Head Start programs in San Jose, CA
8 licensed programs · median published tuition $1,452 a month · 155 with Google ratings
Head Start and Early Head Start are free, federally funded programs for children from birth to five in families that meet income or other eligibility rules. Programs include meals, health screening and family services alongside early education.
Childcare in San Jose: what to know
How many licensed child care programs are in San Jose?
San Jose has 631 licensed programs on the California register: 213 daycare centers, 0 licensed preschools, 398 home daycares and 20 before and after school programs.
Who licenses child care in California?
California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division licenses and inspects child care centers, preschools and home daycares in California. Every profile links to the state record. Licence data on this page was synced in September 2026.
How common are inspection violations at San Jose daycares?
Violations are common and most are paperwork or maintenance items. Across 528 daycare centers in the San Jose area, the median center has 1 citations on the state file, and 198 centers have none. 121 have at least one rated Type A by the state. California cites a Type A violation for an immediate risk to the health or safety of children, and a Type B violation for a record-keeping or maintenance item. The state file gives counts, dates and regulation numbers, not the inspector's notes.
What does daycare cost in San Jose?
19 programs in the San Jose area publish full-time tuition on their website. The median starting price is $1,452 a month, and $2,752 a month for infants. Most programs share tuition only on a tour, so ask for the full fee schedule including registration and supply fees.
Why do home daycares show only a ZIP code?
A licensed home daycare is a private residence, and California withholds the address from its public register. The listing shows the licence, capacity and ZIP code. The provider gives the address to families directly.
When should I join a daycare waitlist in San Jose?
Infant rooms fill first because the state allows the fewest babies per teacher. Ask each program how long its infant and toddler waitlists run and whether a deposit holds a place. Home daycares often have shorter waits than centers.
Help paying for care
Most states run a child care subsidy for working families under an income limit, funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund.
Show programs that accept subsidy →Nearby cities
Source: Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes data downloads, CCLD Transparency site. Last synced September 2026. Ratings and review counts are from Google.