It's hard to put into words how grateful we are for this daycare and the incredible teachers who have cared for our son over the years. He started here at just 5 months old, and yesterday, at 4 1/2, we said goodbye as he gets ready to start his next chapter. For more than four years, this daycare gave our family something truly invaluable: the security of knowing that when we dropped our son off each day, he was safe, cared for, and genuinely loved. As a parent, there is no greater gift than having that kind of trust and peace of mind. Throughout the years, we watched him grow from a baby into the funny, curious, confident little boy he is today. He learned so much, made wonderful memories and friendships, had so much fun, and formed special bonds with the teachers who cared for him along the way. Leaving is incredibly bittersweet. This daycare has been such a meaningful part of our family's life and our son's childhood, and we will forever be grateful for the love, patience, care, and support they have given him -- and us -- over the past four years. Thank you for helping raise our little boy. We will miss you more than we can say. read more

I live in the neighborhood and love how the kiddos are treated here. My partner and I just bought lemonade from a school of little toddler fish- screaming LEMONADE, $2 ! Gimme THE MONEY. It was the best thing ever. It was so aggressively adorable - there were bubbles there was one kid who said - gimme your money- you gotta pay for that! It was hilarious. Pretty sure I paid $5 bucks for half a cup of lemonade lol- If we had more cash we woulda gave it all to them. That was super fun. The staff here are great to the kids and let them do whatever within educational and safety reason and I'm here for it. It's actually the owner and the staff and I don't need to lists names- they're all really good to the kids and add so much love to the neighborhood- great job - I'd never take pics of kids that are not my own so no pics... But here is Brenda - she also loves the kids here read more

Penleigh Child Development Center - Preschools Near Me - Sacramento, California

Finding a daycare that truly feels like a home away from home isn't easy -- but Penleigh Child Development Center delivers that and so much more. From the moment we chose this center, it was clear that it's built around genuine care, thoughtful learning, and respect for every child's individuality. What stands out immediately is how nurturing the environment feels. The staff don't just supervise -- they guide, encourage, and truly connect with the children. My little one always came home excited to tell stories about the day, from creative art projects to outdoor play and circle time. It felt like Penleigh didn't just teach; it engaged their curiosity and supported them in growing at their own pace. The curriculum is incredibly well-rounded -- balancing play, social development, learning readiness, and hands-on activities that help kids build confidence and joy in discovery. The teachers are warm, patient, and clearly passionate about early childhood education, and it shows in how they interact with the kids and support families. Communication with parents was also excellent. We always felt informed and connected about what was happening, without ever feeling overwhelmed. That openness made it easy to trust that our child was in a place where they were safe, happy, and genuinely thriving every day. Beyond just childcare, this center feels like a community -- one where children learn social skills, independence, and confidence, and families feel supported every step of the way. If you're looking for a place that treats your child like a unique individual and sets them up for success, this is it. Highly recommend to any parent searching for a warm, nurturing, and exceptional early learning experience! read more

We are so grateful to have had our son enrolled at Penleigh for the past three years. The teachers and staff truly care about each child, and that thoughtfulness shows in everything they do. Can't recommend it enough! read more

I reviewed Penleigh before when my first daughter attended and wanted to follow up with a second review now that our second daughter has attended Penleigh too. I think it says it all that we came back with our second daughter! We love Penleigh so much and have 100% trust that our children are well-taken care of and nurtured at Penleigh. Both of my children still talk about all the great instructors and they have genuinely become like family to us. Seeing them during pick up and drop off is a bright spot in my day. I see the development of my children and know that it is largely due to Penleigh. My wife and I joke we need to have a third child just to continue at Penleigh. I can't say enough good things. read more

My daughter attended Penleigh from April 2024 to April 2025. During her time she was mostly in the 12-24 mos room, but moved into the next class shortly before she left Penleigh. The teachers in both classrooms were so caring and patient with our daughter, who was adjusting from being looked after by a family member to a childcare setting. We received real time updates (photos, meals, naps, diapers, etc) which were so great. Ultimately we shifted to a preschool closer to our home that leads to elementary school but Penleigh is a gem of a daycare in Midtown. read more

