The Best Daycare Centers in Sacramento, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Sacramento. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Sacramento
Bright Horizons at CalPERS
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at CalPERS offers a comprehensive early education program with research-based curriculum focused on school readiness. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and modern learning materials. The center emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM activities. As part of the Bright Horizons network, they maintain rigorous safety protocols, including secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Merryhill School Sacramento
Spring Education Group
Merryhill School provides a private school education beginning with preschool programs. Their curriculum emphasizes academic preparation with specialized programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and Spanish language instruction. The center features certified teachers with advanced degrees and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, dedicated art and music rooms, and extensive outdoor play areas. The school focuses on character development and community involvement while maintaining strong parent communication through digital platforms and regular conferences.
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The Child Center at Cal Expo
The Child Center Inc.
The Child Center at Cal Expo is a NAEYC-accredited facility offering developmentally appropriate programs for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Their emergent curriculum focuses on project-based learning and follows California's early learning foundations. The center employs experienced educators with specialized training in early childhood development and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include multiple playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and dedicated art and science areas. The center is recognized for its inclusive environment, nutritious meal program, and strong emphasis on outdoor education and environmental awareness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Sacramento, CA
What are the typical costs for infant daycare in Sacramento, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Sacramento, infant daycare is among the most expensive age groups to care for. You can expect to pay an average of $1,400 to $1,800 per month for a licensed center, while home-based family childcare may range from $900 to $1,300 monthly. Costs vary by neighborhood, with areas like East Sacramento and Land Park often commanding higher rates. Fortunately, California offers significant financial assistance. Sacramento families should apply for the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program through the Sacramento County Child Care Planning Council or local agencies like Child Action, Inc. These programs provide subsidies based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some centers offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Sacramento, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in popular Sacramento neighborhoods (such as Midtown, Curtis Park, and Natomas) can be notoriously long, especially for infant spots. It's not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months, and sometimes even longer. For infant care, it is advisable to start touring facilities and getting on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool openings, begin your search at least 4-6 months in advance. Be proactive: get on multiple lists, follow up periodically, and consider a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes to increase your options. The Sacramento 4 Kids website and local parent Facebook groups can be valuable for hearing about sudden openings.
What are the key differences between a licensed childcare center and a licensed family childcare home in Sacramento, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Sacramento, licensed childcare centers are facilities in commercial or institutional buildings caring for larger groups of children with multiple staff. They often have structured curricula, multiple classrooms, and may be part of a chain. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of the provider's residence, with a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 8 or 14 children, depending on license type), offering a more home-like environment. Both must meet California state health, safety, and staff qualification standards. To verify licensing and review any history of violations, you must use the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Care Facility Search tool online. This public database shows the facility's license status, capacity, and any serious citations. Always cross-reference this with in-person tours and references.
Are there any unique Sacramento-based resources or referral services to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, Sacramento has several excellent local resources. The primary referral service is **Child Action, Inc.**, the county's designated resource and referral agency. They offer free, personalized searches for licensed care, provide guidance on subsidies, and can help you understand your options. Another key resource is the **Sacramento County Office of Education's Child Development Department**, which oversees state preschool programs for income-eligible families. For community insights, join local parent groups like "Sacramento Area Moms" or "Parents of Sacramento" on Facebook, where members frequently share firsthand reviews and availability alerts. The City of Sacramento's Parks and Recreation Department also offers affordable preschool and before/after-school programs at various community centers.
What should I know about Sacramento's preschool programs, particularly the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Sacramento offers two major public early education options. The **California State Preschool Program (CSPP)** is a free or low-cost program for 3- and 4-year-olds from low-income families. It is offered at many school districts (like Sacramento City Unified and San Juan Unified) and community-based sites, focusing on school readiness. Applications are income-based and have waitlists. **Transitional Kindergarten (TK)** is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program in public school districts, available for all children who turn 5 between September 2 and April 2. It is free, part of the public school system, and follows a modified kindergarten curriculum. For the 2024-25 school year, Sacramento districts are expanding TK access. Parents should contact their local school district enrollment office for CSPP and TK eligibility, timelines, and school locators, as these programs can provide excellent, affordable alternatives to private preschool.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Sacramento: