Ages 0–2

Best Infant Daycares in Novato

Top 20 licensed programs serving babies and toddlers (ages 0–2), ranked by compliance record, parent reviews, and capacity.

20 infant-capable facilities

0 top rated

90% clean record

Typical tuition

Average monthly cost in Marin County

2022 median

$2,374

/ month

infant

$1,705

/ month

toddler

$1,876

/ month

preschool

Median cost at licensed child care centers. Licensed family child care homes typically cost 20-30% less (infant care around $1,026/month).

Novato has 20 licensed childcare providers that serve infants and toddlers, combining dedicated Infant Centers with Family Child Care Homes whose CCLD licenses cover infant age groups. California enforces strict staffing ratios for infant care — typically one caregiver per four infants — and this listing ranks the top 20 options by compliance record, parent reviews, and licensed capacity.

90% of the ranked programs have a clean inspection record with no Type A (serious) or Type B (minor) citations on file. Each facility page includes the full inspection history, complaint records, and capacity details so you can make an informed decision before touring.

Whether you need care for a 6-month-old or a 20-month-old, the programs below cover the full 0–2 age band. Click any listing to see hours, tuition (when the owner has published it), and the most recent CCLD inspection summary.

Top 20 Infant Daycares in Novato

Aurora Elvira Arteaga

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

C.a.m. (cfs) Hamilton (inf)

Excellent

Child Care - Infant Center · Novato

Capacity: 36 Est. infant tuition: $1,750 – $2,400/mo

C.a.m. (cfs) Meadow Park (inf)

Excellent

Child Care - Infant Center · Novato

Capacity: 20 Est. infant tuition: $1,750 – $2,400/mo

Carlos & Rosa Amalia Garcia

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Elma E. Reyes Vasquez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Elvia G Ayala

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Evelyn Lucero

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Kristen A. Lien

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Leticia Lopez

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Livia De Arruda Sebba

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Miss Sandie's School - Infant

Excellent

Child Care - Infant Center · Novato

Capacity: 42 Est. infant tuition: $1,750 – $2,400/mo

Nirosha De Silva

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

North Bay Children's Center-infant

Excellent

Child Care - Infant Center · Novato

Capacity: 56 Est. infant tuition: $1,750 – $2,400/mo

Sadaf Salimi

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Suzan Chan

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Terese Bradshaw & Lori Picardi

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Evelyn A. Canales

Excellent

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Alpha Kids Academy Llc Infant - Novato

Good

Child Care - Infant Center · Novato

Capacity: 20 Est. infant tuition: $1,750 – $2,400/mo

Pamela Arguedas Pasara

Fair

Family Child Care Home · Novato

Capacity: 14 Est. infant tuition: $1,350 – $1,800/mo

Browse all infant-capable facilities View all facilities in Novato

Frequently Asked Questions

How many licensed infant daycares are in Novato?

Novato has 20 licensed childcare providers that serve infants and toddlers (ages 0–2). This includes dedicated Infant Centers and Family Child Care Homes whose licenses cover infant care.

What's the difference between an Infant Center and a Family Child Care Home for infant care?

Infant Centers are commercial facilities dedicated to babies and toddlers with lower child-to-staff ratios (typically 1:4 for infants) and infant-trained caregivers. Family Child Care Homes run from the caregiver's private residence with smaller mixed-age groups — often more flexible hours and a home-like feel.

How much does infant care cost in Novato?

Typical monthly tuition for infant care in Marin County is about $2,085 at a center and $1,564 at a family child care home (based on 2022 benchmark data). Actual rates vary by facility, schedule, and whether meals are included.

What should I look for when visiting an infant daycare?

Check the caregiver-to-infant ratio (state requires 1:4 or better for infants), look at the nap and feeding setup, ask about diaper changes and feeding schedules, review the facility's inspection history on its detail page, and trust your gut on how caregivers interact with the babies present during your tour.