This is a gem of a daycare and preschool. The teachers love your children like their own and treat the parents like family. My daughter started shortly before turning two and left at 5 to start kindergarten. She is excelling at reading, math and socialization and I believe it's because Penleigh equipped her with those skills. My son started at 4 months and was immediately embraced by the teachers' love. They have taught him behavioral skills, songs, numbers and colors. He is 2 now and I think he has an excellent vocabulary for his age. Ms. Marivel, the director, is warm, kind and communicative. Some teachers have stayed for 10+ years, indicating it's a good place for staff as well as children. I can't say enough good things about this center! read more

I could not have asked for a better place to start my son at daycare for the first time. My son wasn't very socially developed and was behind in most milestones. He made strides at Penleigh and I knew when I dropped him off he was going to be loved and cared for. Penleigh knew it was hard for me to drop him off in the beginning and I received so many pictures and videos of him playing and smiling throughout the day. I knew he was in wonderful hands, he was enjoying himself and he was learning and growing. We moved my son to another daycare closer to home and with expanded hours and it broke my heart to move him out of Penleigh. I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to his wonderful teachers for creating a safe and loving place for my son to blossom. read more

Penleigh has become family to us since our daughter started full time daycare there almost 5 years ago. She did their preschool and TK programs and is now about to start kindergarten. Penleigh has provided a wonderful, loving environment for both of our children to thrive. The play based curriculum gives a foundation for self motivated learning, the teachers are kind and caring, and our daughter has advanced beyond many children her age both socially and academically as she now starts elementary school. We recommend Penleigh to all of our friends with children! read more

Words cannot describe how much my family and I loved Penleigh CDC. We were fortunate enough to get a spot when my daughter was about 5 months old. We initially chose it due to its proximity to our apartment, but we loved the environment and the teachers so much that even when we moved outside of downtown Sacramento, there was no question that we would continue to use Penleigh. My younger son joined the Penleigh family when he was about 4 months old, and he was cared for and lovingly spoiled by most of the same teachers who cared for my daughter. Concerning Covid, I was very impressed by how Ms. Marivel and the teachers handled the craziness and uncertainty. The center took health precautions very seriously and definitely instilled good habits in the kids. My daughter still likes to "instruct" me on the proper way to wash hands and wear a mask. We were at Penleigh for over 4 years and only left after moving out of state. Though my kids are in a new daycare, we still miss our Penleigh teachers and friends. My daughter especially misses Ms. Kim and Ms. Rose. I miss the transparent communication I had with Marivel and the teachers, and I certainly miss the warm and loving family environment found there. read more

Our daughter was with Penleigh for a year, in two different classrooms, and was given such good care. As a first time mom I was so anxious about daycare and all of the teachers /owner were so kind and compassionate. They provided so much love and enrichment, and such a safe and vibrant place for my daughter to grow and learn!! They became like family and I feel so much gratitude and love for this center. read more

Our little one went here from 7 months until 18 months. This was by far the most professional and loving daytime care for my little one. We originally had our baby at a different daycare in midtown and it was so stressful, all the babies were screaming every day and the staff were overall really rude to us. After a month of trying to work through it our waitlist was up and we were finally able to attend Penleigh and oh my goodness what love and kindness we received. All the staff here are thorough and thoughtful. They shared pictures and videos all day long of little one and she leaped to them on drop offs and was always super happy at pick up and often wanted to stay playing. If you're looking for a kind and safe environment I could not recommend Penleigh enough. read more

Penleigh CDC has been a second family to my daughter for the past 3 years. I feel fortunate to have found them after several visits to more well-known childcare centers with long waiting lists. My daughter started in the infant room and just completed their preschool program as she is moving on to TK! The teachers have been wonderful to her and surprisingly consistent given most our time there was during Covid. Penleigh is clean, organized, communicative, reasonably priced, and most importantly, really cared for my daughter. She made lots of friends and I feel she's well-prepared for TK. We're going to miss the Penleigh family! read more

