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

Finding the right childcare
in San Leandro, California

San Leandro earned the nickname "The Cherry City" after its first cherry festival in 1909, when orchards covered much of the fertile flatlands and drew crowds of 75,000 by the early 1910s. The city was officially designated California's "Sausage Capital" by the state legislature, a distinction rooted in its strong Portuguese heritage and its long tradition as a center for sausage manufacturing, with companies like SPAR Sausage still operating there today. More CCLD-licensed child care centers in San Leandro, 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.

6Centers reviewed
11Dimensions scored
1,000+Reviews analyzed
90,986City population
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Score key
9–10 exceptional
7–8 strong
4–6 average or below

1
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 16 Reviews · Play-Based · Non-Profit · Ages 2.5–5 · Est. 1974
6.7/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
7
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #13422421 — active since June 2016; a non-profit private school at 750 Fargo Ave, San Leandro 94579; established as a community institution since 1974
  • Yelp 16 reviews (updated June 2026) — one parent writes: 'Unlike other places I visited, the teachers here are 100% engaged with the kids — playing on the floor, sitting in tiny chairs doing a craft, talking to kids on the playground'
  • True play-based educational philosophy: nurtures cognitive, physical, and social development with a very large outdoor play area praised repeatedly by Berkeley Parents Network families
  • Teachers praised for extraordinary longevity — '30 years between them' noted by multiple reviewers, signaling exceptional staff retention rare in childcare
  • Berkeley Parents Network profile lists consistent 5-star parent endorsements describing the school as 'very warm, nurturing, play-based, lovely, and affordable' for preschool–elementary families
  • Non-profit governance with community accountability; serves preschool through grade 5 — families can stay across multiple childhood years with the same teaching community

Considerations

  • CCLD records show one inspection report in 2022 with limited citation details — families should request full current CCLD inspection history before enrolling
  • Tuition approximately $12,000/year — above entry-level preschool pricing, though parents note it is 'competitive' for the quality; no subsidy information found online
  • Elementary school component (K–5) means campus serves a wide age range; preschool families should confirm dedicated pre-K classroom separation from older students
2
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedInclusive with On-Site Speech Therapy
6.6/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
8
Compassion
8
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • Only preschool in San Leandro with on-site speech therapy — exceptional resource for children with communication needs
  • CCLD license #015700598; operated by East Bay Child Development Center, a specialist early intervention provider
  • Inclusive program serving children ages 18 months–4 years alongside typically developing peers
  • High adult-to-child ratio; 11 Yelp reviews describe staff as 'certified and welcoming' and program as 'LIFE CHANGING'
  • Parents describe the program as transformative for children with developmental needs
  • Active Yelp listing updated April 2026 — confirmed currently operating

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed from an attributed listing
  • Inclusive/therapeutic focus may mean priority enrollment for children with identified needs
  • Ages 18 months–4 years only; no kindergarten-age program
3
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 4.5/59 · BBB A+ · Montessori · Est. 1979 · Ages 18 mo–5
6.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #013420912 — active since November 2011; zero citations across all CCLD inspections from 2022–2025; established 1979 — over 45 years of continuous Montessori education in San Leandro
  • Yelp 4.5 stars from 59 reviews (updated February 2026) — parents say 'I couldn't be happier with Learning Clock Montessori — my daughter started at 2 and has flourished'
  • BBB A+ accredited with 28 years of verified business operation — one of the longest BBB records for a San Leandro childcare center
  • Weekly enrichment activities including yoga, plus regular graduation ceremonies that parents describe as memorable and community-building
  • Accepts ages 18 months through 5 years; open Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM — full working-parent hours on the Doolittle Drive industrial corridor near San Leandro BART
  • Staff described as 'trustworthy' and 'excellent' across multiple Yelp reviews; school has evolved curriculum since 1979 to incorporate contemporary Montessori best practices

Considerations

  • Closes at 5:30 PM — earlier than centers open until 6:00–6:30 PM; may constrain families with evening-shift or late-meeting schedules
  • Located in an industrial corridor on Doolittle Dr — outdoor environment may be less aesthetically natural than park-adjacent or neighborhood campuses
  • No infant care for children under 18 months — families needing infant slots from birth to 18 months must seek another center
4
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 40 Reviews · Spanish Immersion · Montessori · Ages 2–6 · Est. 2005
6.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
8
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #013418096 — active since February 2005; capacity 36 children at 580 Joaquin Ave, San Leandro 94577; over 20 years of Montessori education in the Estudillo district
  • Yelp 40 reviews (updated May 2026); Yahoo Local reports 4.9 rating — consistently high cross-platform parent satisfaction score
  • Spanish immersion Montessori program — a distinctive bilingual offering for English-speaking and Spanish-speaking families seeking authentic early language acquisition
  • Serves ages 2 through 6 years; open Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM — full working-parent hours in central San Leandro near the 880 corridor
  • Small capacity of 36 provides intimate class sizes with individualized Montessori attention; non-subsidized center focused on private-pay quality
  • Parents describe teachers as building a 'foundation for a lifetime of discovery' with a 'safe, fun, and nurturing learning atmosphere' across multiple review platforms

