State-Sourced

Licensed Daycare in Modesto, California

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Modesto?

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 Modesto?

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 .

35 licensed daycares in Modesto, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official California licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,800/mo

California avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Modesto

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 Modesto 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: 64 kids

ZIP codes covered

95350 13 95355 7 95354 6 95358 5 95357 5 95356 5 95351 5 1

Program types in Modesto

Licensed Group Child Care Home

4 centers

Family Daycare

4 centers

All Modesto licensed centers

Page 2 of 3

N Infant Care

Nurturing Hearts Oakland #378

Modesto

Preschool (2-5) Cap 84

O Before/After School

Oakland Cloud Nine Kids #377

Modesto

School Age (5+) Cap 29

O Group Care

Oakland Panda Kids Academy #374

Modesto

School Age (5+) Cap 114

O Family Daycare

Oakland Sunflower Daycare #373

Modesto

School Age (5+) Cap 42

O Preschool

Oakland Wonder Years #375

Modesto

Preschool (2-5) Cap 45

R Infant Care

Riverside Discovery Preschool #475

Modesto

Preschool (2-5) Cap 97

R Preschool

Riverside KinderCare #472

Modesto

Preschool (2-5) Cap 117

R Head Start

Riverside Primrose School #473

Modesto

2 years - 12 years Cap 94

R Montessori

Riverside Stepping Stones #476

Modesto

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 48

S Group Care

San Francisco Bright Futures Daycare #277

Modesto

School Age (5+) Cap 33

S Montessori

San Francisco Childcare Academy #274

Modesto

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 95

S Head Start

San Francisco Kids First Academy #279

Modesto

2 years - 12 years Cap 28

S Infant Care

San Francisco Learning Center #273

Modesto

Preschool (2-5) Cap 23

S Licensed Center

San Francisco Little Stars Daycare #275

Modesto

Infants & Toddlers Cap 83

S Family Daycare

San Francisco Rainbow Learning Center #276

Modesto

School Age (5+) Cap 86

Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.

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

How many licensed daycare centers are in Modesto, California?

Our directory lists 35 licensed childcare centers in Modesto, 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 Modesto?

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 Modesto 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 Modesto typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Modesto?

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 Modesto 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.