Care.com logo
Log inJoin now

Find Trusted Drop-In Child Care Near Me in San Mateo, CA

We have 23 drop-in child care in San Mateo, CA! Compare and find the best drop-in child care to fit your needs.

Start matching
Hero image

Recent drop-in child care reviews from local parents in San Mateo, CA

Drop-In Child Care in San Mateo, CA are rated 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews of the 23 listed drop-in child care

Gong's House Family Daycare

We feel so fortunate to have found this wonderful home-based daycare for our daughter. It’s a true gem, a warm, nurturing environment where...

- Care member

Building Kidz of San Mateo North - CALL FOR FALL PROMO

Director is super nice. Kids get a lot of outdoor time which is a plus for my expectations.

- Care member

CREATIVE LEARNING PRESCHOOL

Our 3yo attended CREATIVE LEARNING PRESCHOOL for about 5 months. It was the perfect fit. We noticed a boost in his confidence, social skills...

- Miguel H.

Drop-In Child Care in San Mateo:

IllustrationSmallChildCare image
Gong's House Family Daycare's Photo

Gong's House Family Daycare

1744 Pierce Street SAN MATEO, CA

State license verified

starting at
$2450/mo
Developmental (play-based)
Cooperative
Outdoor/nature
Montessori
Preschool
+ 1 more
At Gong’s House Family Daycare, we provide a warm, safe, and nurturing bilingual environment where children can grow and thrive. Our program blends play-based and Montessori-inspired learning to encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence. With healthy meals, a structured daily routine, and individualized attention, we...

Care Member says "We feel so fortunate to have found this wonderful home-based daycare for our daughter. It’s a true gem, a warm, nurturing environment where she is...

See info
Building Kidz of San Mateo North - CALL FOR FALL PROMO's Photo

Building Kidz of San Mateo North - CALL FOR FALL PROMO

120 LINDBERGH ST SAN MATEO, CA

5.0(1)

State license verified

Outdoor/nature
Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
International
+ 3 more
🌟 **Discover the Joy of Learning at Building Kidz School!** 🌟We invite you to experience firsthand how we nurture young minds through our unique "whole child" philosophy. Discover the joy of learning at Building Kidz School! At Building Kidz School, we’re dedicated to fostering creativity and growth in our students. Our...

Care Member says "Director is super nice. Kids get a lot of outdoor time which is a plus for my expectations."

See info
CREATIVE LEARNING PRESCHOOL's Photo

CREATIVE LEARNING PRESCHOOL

3399 CSM DR SAN MATEO, CA

5.0(1)
International
Academic
Outdoor/nature
Day Care
Preschool
+ 2 more
Creative Learning Preschool is located in San Mateo, CA. Our address is 3399 CSM Dr. San Mateo CA 94402 We care for students from ages 2-6. The teacher to student ratio is low-5 to 1. Our curriculum is play and fundamental education based: early reading, word recognition, geometrical shape building while also including...

Miguel H. says "Our 3yo attended CREATIVE LEARNING PRESCHOOL for about 5 months. It was the perfect fit. We noticed a boost in his confidence, social skills and...

See info
ESPINOZA, YADIRA's Photo

ESPINOZA, YADIRA

1206 31ST AVE SAN MATEO, CA

5.0(3)

State license verified

starting at
$1900/mo
Developmental (play-based)
In-Home daycare
Sandy's Child Care is a Spanish bilingual play-based program where children get to explore the world through child-centered learning. It is a "yes" space, where children are encouraged to pursue their interests and curiosities. In addition to free play and activities guided by the children's interests, we also offer more...

Care Member says "Yadira communicates very well about child behavior and other developmental needs. Teaches action songs, numbers and alphabets There are activities based...

See info
Feeling Good Daycare's Photo

Feeling Good Daycare

1623 Van Buren St San Mateo, CA

4.8(5)
In-Home daycare
Child care
I am willing to offer you the service of my Daycare (Feeling Good) in case you work or live around the San Mateo Area. He/She will be provided with great care and learning Spanish (optional) at the same time, then pick him/her up whenever you are free. I am currently caring a child of 11 months old. Please contact me if you are...

Asi A. says "I wasnt able to get child care from her however she is so very sweet and helpful. I had called her because I needed a daycare for me 2 month old infant....