Considerations

  • No confirmed Google Maps rating found from an attributed public source — Google Maps count not independently verified; families should check directly
  • Very small capacity (36) — likely waitlisted; families should inquire early, especially for age 2 Spanish immersion spots
  • Does not participate in subsidized childcare programs — families needing CalWORKs, CAPP, or other subsidized care must seek another center
  • No infant program — youngest age is 2 years; families needing care for children under 2 must seek another provider
5
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 123 Reviews · AMS Montessori · Est. 1995 · Ages 2–6 · 130 Students
6.5/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
7
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
7

Strengths

  • CCLD license #015700622 — active since October 2023; no citations on March 2025 inspection; located at 16492 Foothill Blvd, San Leandro 94578; AMS Montessori affiliated
  • Yelp 123 reviews (updated March 2026) — among the highest Yelp review volume for any San Leandro childcare center; serving San Leandro and Castro Valley families since 1995
  • 130 students with 12:1 student-teacher ratio; Montessori curriculum for ages 2–6 with a two-year-old program; open Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • American Montessori Society (AMS) affiliated — nationally recognized Montessori accreditation for curriculum and teacher training standards
  • Parents highlight 'Ms Bingjie in room 4' and director Teresa for keeping the school running consistently; strong staff culture noted across multiple reviews
  • Foothill Blvd location (94578) convenient for families in the San Leandro–Castro Valley corridor — serves both communities effectively

Considerations

  • One Yelp reviewer noted classroom environment feels 'less cheerful than hoped' — families should tour classrooms and outdoor spaces before committing
  • Large enrollment (130 students) — may feel less intimate than boutique Montessori programs with under 40 children
  • No infant program — youngest age is 2 years; families needing infant care must seek another provider
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
7
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • 1:3 teacher-to-child ratio in infant/toddler rooms
  • STEAM curriculum; ages 4 months to 6 years
  • Parents praise cleanliness, communication, and app updates

Considerations

  • No public Google rating confirmed in search results
  • Hours 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM — earlier closing than some competitors
7
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedEstablished 1993
6.2/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
6
Infant care
4
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
6

Strengths

  • Operating since 1993 — over 30 years of continuous service to San Leandro families
  • CCLD license #013418976; Creative Curriculum framework with daily art projects and interactive activities
  • 4.5-star Yelp rating from 46 reviews — among the strongest review bases for San Leandro preschools
  • Staff hold minimum Associate's degrees; strong professional qualification standard
  • Reviewers describe 'wonderful preschool' with 'excellent, caring, and attentive staff'
  • Ages 2–5; hours 7:00 AM–5:40 PM

Considerations

  • No Google Maps rating confirmed from an attributed listing
  • Hours close at 5:40 PM — slightly earlier than some competitors
  • Ages 2–5 only; no infant program
Safety
6
Curriculum
8
Art/Music
6
Infant care
5
K-ready
6
Teachers
7
Compassion
6
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Serving San Leandro/San Lorenzo since 1991
  • 56 Yelp reviews — well-established community reputation
  • Top-rated private school designation

Considerations

  • Google rating not confirmed in public search results
9
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedKidango Network · NAEYC Eligible · Ages 3–5 · Head Start · Est. 2010
6.0/ 10
Safety
6
Curriculum
7
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
7
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license #013420560 — active since August 2010; most recent inspection December 2024 shows zero citations — excellent current regulatory standing
  • Part of Kidango's 50+ Bay Area center network — 33% NAEYC accredited across the system; a quality benchmark fewer than 4% of California centers achieve
  • San Lorenzo Unified School District partnership — Kidango provides preschool programming for 3- and 4-year-olds at Corvallis and district campuses across approximately 400 preschool slots
  • Kidango's research-based curriculum develops language, math, and social-emotional kindergarten readiness; bilingual staff available at the Corvalis campus
  • Nutritious professionally designed meals included for all enrolled children; early childhood mental health services integrated across Kidango centers
  • Capacity 24 at 14790 Corvalis St (94579) — neighborhood-embedded center serving south San Leandro's residential community with equity-focused Head Start programming

