization; CCLD License #010209844; capacity 54

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
  • No infant program; ages 2.5-5.5 only
11
Saint Vincent's Day Home
1086 8th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNon-Profit Since 1911Low-Income Families
5.8/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Non-sectarian non-profit serving West Oakland families since 1911
  • Comprehensive early learning for ages 2 through kindergarten
  • Also provides family resource services
  • 100% recommend on Facebook (24 reviews)
  • Top-Ranked Private School per PrivateSchoolReview 2026

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
  • Primarily serves low-income Alameda County families; limited general enrollment
12
Duck's Nest - Telegraph Ave
3717 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedArts & SciencesAges 3.5-5.9
5.8/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
8
Infant care
3
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Arts & Sciences emergent curriculum for ages 3.5-5.9
  • Teachers described as 'incredibly nurturing and creative' by parents on BPN
  • Play-based social-emotional development emphasis; strong outdoor spaces

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
13
Duck's Nest - 41st Street
250 41st St, Oakland, CA 94611
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedArts & Sciences
5.8/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
8
Infant care
3
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Second campus of Duck's Nest arts-and-sciences program; parents on BPN praise 41st Street teachers highly

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
14
Oak Center Little People Academy
1324 Adeline St, Oakland, CA 94607
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedNon-ProfitHead Start / CalWORKS
5.8/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Non-profit play-based program for infants through age 6 in West Oakland; accepts Head Start, CalWORKS, and state subsidy
  • BPN parent praises child loves her teachers; staff dedicated to care and sense of community
  • Care.com 4.0 stars from 4 reviews — positive overall
  • CCLD license 013422489 (infant) and 013423067 (preschool): active

Considerations

  • Small combined capacity (~25) — limited availability
  • Google Maps rating not confirmed in available sources
  • No public reviews on Winnie or childcarecenter.us — limited independent verification
15
Rockridge Montessori School - Oak Grove Campus
8115 Fontaine St, Oakland, CA 94605
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessori
5.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Second campus of well-regarded Rockridge Montessori School
  • Year-round Montessori preschool in Woodland neighborhood

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
16
St. Mary's Center Preschool
3208 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedQRIS 5-Star RatedLow-Income Families
5.7/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • CDE certified and QRIS Five Star rated for quality
  • Prepares 3-4 year olds for kindergarten and lifelong learning

Considerations

  • Primarily serves low-income Alameda County families; limited open enrollment
  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
17
Little Stars Preschool
169 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMulti-Cultural
5.7/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
6
Infant care
6
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Yelp 23 reviews — meaningful community presence in Downtown Oakland
  • Multi-cultural staff; one parent reports child learned songs in Chinese and Spanish
  • Full age range: infant (6 weeks) through school-age (12 years)
  • Creative arts, science, math, language, music, and imaginative play in curriculum
  • CCLD license 013412488: most recent CCLD inspection September 2025 — no citations

Considerations

  • One BPN parent reported head teacher stated 'we really PUSH the children to read' — academic pressure flagged as inappropriate for young ages
  • Some teachers described as 'very firm and strict' while others as 'total pushovers' — inconsistent staff approach reported
  • Google Maps star rating not confirmed in available sources
18
Little Elephant Montessori School
5782 Miles Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessoriSmall Class Sizes
5.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
5
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Small home-like Montessori setting in Rockridge
  • Primary classroom: 22 students with 2 teachers; pre-primary: 12 students with 2 teachers
  • Caring teachers and welcoming environment praised on BPN; 12 Yelp reviews

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
19
BlueSkies for Children - Hedco Infant/Toddler Center
3021 Brookdale Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedInfant & ToddlerNAEYC Organization
5.6/ 10
Safety
7
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
4
Infant care
8
K-ready
3
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Dedicated infant and toddler center run by NAEYC-affiliated BlueSkies organization
  • High quality care standards consistent with NAEYC sister site

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
20
Merritt College Children's Center
12500 Campus Dr, Oakland, CA 94619
★ 4 (4 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedCollege Lab SchoolCapacity 98
5.6/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Lab school affiliated with Merritt College Child Development Department
  • Large capacity (98 children); CCLD License #10206141
  • Strong teacher training environment

Considerations

  • 4.0 Google rating with only 4 reviews
  • Rotating student-teacher staff can affect consistency
21
Daisy Child Development Center
5016 Daisy St, Oakland, CA 94619
★ 5 (8 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.6/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • 5.0 Google rating (8 reviews) — perfect score with meaningful sample
  • Licensed Child Care Center in East Oakland