See info
Happy Kids Daycare's Photo

Happy Kids Daycare

733 Rand Street San Mateo, CA

Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
Happy Kids Daycare is an in-home child care provider in San Mateo owned and operated by Galina Galant.
See info
Child care
Preschool
Kindergarten
Fashion Island Preschool located in San Mateo, CA operates Mondays through Fridays from 7 AM to 6 PM and specializes in children from six weeks old to school-age. The center offers After School, Before School, Before and After School, Daytime, Drop-in Care, Emergency Care, Fulltime, Kindergarten, and Part Time Care programs.
See info
CLC PRESCHOOL's Photo

CLC PRESCHOOL

815 ALLERTON ST REDWOOD CITY, CA

5.0(4)
starting at
$1500/mo
Developmental (play-based)
Academic
Outdoor/nature
Special needs
Preschool
+ 1 more
We are an inclusive program for ALL students. Our program is a play-based preschool with a strong focus on school readiness. All our educators have their bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and we strive to teach our students independence, social skills, and academics all while they’re playing and having fun! Our...

Care Member says "I cannot say enough about the exceptional experience we've had with CLC Preschool. From day one, it was clear that the entire team, led by the wonderful...

See info
LITTLE TROOPERS's Photo

LITTLE TROOPERS

1032 INVERNESS DR SAN CARLOS, CA

5.0(2)

State license verified

starting at
$2300/mo
Reggio emilia
Outdoor/nature
Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
+ 2 more
Little Troopers is your home away from home. Since 2009 at Little Troopers Child Care, we have committed to spirited learning, growth, development, and fun. We devote ourselves to providing an environment filled with love, understanding, good humor, adventure, and a diversity of learning activities. We invite you to learn more...

Lily says "All of the teachers are bilingual which I find wonderful and I've been really happy my son is exposed to that. They go above and beyond for birthday and...

See info
KERRIGAN, DANA ELIZABETH's Photo

KERRIGAN, DANA ELIZABETH

238 COUNTRY CLUB DR S SAN FRAN, CA

5.0(7)

State license verified

starting at
$2200/mo
Outdoor/nature
Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
In-Home daycare
Located in what feels like the countryside of South San Francisco, I am conveniently located 5 minutes from 280 and 101. I have been running the daycare for 2 years and have over 18 years of working with children under my belt. My daycare room is full of natural light and I have a large outdoor space with a play castle and play...

Care Member says "Dana provides incredible care for our child. She is so enthusiastic and passionate about what she does. Her home set up caters for a multitude of...

See info
THE EARLY YEARS's Photo

THE EARLY YEARS

371 ALLERTON AVENUE SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA

5.0(2)

State license verified

starting at
$900/mo
Academic
Developmental (play-based)
Child care
Preschool
Day Care
Our program blends structured learning with child-led exploration. Our thoughtfully designed classrooms, sensory materials, and age-appropriate activities help children develop early language, motor, and problem-solving skills. We stand out for our evidence-based curriculum and individualized attention, ensuring every child...

Care Member says "Please check out this place for your preschool needs. The staff and teachers are wonderful and actively engage the children and their families for...

See info
ST. MICHAEL PRESCHOOL CENTER's Photo

ST. MICHAEL PRESCHOOL CENTER

401 HUDSON ST REDWOOD CITY, CA

5.0(2)

State license verified

starting at
$2250/mo
Montessori
Outdoor/nature
Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
+ 5 more
At the heart of our center is a profound and sincere love for each and every child. We understand that nurturing is as essential as education, and we go the extra mile to provide a warm and caring environment where children feel cherished and valued.

Care Member says "I have had two sons enrolled at St. Michael’s. My youngest is still there. The staff is so caring and goes above and beyond. Mary is very...

See info
The Learning Tree Daycare's Photo

The Learning Tree Daycare

318 Magnolia Ave. South San Francisco, CA

We are an intimate close knit family daycare locate in the heart of South San Francisco. We offer curriculum and preparation for pre-school and kindergarten. Part of their curriculum will include Spanish Immersion Circle time, which will include topics and activities that will teach them skills that they are already developing...
See info
Stemsprouts Preschool's Photo

Stemsprouts Preschool

1304 Whipple Ave Redwood City, CA

STEMsprouts is a high quality preschool program located in a beautiful residential area of Redwood City. Our program is led by a board certified behavior analyst with 17 years of experience in early childhood development and science-based learning. All staff hold bachelor degrees or higher. We offer full-time, part-time and drop...
See info
Cativar Daycare's Photo