Considerations

  • Very small capacity (24) — likely waitlisted; Head Start income eligibility may limit access for families above income thresholds
  • Preschool-only center (ages 3–5) — no infant or toddler care; families with children under 3 must seek another Kidango location or separate provider
10
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedYelp 19 Reviews · Infant–School Age · Bilingual · Est. 2010
5.7/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
6
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license #013420527 — active since May 2010; 890 Fargo Ave, San Leandro 94579; part of the Li'l Angels childcare network with multiple East Bay locations
  • Yelp 19 reviews (updated April 2026); Winnie parent review notes 'attentive and caring infant teachers' who provide daily app updates with photos — strong infant-specific communication
  • Serves ages 2 through 12 years — extended care for school-age children makes this a full continuum option for working families in south San Leandro (94579)
  • Open Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–6:00 PM — among the earliest opening times in San Leandro, ideal for early-commute families
  • Li'l Angels mission emphasizes a safe, creative, intellectually stimulating environment with respect and appreciation for each child's individuality
  • Fargo Ave location (94579) accessible to families in the Washington Manor, Bonaire, and Floresta neighborhoods of south San Leandro

Considerations

  • CCLD inspection summary not available in online public records — families should request current inspection reports from the state portal before enrolling
  • Limited online curriculum documentation — families should request a written daily schedule and program overview before making enrollment decisions
  • No confirmed Montessori or specialized curriculum — program specifics should be confirmed by contacting the center at (510) 895-8736
11
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD LicensedChristian · Non-Profit · Ages 2–5 · Est. 1996 · Nextdoor Recommended
5.6/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
4
K-ready
5
Teachers
6
Compassion
7
Mgmt
6
Culture
7
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • CCLD license #013411568 — active since 1996; capacity 39 children at 1699 Orchard Ave, San Leandro 94577 — Christian Life Church ministry preschool with nearly 30 years of community operation
  • Nextdoor community reviews cite 'dedicated teachers, structured program, and children who thrive' with prayer incorporated meaningfully into the daily curriculum
  • Non-profit Christian preschool for ages 24 months through 1st grade entry; breakfast and snacks provided; Bible-integrated phonics, ABCs, numbers, shapes, and arts curriculum
  • Potty training assistance provided — an important practical feature for families enrolling 2-year-olds who are still developing this milestone
  • Open Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM — full working-parent hours in the residential Orchard Ave corridor of San Leandro (94577)
  • Two Type B citations noted but center has maintained continuous active license for nearly 30 years — long-term operational stability

Considerations

  • Faith-based (Christian) curriculum — families seeking a secular or non-religious program should carefully consider the integration of Bible, prayer, and worship into daily activities
  • Two Type B CCLD citations noted in inspection history (2021–2024) — families should request current inspection reports and ask about corrective actions taken
12
Licensed Child Care Center
CCLD Licensed
5.6/ 10
Safety
5
Curriculum
6
Art/Music
5
Infant care
6
K-ready
5
Teachers
7
Compassion
7
Mgmt
5
Culture
5
Class sizes
0
Extracurriculars
5

Strengths

  • Over 20 years operating in San Leandro
  • Staff described as 'so loving, present, engaged, and warm' in reviews
  • Serves infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; licensed capacity 76

Considerations

    13
    Licensed Child Care Center
    CCLD Licensed
    5.6/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    7
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    5

    Strengths

    • Catholic Pre-K on established K–8 campus with 235 students
    • Strong academics and spiritual development focus

    Considerations

    • Faith-based (Catholic) curriculum
    • Limited hours 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
    14
    Licensed Child Care Center
    CCLD LicensedZero CCLD Citations
    5.5/ 10
    Safety
    6
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    5
    Infant care
    4
    K-ready
    6
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    6
    Mgmt
    6
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    5

    Strengths

    • CCLD license #010211748; zero citations across all inspections — cleaner than county average of 1.6 citations
    • Licensed since 1989 — nearly 35 years in San Leandro; established community trust
    • Full range of programs: Two's, Preschool, Pre-K, and Before & After School (TK–5th Grade)
    • Extended hours 7:00 AM–6:00 PM Monday–Friday
    • Berkeley Parents Network has positive parent recommendations for the program
    • 10 Yelp reviews; capacity 40 children (ages 2–5)

    Considerations

    • Faith-based (Christian) curriculum — may not suit all families
    • No Google Maps rating confirmed from an attributed listing
    15
    Licensed Child Care Center
    CCLD Licensed
    5.5/ 10
    Safety
    5
    Curriculum
    6
    Art/Music
    6
    Infant care
    5
    K-ready
    5
    Teachers
    6
    Compassion
    7
    Mgmt
    5
    Culture
    5
    Class sizes
    0
    Extracurriculars
    5

