Daycare in San Francisco, CA

In San Francisco County, full-time infant care at a child care center had a median price of $607 a week ($31,544 a year) in 2022, and preschool care $477 a week. A family child care home charged a median $395 a week for an infant. These prices come from the U.S. Department of Labor and aren't adjusted for inflation, so expect higher rates today.

California's list shows 380 licensed programs in San Francisco as of October 2026: 359 child care centers and 21 school-age programs. Together they're licensed for 19,806 children, though licensed capacity isn't the same as open spots.

Yes, if you qualify. Subsidized child care (Child Care and Development programs), run by California Department of Social Services, pays part of the cost at a provider you choose. A family of three can earn up to $93,420 a year to start. San Francisco also has 34 free Head Start and Early Head Start centers for families who qualify.

Every program on this page is on California's list of active licensed programs. Look up the record before you tour: it shows the ages and number of children the program is licensed for and its inspection history.