Care.com logo
Child CareTutoringSenior CarePet CareHousekeeping

Find a job

How it works

Share details about your drop-in child care needs

Match with highly rated local drop-in child care near you

Compare drop-in child care and tour the ones that best fit your family

Recent drop-in child care reviews in El Cerrito, CA

Children's Garden Montessori School

5.0

Our son is absolutely thriving at the garden school. Alaina & all of her wonderful stuff are so attentive & loving with the children. The classroom & garden play area are always tidy with great toys & activities for the kids. Our son particularly loves gymnastics with Bindi on Thursdays! We can’t...

- Care member

My Love Bug Family Childcare

5.0

My Love Bug is great! Gaby is so warm and friendly, and she offers a safe, wonderful place for my son (3 years) and daughter (<1 year) when I need drop-in care. I appreciate Gaby's responsive and sweet nature, and that she sends pics of the kids throughout the day. I trust her completely with my...

- Lindsay H.

Square.Care Oakland

5.0

SquareCare is a phenomenal daycare program. As a mom of two, I've done a lot of research across different programs and childcare providers, and can confidently say the caliber of the caregivers at SquareCare is the best. My husband and I learned so much from Mitzy about how to inspire confidence in...

- Andreea A.

Naomi's Family Daycare

5.0

As a mother you strive for the betterment for your child. As a FTM i was nervous to place my daughter in daycare but choosing Naomis Daycare was the best decision we have made. I Enrolled my daughter when she was 6mo old and is now 1. They love and care for her as she is one of her own. They Are...

- Joseline F.

Uptown Little Birds Micro School & Day Care

5.0

I highly recommend this school and day care. I know when I drop my son off, that he is in great hands. He receives healthy home cooked meals, a tailored bilingual education, exercise and fresh. When we're home, he will often tell me that he misses/loves his teachers and school and I know the feeling...

- Luna

Drop-in child care in El Cerrito, CA

Children's Garden Montessori School

Children's Garden Montessori School

2335 Tulare Ave, EL CERRITO, CA

Starting at $705/mo

5.0

(4)

Children’s Garden Montessori School is a small home-based Montessori and play-based preschool in El Cerrito for children 17 months – 5 years old. We believe in following the spirit of the child and honoring each child’s independence and unique learning style. Our director, Alaina Benner, has 35...
5.0
"My son started this summer! We are loving it. Alaina is very caring and it makes you feel like you are dropping your child off with a family member. You can tell it's her passion to work with kids. All of the caretakers are very observant and caring. The backyard...

Care member


My Love Bug Family Childcare

My Love Bug Family Childcare

2820 Doidge Ave, Pinole, CA

5.0

(2)

My Love Bug Family Childcare, was created with the idea of helping home stay moms. As a mother I understand that running errands can be difficult when we have kids. I was reflected in that situation as a mother, and not having family around made it a little bit more difficult, so that's when I...
5.0
"My Love Bug is great! Gaby is so warm and friendly, and she offers a safe, wonderful place for my son (3 years) and daughter (<1 year) when I need drop-in care. I appreciate Gaby's responsive and sweet nature, and that she sends pics of the kids throughout the day....

Lindsay H.


Square.Care Oakland

Square.Care Oakland

2129 8th Ave, OAKLAND, CA

Starting at $2300/mo

5.0

(2)

Square.Care Oakland is a Bilingual (English Spanish) play-based child care that focuses on educating children through exploration of the environment using natural developmentally appropriate materials. All materials are disinfected, clean, and safe. Our curriculum focuses on language development,...
5.0
"SquareCare is a phenomenal daycare program. As a mom of two, I've done a lot of research across different programs and childcare providers, and can confidently say the caliber of the caregivers at SquareCare is the best. My husband and I learned so much from Mitzy...

Andreea A.


Naomi's Family Daycare

Naomi's Family Daycare

1927 Pullman St, San Pablo, CA

5.0

(2)

At Naomi's Family Daycare, We are committed to creating a safe, warm, loving environment where we will encourage your child to explore their thoughts and creativity through play. We strive to fill your child's day with age-appropriate activities that target their cognitive, emotional, social and...
5.0
"As a mother you strive for the betterment for your child. As a FTM i was nervous to place my daughter in daycare but choosing Naomis Daycare was the best decision we have made. I Enrolled my daughter when she was 6mo old and is now 1. They love and care for her as...