    Strengths

    • Over 25 years serving San Leandro; BBB A+ rated
    • Inclusive — welcoming to Jewish and non-Jewish families
    • Specialists in weekly music, gymnastics, and storytelling
    • Hours 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM; ages 2–5

    Considerations

      Safety
      5
      Curriculum
      6
      Art/Music
      5
      Infant care
      7
      K-ready
      5
      Teachers
      6
      Compassion
      6
      Mgmt
      5
      Culture
      5
      Class sizes
      0
      Extracurriculars
      5

      Strengths

      • Serves newborns through age 5; full and part-time care
      • Early extended hours: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
      • Capacity 16 infant center (CCLD Lic# 13420527)

      Considerations

        17
        Licensed Child Care Center
        CCLD LicensedNonprofit Community Center
        5.4/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        3
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        5

        Strengths

        • CCLD license #013412358; licensed for 86 children ages 2.9–12 — large capacity and broad age range
        • Subsidized and non-subsidized slots available — accessible to families across income levels
        • Davis Street nonprofit has operated in San Leandro for decades; strong community accountability
        • Enrichment activities including homework club and book club for school-age students
        • Located at Jefferson Elementary School campus — familiar transition for children moving to kindergarten

        Considerations

        • No Google Maps rating confirmed from an attributed listing
        • Ages 2 years 9 months and up — no infant or toddler care
        18
        Licensed Child Care Center
        CCLD LicensedState-Subsidized Preschool
        5.4/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        3
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        6
        Culture
        6
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        5

        Strengths

        • State-assisted part-day preschool program (morning or afternoon sessions) for income-eligible families
        • Located within Lakeside Apartments complex — serves the surrounding residential community directly
        • Davis Street nonprofit model integrates child development with broader family services including health and social support
        • Ages 2–5; active as of January 2026 per Yelp listing
        • Part of a four-site Davis Street network in San Leandro — coordinated program quality standards

        Considerations

        • Part-day program only (approximately 3 hours); not suitable as standalone care for working parents
        • State subsidy enrollment means income eligibility requirements apply
        19
        Licensed Child Care Center
        CCLD Licensed
        5.4/ 10
        Safety
        5
        Curriculum
        6
        Art/Music
        5
        Infant care
        5
        K-ready
        6
        Teachers
        6
        Compassion
        6
        Mgmt
        5
        Culture
        5
        Class sizes
        0
        Extracurriculars
        5

        Strengths

        • Catholic parish preschool with established community
        • Capacity 20; CCLD licensed

        Considerations

        • Faith-based curriculum
        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

        • Nonprofit community organization; subsidized slots available
        • Multiple Davis Street sites serving San Leandro families
        • Year-round preschool, school age, and summer camp

        Considerations

          21
          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

          • Nonprofit subsidized care in San Leandro
          • Part of established Kidango network serving East Bay

          Considerations

            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

            • Extended hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
            • Community center location; subsidized care available

            Considerations

              23
              Licensed Child Care Center
              CCLD Licensed
              5.3/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              6
              Art/Music
              6
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              5
              Teachers
              6
              Compassion
              5
              Mgmt
              5
              Culture
              5
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              5

              Strengths

              • Part of Creative World national preschool brand
              • STEM-focused play-based curriculum

              Considerations

              • Full street address not confirmed in search results
              24
              Licensed Child Care Center
              CCLD LicensedHead Start Program
              5.2/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              6
              Art/Music
              5
              Infant care
              4
              K-ready
              5
              Teachers
              6
              Compassion
              6
              Mgmt
              5
              Culture
              5
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              5

              Strengths

              • CCLD license #010215834; federally funded Head Start program through Child Family & Community Services (CFCS)
              • Head Start model integrates education, health screenings, nutrition, dental, and family support services in one program
              • Income-eligible families receive free high-quality early education — critical resource for lower-income San Leandro families
              • Early Head Start component serves children ages 0–3 as well as the standard preschool cohort
              • CFCS manages multiple Bay Area Head Start sites — organizational continuity and quality standards

              Considerations

              • No Google Maps rating confirmed from an attributed listing
              • Income eligibility required for enrollment; not a private-pay option
              • Small licensed capacity (30 children) — enrollment is competitive
              25
              Licensed Child Care Center
              CCLD Licensed
              5.0/ 10
              Safety
              5
              Curriculum
              5
              Art/Music
              5
              Infant care
              5
              K-ready
              5
              Teachers
              5
              Compassion
              5
              Mgmt
              5
              Culture
              5
              Class sizes
              0
              Extracurriculars
              5

              Strengths

              • CCLD licensed local center

              Considerations

              • Full street address not confirmed in search results
              • Limited public information available
              No centers match this filter.

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