Updated Nov 6, 2026 · Data from state licensing records · Methodology
Salinas, CA has 47 licensed child care centers and school-age programs with 2,291 licensed seats in Kinfield's index. 13 accept infants. 19 (40%) have no citations on record, and the typical program has 1.
What inspectors cite most in Salinas
Largest programs with no citations on record
| Program | ZIP | Seats | Ages | Last inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mcoe Salinas Child Development Head Start/State PS | 93901 | 138 | Preschool | 2026-08-17 |
| Mcoe Discovery Academy | 93905 | 79 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2024-07-31 |
| Buckhorn Early Learning Center | 93905 | 72 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 2025-05-08 |
| Church of the Good Shepherd Preschool | 93908 | 64 | Preschool | 2025-10-30 |
| Little Friends Day Nursery | 93907 | 64 | Preschool | 2026-09-15 |
| Creekside Head Start | 93906 | 52 | Preschool | 2025-02-12 |
| Santa Rita Head Start | 93906 | 48 | Preschool | 2023-03-16 |
| Sherwood State / Migrant Preschool Child Care | 93905 | 44 | Preschool | 2024-05-22 |
| Fremont Head Start | 93905 | 40 | Preschool | 2023-06-01 |
| Lincoln Elementary Preschool | 93901 | 40 | Preschool | 2026-10-14 |
| Martin Luther King Head Start | 93905 | 40 | Preschool | 2025-06-05 |
| Loma Vista Elementary | 93906 | 24 | Preschool | 2026-01-26 |
No citations is a good sign, not a guarantee: newer programs have had fewer visits. Check the inspection dates.
Programs with the most citations
| Program | ZIP | Seats | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northminster Presbyterian Preschool/Kinderprep | 93906 | 72 | 12 |
| Northminster Presbyterian Infant Care | 93906 | 12 | 10 |
| Madonna Del Sasso Preschool | 93906 | 36 | 7 |
| Central Bay Children's Center | 93907 | 12 | 5 |
| Melodypark Christian Daycare School | 93901 | 111 | 4 |
| Hearts and Hands Christian Childcare & Preschool | 93906 | 100 | 3 |
| Maof Child Care Center Preschool | 93905 | 45 | 3 |
| Mexican American Opportunity Foundation Salinas | 93905 | 120 | 3 |
| Laura's Barn Preschool and Child Care Center | 93908 | 24 | 3 |
| Orom Children's Center | 93905 | 34 | 3 |
Large programs are inspected more and can carry more citations. Open each record for dates and corrections.
Neighborhoods by ZIP code
How to check a Salinas daycare
Search any program on Kinfield or the official California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) site. Our California guide explains what each finding means. Citation counts reflect how often inspectors visit and what each regulator records, so compare programs within the same state, not across states. A citation is a finding at one visit, not a rating. Check each program's page for dates and whether it was corrected.
Shortlisting programs? A Kinfield report pulls one program's full record, recent visits, what parents say and the questions to ask on your tour, reviewed by a person. $12, or 3 for $25.
Frequently asked questions
How many daycares are in Salinas, CA?
Kinfield lists 47 licensed child care centers and school-age programs in Salinas, CA, with 2,291 licensed seats. Home-based providers are counted separately.
How many Salinas daycares take infants?
13 licensed programs in Salinas, CA are licensed to care for infants.
What is the most common daycare citation in Salinas?
"Staff and volunteer immunizations (flu, pertussis, measles) (Health and Safety Code §1596…", cited at 7 programs in Salinas.