Best Daycares in Bakersfield, CA — 2026 Rankings

We ranked 40 daycares and childcare centers in Bakersfield based on licensing, accreditation, parent reviews, and childcare quality.

Top Daycares in Bakersfield

  1. #1 — Lil' Explorers Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  2. #2 — Bakersfield Parent Nursery Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, School. View full profile →

  3. #3 — Bakersfield Play Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  4. #4 — Toddler Tech Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  5. #5 — Community Action Partnership Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool. View full profile →

  6. #6 — Building Blocks of Grace Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  7. #7 — First Experiences Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  8. #8 — Little Country Christian Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Private school. View full profile →

  9. #9 — Greenfield State Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Elementary school. View full profile →

  10. #10 — California Ivy League Preparatory Academy Preschool and Infant Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  11. #11 — Faith Academy Child Care Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  12. #12 — Maof Bakersfield Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  13. #13 — Garden Pathways Downtown Education Center - Preschool & Infant Care Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  14. #14 — Readyland Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, School. View full profile →

  15. #15 — Little Red School House Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Elementary school. View full profile →

  16. #16 — Canyon Hills Preschool Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  17. #17 — Wonder Window Children's Center Score: 77%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  18. #18 — Canyon Hills Preschool & After School Score: 76%

    Programs: Preschool, Child care and day care, School, Education. View full profile →

  19. #19 — Martha J Morgan Center Score: 76%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  20. #20 — North Beardsley Child Development Score: 76%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  21. #21 — Heir Force Academy Preschool Score: 71%

    Programs: Preschool, Private school, Elementary school. View full profile →

  22. #22 — Grace Baptist Church Score: 66%

    Programs: Preschool, Baptist church, School, Education. View full profile →

  23. #23 — Trinity Preschool Score: 66%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  24. #24 — Southwest Community Nursery School Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  25. #25 — Noah's Ark Preschool Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  26. #26 — Bright Futures Preschool Score: 63%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  27. #27 — A Good Time Out Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Home service, Day care preschool. View full profile →

  28. #28 — Oaks Children Center Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  29. #29 — Small Wonders Preschool The Rock Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, Day care preschool, Home service. View full profile →

  30. #30 — Stepping Stones Christian Preschool Score: 60%

    Programs: Preschool, School, Education. View full profile →

How We Rank Daycares & Childcare Centers

Our Guide Score percentage combines Google rating (35%), review volume (20%), web and contact presence (20%), profile completeness (15%), accreditation such as NAEYC (5%), press recognition (3%), and years of operation (2%), then normalizes across captured positive categories. Read our full methodology →

Frequently asked questions

Who is the #1 daycare in Bakersfield?
Lil' Explorers Preschool is currently the #1 ranked daycare in Bakersfield based on our Guide Score, which evaluates parent reviews, licensing status, accreditation, and quality signals. See the full ranked list above.
How are daycares ranked in Bakersfield?
Our Guide Score percentage combines weighted evidence from Google rating, review volume, web and contact presence, profile completeness, accreditation, press recognition, and years of operation, then normalizes across categories with captured positive evidence. There is no paid placement.
How much does daycare cost in Bakersfield?
Childcare costs in Bakersfield vary by program type and age group. Full-time infant care commonly ranges from $800–$2,500/month; preschool programs run $600–$1,800/month. Each center's profile page lists contact information for current rates.