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Licensed Daycare in San Francisco, California

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in San Francisco, California?

Our directory lists 135 licensed childcare centers in San Francisco, California, sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in San Francisco?

Statewide averages in California run roughly $1800/month for infants and $1240/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in San Francisco?

California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

This directory mirrors the state's child care licensing records. Click any provider for the full profile, age groups served, and current license status.

135

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,800/mo

California avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in San Francisco

ChildCare Aware reports the California average full-time cost at $1,800/month for infant care and $1,240/month for preschool. City-level prices in San Francisco vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. California families may also qualify for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195).

Full California licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:6
Preschool ratio: 1:12
Avg capacity: 65 kids

ZIP codes covered

94133 24 94117 19 94110 15 94109 11 94102 8 94112 7 94103 7 94124 6

Program types in San Francisco

Preschool Program

17 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

17 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

17 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

17 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

17 centers

Head Start Center

17 centers

San Francisco

Preschool (2-5) Cap 78

Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.

Quick answers about subsidies, costs, and how to vet a provider in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in San Francisco, California?

Our directory lists 135 licensed childcare centers in San Francisco, California, sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in San Francisco?

Statewide averages in California run roughly $1800/month for infants and $1240/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in San Francisco daycares?

All licensed California centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, and 1:12 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in San Francisco typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in San Francisco?

California families can apply for CalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) (intake: (916) 651-6195). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a San Francisco daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.