Joseline F.


Uptown Little Birds Micro School & Day Care

Uptown Little Birds Micro School & Day Care

500 William Street 123, Oakland, CA

5.0

(1)

Uptown Little Birds Micro School and Day Care provides a safe learning environment in a small, safe, warm family environment that promotes creative exploration of the world, education, health, nutrition, and safety along with individualized attention from experienced professionals. We are a small...
5.0
"I highly recommend this school and day care. I know when I drop my son off, that he is in great hands. He receives healthy home cooked meals, a tailored bilingual education, exercise and fresh. When we're home, he will often tell me that he misses/loves his...

Luna


PILLAR KIDS CHILDCARE

PILLAR KIDS CHILDCARE

3538 GOLDEN GATE WAY, LAFAYETTE, CA

Starting at $1800/mo

5.0

(2)

Pillar Kids is a safe, clean, fun environment for children to create, investigate, and build relationships. Pillar Kids caters to the unique needs of your child, with low educator-to-child ratios that allow for intentional, individualized learning. We support children’s learning through our...
5.0
"Our daughter has been at Pillar Kids since early 2023 and we are absolutely loving our experience there. She is thriving and we credit so much of her development to the instruction and community at Pillar. We are grateful for the personal attention, small class...

Christina O.


Caterpillar Kids Daycare

Caterpillar Kids Daycare

906 Channing Way C, Berkeley, CA

5.0

(1)

Caterpillar Daycare Monday through Friday 3 months to 5 years * CPR, First Aid & Preventative Health
5.0
"My son (15m) is lucky enough to go to CKD. I cannot say enough good things about them. They are so warm and loving. My son eats wonderful meals and gets plenty of time outside. This is my first child and I was very nervous to put him in daycare, but I feel like I...

Care member


Patty's Family Daycare and Preschool

Patty's Family Daycare and Preschool

2820 Mabel St, BERKELEY, CA

Starting at $2400/mo

5.0

(2)

Patty’s Family Daycare and Preschool. Goal is to ensure that each child feels nourished and well cared for children in different age-appropriate activities to stimulate their curiosity and developing minds, as well as developing their first gross motor skills. We love to make sure they are engaged...
5.0
"We absolutely LOVE Patty's daycare and could not be happier with the care our child receives from her and her employees! We started sending our child to Patty's for full-time care when he was 6 months old. We were quite anxious as he is our first child and did not...

Jacob K.


Day-Trip Sitter Outdoor Care Giver Sat Day Care 11:30 am-5:30 pm Free pick-up and Drop-off $60 per Sign-up now! Outdoor Day Care Affordable! FUN! Mask & sanitize safety observed. ************************************************************************* During the summer I offer families day...

Sol Solecito Day Care

Sol Solecito Day Care

1942 19th St, San Pablo, CA

Hello My name is Sandra Hernandez who is here to help out with your child care needs. We are accepting applications, ages 3months-13yr old. I m currently open Monday-Friday 24hrs day/night, drop-off/pick-up open for discussion. Rate Varies from your needs,start $200.00-$290.00. My goal for Sol...

Fox & Bear DayCare

Fox & Bear DayCare

1129 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley, CA

Full time Italian language immersion, art projects, gymnastic classes, library programs, park play time, seasonal healthy meals and a lot of fun at home.

Sunshine House

Sunshine House

4950 Pacheco Blvd, Martinez, CA


Orinda Afternoons

Orinda Afternoons

103 El Toyonal, Orinda, CA

5.0

(1)

Orinda Afternoons is a family daycare in the hills of Orinda, providing the highest quality care for children ages zero to three. Orinda Afternoons provides a warm and professionally staffed care environment - complete with a dedicated playroom and art studio, climbing gym, sandbox, thriving organic...
5.0
"We love Orinda Afternoons! It gave my kids exactly the kind of summer that I dreamed of giving them. They got to spend the day in the great outdoors with a handful of other kids, which was exciting without being overstimulating. Bekki is wonderfully attentive to...

