Licensed Daycare in Petaluma, California
10 licensed daycares in Petaluma, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official California licensing records.
Petaluma listings updated May 2026 from official California records.
Daycare in Petaluma: what parents should know
Petaluma has 10 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Preschool the most common type (about 20% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current California license at indexing time, sourced from California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.
For age coverage, 1 center in Petaluma report infant care (roughly 10% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 2 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 1 is a Head Start program, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Petaluma spans 2+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 10% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Petaluma's licensed centers hold about 600 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Petaluma childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Petaluma
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 Petaluma 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 overviewQuick 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
- 60 kids
Largest licensed centers in Petaluma
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Petaluma licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Open 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 Petaluma, California?
What's the average daycare cost in Petaluma?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Petaluma daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Petaluma?
How do I verify a Petaluma daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Petaluma
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programCalWORKs Child Care + APP (Alternative Payment Program) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(916) 651-6195 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Petaluma
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Petaluma, California are compiled from official California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 10 Licensed Centers in Petaluma
Free, no signup, verified directly with California Department of Social Services — Community Care Licensing Division.