Updated Nov 6, 2026 · Data from state licensing records · Methodology
These are the 10 daycares in Berkeley, CA with the strongest state inspection records. 10 of them have no citations at all across 3 or more inspections. We ranked 47 eligible centers using public records only: no paid placements, no reviews.
The list
| # | Daycare | Area | Ages | Seats | Inspections | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley Little School | 94707 | Preschool | 42 | 12 | 0 |
| 2 | Berkeley YMCA Head Start - South YMCA | 94703 | Infant, Toddler | 42 | 5 | 0 |
| 3 | American International Montessori School | 94703 | Preschool | 117 | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Duck's Nest Berkeley | 94710 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 91 | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Mi Mundo Preschool | 94703 | Preschool | 29 | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | Uc Berkeley - Dwight Way Center | 94720 | Infant, Toddler | 18 | 4 | 0 |
| 7 | Dolma Child Care Center | 94710 | Preschool | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| 8 | Kids Speaking Spanish Preschool | 94702 | Preschool | 75 | 3 | 0 |
| 9 | Building Kidz of Berkeley | 94710 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 57 | 3 | 0 |
| 10 | Via Nova Children's School | 94703 | Infant, Toddler, Preschool | 45 | 3 | 0 |
How we ranked them
Programs make the list if they are a licensed center (not home-based), have at least 3 inspections on record, and an inspection in the last two years. They are ranked by citations per inspection, fewest first; ties go to the longer record.
A strong record is a good start, not a verdict. It does not tell you about teacher turnover, the curriculum, the food or how your child will settle. Use the list to choose who to tour, then use our questions to ask when choosing a daycare.
Before you sign
- Open each program's page to see every inspection date and finding.
- Call to ask about openings and the waitlist.
- Tour at drop-off or pickup, when rooms are busiest.
- Compare two or three finalists side by side.
Comparing finalists? A Kinfield report goes deeper on one program: its full record, what parents say online, the building, and the questions to ask on your tour, reviewed by a person. $12, or 3 for $25 to compare your shortlist.
More on Berkeley, CA: every daycare's inspection record.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best daycares in Berkeley, CA?
Ranked by state inspection record, the top daycares in Berkeley, CA include Berkeley Little School, Berkeley YMCA Head Start - South YMCA, American International Montessori School. The full list of 10 is on this page, with each program's inspection history.
How do you rank daycares?
By citations per inspection in state records, among licensed centers with at least 3 inspections and a recent visit. We take no payment for placement.
Does a clean record mean a daycare is good?
It means inspectors found few or no problems. Tour the program and ask about staff turnover, ratios and daily routines before you decide.