Licensed Daycare in California
Find the right daycare in California in under 5 minutes. 8,879 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. Free, no signup.
California Childcare Licensing
In California, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:12 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing DivisionWhat's distinctive about California: California has the country's second-most expensive daycare ($1,800/mo infant) and the strictest staffing requirements among large states. CalWORKs Stage 2 subsidies serve working families up to ~85% state median — well into middle income.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:12
- Avg infant cost
- $1,800/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,240/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in California
View all cities →California Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (916) 651-6195
Official California & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 8,879 →Oakland Kids First Academy #476
Blocksburg
Oakland Sunshine Daycare #477
Zcta 95519
Tiny Tots of Oakland #478
Mc Kinleyville
Oakland Early Learning Center #479
Bayside
Oakland ABC Childcare #480
Blue Lake
Oakland Bright Beginnings #481
Ruth
Growing Minds Oakland #482
Burnt Ranch
Oakland Children's Place #483
Carlotta
Happy Days Oakland Daycare #484
Crescent City
Oakland KinderCare #485
Ferndale
Oakland Primrose School #486
Fields Landing
La Petite Academy Oakland #487
Fortuna
Daycare in California — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in California is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in California?
How much does daycare cost in California?
Are subsidies available for childcare in California?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a California daycare?
Search 8,879 Licensed California Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.