Cativar Daycare

480 San Anselmo Av South San Bruno, CA

State license verified

Lic#414005042 We are a licensed in-home daycare serving parents with children 6 weeks to 5 years old. We offer: Full-time, part-time and drop-in Homemade food prepared with fresh and local ingredients (vegan option available for each meal) A warm safe and home-like environment with age-appropriate toys and...
See info
Neo Immersion Montessori School's Photo

Neo Immersion Montessori School

830 Rosita Rd Unit C18 PACIFICA, CA

State license verified

Developmental (play-based)
Academic
Outdoor/nature
International
Montessori
+ 3 more
Cultivating Global Young Minds—A Montessori Education Journey Beyond The Classroom for 2.5-6 Year Old Neo Immersion Montessori School offers a unique bilingual experience in English and Mandarin-Chinese, designed for early childhood children ages 2.5-6 years old. Located in the city of Pacifica, the school integrates Dr. Maria...
See info
Building Kidz Of San Carlos's Photo

Building Kidz Of San Carlos

1633 LAUREL ST SAN CARLOS, CA

State license verified

Academic
Developmental (play-based)
Child care
Preschool
Day Care
We are excited to serve the San Carlos community with local, nurturing childcare and preschool services. We are part of the Building Kidz Worldwide family of campuses, providing unequaled developmental experiences for young children. Our mission is to deliver a world class preschool experience resulting in children...
See info

Rosita's Child Care

1768 WOODSIDE RD REDWOOD CITY, CA

5.0(4)
starting at
$2000/mo
Developmental (play-based)
In-Home daycare

Shababa (she) M. says "Maria is really caring, kind, and warm. She looks after my daughter really well, so I'm very happy with her services. And I will continue to keep...

See info

Little Hands - A Parent Child Center

1300 5th Ave Belmont, CA

Preschool
"Our mission is to provide a stimulating, safe and nurturing environment for parents and their children to learn and grow together. Babies, toddlers and young preschoolers are invited to play, learn and explore stations throughout the school. Toys and weekly activities are specifically selected for their little hands and growing...
See info
Lillian's Daycare's Photo

Lillian's Daycare

1500 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA

In-Home daycare
Child care
I am placing this add for my daughter's daycare provider as she is wonderful and happens to have an opening: She has been in business over 17 years; always done daycare, and has raised 5 of her own children, and has two grandchildren. She speaks Spanish in the home, and her children all speak Spanish and they help with the...
See info

Showing 1 - 20 of 23

How it works

  • Share details about your daycare needs

  • Match with highly rated local daycares near you

  • Compare daycares and tour the ones that best fit your family

FAQs for finding drop-in child care near you in San Mateo, CA

You can use Care.com to find a drop-in child care center near you in San Mateo, CA. You can start by narrowing down options by location. From there you can read reviews and learn more about cost.

When you drop your child off near you in San Mateo, CA, you should expect to provide the provider with necessary information about your family and your child’s dietary needs, health concerns, and any allergies and medications. It's bes to discuss any particular requests or expectations ahead of time, but be prepared to further review any special circumstances or questions you have during the first drop off.You may also find it helpful to talk about drop off and pick up procedures as well as safety rules with your child ahead of their first day. Setting them up for success by ensuring everyone is comfortable with the arrangement will help make it a stree-free drop off!

Drop-in child care can be a great way to accommodate the ever-shifting needs of families, but it's important to make sure you are taking the necessary precautions before relying on drop-in child care. Make sure to thoroughly research any drop-in child care facility near you in San Mateo, CA you're considering, including checking reviews and discussing any questions you have. When you visit the drop-in care center in person, take time to observe and ask questions about their practices and policies, and ask about what supplies you'll need to send with your child.

Drop-in child care hours in San Mateo, CA will vary by location, but typically these services are available throughout the day. Most drop-in child care centers will open for business around 8 AM and close after 5 PM, although this can vary depending on the center’s size and organization. Some drop-in child care centers may have extended hours, so be sure to discuss your scheduling needs when interviewing your options.

Drop-In Child Care Articles

Additional Drop-In Child Care Services

About Care.com
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy policy
Care.com does not employ any caregiver and is not responsible for the conduct of any user of our site. All information in member profiles, job posts, applications, and messages is created by users of our site and not generated or verified by Care.com. You need to do your own diligence to ensure the job or caregiver you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws.
Care.com® HomePay℠ is a service provided by Breedlove and Associates, LLC, a Care.com company.
Care.com is a registered service mark of Care.com, Inc. 2007-2025 Care.com, Inc. All rights reserved.