Considerations

  • No website found; limited public program information
22
Grand Lake Montessori
466 Chetwood St, Oakland, CA 94610
★ 3.5 (17 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessoriSince 1978
5.4/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
4
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Established Montessori school since 1978 in the Grand Lake neighborhood
  • Serves 150+ children from pre-K through kindergarten
  • Praised for Montessori approach and diversity by some parents
  • Open 7am-6pm

Considerations

  • Google rating 3.5 — below average; mixed parent experiences reported
  • Some parents report concerns about management and administrative communication
23
Oakland Montessori School
3625 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94602
★ 4.1 (17 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMontessoriSince 1982
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
5
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Established Montessori school since 1982 in Upper Dimond neighborhood
  • Small: 40 students with 6:1 student-teacher ratio
  • Mostly positive reviews praising warm Montessori environment

Considerations

  • Some reviews raise concerns about administrative communication
  • 3 one-star reviews among 17 on Yelp
24
Advance Day Care Center
2236 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606
★ 4.8 (5 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.2/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
4
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • 4.8 Google rating (5 reviews)
  • Licensed preschool open 7:30am-6pm
  • 0 citations in last 2 years per CCLD inspection records

Considerations

  • No dedicated website found
  • Limited public program detail
25
Booth Memorial Child Development Center
2794 Garden St, Oakland, CA 94601
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedSalvation ArmyAges 18mo-5yr
5.2/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
4
Infant care
6
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Salvation Army non-profit in Fruitvale; cares for 63 infants, toddlers and preschoolers ages 18mo-5yr
  • Yelp reviewer describes it as 'the best 0-5yr daycare center, teachers keep you informed'

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
26
Bright Future Early Learning Center
1515 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94612
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedDowntown Oakland
5.1/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
5
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Located in Downtown Oakland (Elihu Harris State Building)
  • Serves infants through preschool age; 20 Yelp reviews

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
27
Giggles Preschool
6009 Colby St, Oakland, CA 94618
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedSince 1990
4.9/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
3
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Year-round developmental preschool since 1990 in Rockridge area
  • Ages 24-60 months; open 7:30am-6pm; CCLD License #013412010

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed
28
East Bay Academy
1011 7th Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedMandarin ImmersionAges 2-5
4.9/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
4
Infant care
3
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Mandarin-English immersion preschool for ages 2-5
  • Large capacity (113 children); affordable; CCLD License #013417784
  • Open 7:30am-6pm; offers summer camp

Considerations

  • Mixed Yelp reviews; 1-star YellowPages rating noted
  • No dedicated website found
29
Pio Pio Day Care
1089 69th Ave, Oakland, CA 94621
★ 4.4 (14 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
4.9/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
4
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • 4.4 Google rating (14 reviews) — solid community presence in East Oakland

Considerations

  • No website found
  • Limited public program detail
30
Diamond Little People Academy (West)
955 12th St, Oakland, CA 94607
★ 5 (4 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
4.9/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
4
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • 5.0 Google rating (4 reviews) — perfect community score in West Oakland

Considerations

  • Very small review sample
  • No website or program details found publicly
31
24 Hr Children Center
4700 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
★ 5 (4 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedExtended Hours
4.9/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
4
Infant care
5
K-ready
4
Teachers
5
Compassion
6
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • 5.0 Google rating (4 reviews)
  • Extended hours serving families needing non-traditional schedules

Considerations

  • Very small review sample
  • No website or detailed program information found
32
Nikasia Child Care Center
4143 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619
★ 3.7 (6 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
4.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
4
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
5
Compassion
5
Mgmt
4
Culture
4
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
4

Strengths

  • Licensed Child Care Center in East Oakland

Considerations

  • 3.7 Google rating with limited reviews
  • No website or detailed program information found publicly
33
Starlite Child Development Center
246 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
★ 2.9 (8 Google)    ·  Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
3.9/ 10
Safety
4
Curriculum
5
Art/Music
4
Infant care
4
K-ready
4
Teachers
4
Compassion
4
Mgmt
3
Culture
3
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
4

Strengths

  • Licensed Child Care Center in Downtown Oakland with accessible location

Considerations

  • 2.9 Google rating — below average; multiple parent concerns in reviews
  • No active website found
  • No detailed program information publicly available
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