Dana S


Boulevard Little People Academy

Boulevard Little People Academy

470 Boulevard Way, Oakland, CA

5.0

(1)

The Boulevard Academies consist of two amazing facilities running a program that enhances every child by learning through play; enabling growth physically, academically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Both academies focus on nurturing quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, in...
5.0
"Provided quality care to the many hundreds of familie served in the Grand-Lakeshore-Piedmont area."

Deltrina J.


Are you looking for summer childcare that is educational and tons of fun? Sustainable Summer Break is group childcare for children in grades 1-4 in week-long sessions from 9am-3pm, Monday through Friday in the Oakland/Berkeley area. There will be 6 kids in each session, with 2 nannies. For full...
5.0
"While helping my brother with his three kids, I have the experience to accomplish anything. I am able to multi-task no matter how many children. I am local, own transportation, and very loving when it comes to the little ones. =) I am very fun and love to do arts...

Lacy G.


Tiny Creations Family Day Care

3016 Parker Rd, San Pablo, CA

5.0

(1)

Hello my name is Pauline I have been in business since 1999. I am dedicated to helping each child reach his/her full learning potential while they are in my care. Your child's need are always a priority. Each child is given adequate love and attention. I offer two meals and two snack, outdoor play,...
5.0
"My daughter started when she was just 9 weeks old and she just turned 1 year last week! Miss Pauline has been very attentive since day 1 and she would always ask or confirm with us before introducing new things/food to baby. She always makes sure that we are all on...

Julie Ann M.


The Campbell Family Daycare

The Campbell Family Daycare

226 Cardinal Way, Hercules, CA

The Campbell Family Daycare is a small family childcare home and we watch no more than 6 children at a time. We like to keep our headcount low and generally have between 2-6 children in our care at one time (this head count includes my 4 year old daughter and infant son). It is my goal to...

Belvedere Tiburon Child Care Center

277 Karen Way, Belvedere Tiburon, CA

"The center primarily serves children who attend on a regular basis and continues to provide morning preschool, before and after school programs, and drop in care for children aged two through twelve years old. Our mission is to provide a supportive, inspiring environment where children can be...

Rachel's Neighborhood Baby Care

Wright Avenue, Pinole, CA

Hello There! I am offering the perfect daycare alternative: the nurturing, individualized care of a nanny only in my own home instead of yours. At Rachel's Neighborhood Baby Care, there is never more that 2 babies at any one time, ensuring that each baby receives individualized care that follows...

Showing 1 - 19 of 19

Additional Drop-In Child Care Services

Drop-in Child Care in Berkeley, CADrop-in Child Care in San Pablo, CADrop-in Child Care in Pinole, CADrop-in Child Care in Richmond, CADrop-in Child Care in Hercules, CADrop-in Child Care in Orinda, CADrop-in Child Care in Martinez, CADrop-in Child Care in Lafayette, CADrop-in Child Care in Belvedere Tiburon, CADrop-in Child Care in Alameda, CA

Drop-In Child Care Articles

How to make a paper hat

October 22nd, 2024 Trying to think of something creative for kids to do on a day spent indoors, but fresh out of crafting supplies? This simple paper hat activity only requires... Read more
How will technology change care work?

How will technology change care work?

October 22nd, 2018 This interview originally appeared on apolitical.co. It’... Read more
17 engaging summer activities for tweens and teens

17 engaging summer activities for tweens and teens

April 30th, 2025 By the time kids graduate from fifth grade, they’ve aged out of most summer day camps. And while most rising sixth graders (and older) don’t need... Read more
Best shows for tweens to stream right now

Best shows for tweens to stream right now

April 29th, 2025 The tween years — roughly ages 9 to 12 — are in “in between” time. Your kids aren’t quite teens, but they definitely aren&rsquo... Read more
Cinco de Mayo for kids: 9 activities for celebrating and learning

Cinco de Mayo for kids: 9 activities for celebrating and learning

April 29th, 2025 What comes to mind when you think of Cinco de Mayo? If you said something along the lines of tacos, guacamole and margaritas, you’d fall in line with t... Read more

FAQs for finding drop-in child care near you in El Cerrito, CA

How do I find a drop-in child care center near me in El Cerrito, CA?

What should I expect when I drop my child off at a drop-in child care center near me in El Cerrito, CA?

Are there any special considerations I need to be aware of when using drop-in child care near me in El Cerrito, CA?

What times are available for drop-in child care in El Cerrito, CA?