From when we first started looking for a daycare until now, just after my son's third birthday, Penleigh has been essential to us in so many ways. It is hard to find a daycare these days that provides the right combination of care, an understanding and attentive staff and a safe environment for your child. Penleigh is all of the above. When we first started looking for daycare centers, we knew there were certain criteria that must be met. It must be someplace convenient with a great track record and not so expensive that we couldn't afford it. We almost gave up our search until a friend recommended Penleigh. As soon as we met Miss Marivel and staff we knew we had found the right place. Our son is enriched through multiple experiences everyday, from art to playing in their upstairs playground to interactive games. You can tell the wonderful staff really cares for him and they give us feedback each afternoon when we pick him up. His teachers, including Miss Elena, Miss Rose and Miss Kim, have all been a nurturing source for him. They all work very hard and deserve a lot of credit for their efforts. Lastly, I am grateful for the flexibility and understanding they give us with our schedule. Balancing work, family and a home life is hard and Penleigh knows that! read more

They took my youngest daughter last minute when I desperately needed childcare and the Montessori my older daughter was at was too impacted and disorganized to take her. Less than a month later I pulled my oldest daughter out of the Montessori and put her at Penleigh. They are absolutely the sweetest people, and the kids are ALWAYS happy. My children beg to go to preschool. I have worked with kids, and I have two children, and Penleigh has the happiest babies, and the most positive and joyful workers in all of my experience. Babies are NEVER left to cry, kids don't throw tantrums, and order and happiness are the consistent themes and impressions that are projected both to kids and parents. I have dropped in at all hours, and that is the prevailing mood; not just when they know they have visitors. I would recommend Penleigh for children of any age, and especially for parents of multiples. My girls are together almost all day, and they LOVE spending time with each other, especially because they have the freedom to socialize with other kids which keeps them from arguing too heatedly. At Penleigh my children have learned manners, discipline, and self-direction. They come home with freeform art projects as well as worksheets, and with good moods and stories to tell. Penleigh helps with potty training, they are consistent when I ask them for things like special diets and diaper rash treatment, and I get feedback from all of the assistants with stories about how my kids have been and anecdotes about their behavior. I love knowing that while I work my children are being loved and appreciated as much as they are at home. read more

Love this center! 1. It's downtown and totally convenient and 2. Great teachers and staff and 3. My kids love it here. The teachers play lots of games, do art projects with the kids, sing songs and read with the kids. Ours are still pretty little so there's not much they can do with science lessons or more complex art projects, but they're never left out or without an activity. The center has lots of resources for the kids, puppet theater, play kitchen, wooden toys, etc. The kids learn sign language or baby signs which is awesome. The whole building is brand new, it's a great facility. The place is super clean and spacious. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, flexible and accommodating to requests. The infant/toddler ratio to teacher is low, which we love as well. The teachers are fab, we're totally comfortable leaving our kids in their care. The infant care isn't just leaving the little ones in a crib or on a blanket, they sing and play with them all day. They're stimulated with toys or books or songs, etc, not just put down to stare at the ceiling. I would (and do) recommend this center to my friends with kids. read more

Our daughter has been going to Penleigh for close to 3 years, they really care about the children, and our daughter loves it there.

Penleigh was a great place for our son to receive care during the day. He enjoyed the time he spent with the teachers and other students. Penleigh is an important piece to the local community. read more

My daughter improved her conversational skills and overcame her shyness here in Penleigh. The staff are all loving and caring. The daily reading and art projects enhanced my daughter's interest in these activities. My daughter was also prepared for Kindergarten with practice writing, alphabet and numbers familiarity, sounds and phoenemic awareness. Penleigh families are friendly and proactive in events and celebrations. Thank you Penleigh! read more

Penleigh is an excellent facility for infant, toddler, and preschool care. I sent my son and daughter there for a period of over five years. The director and her staff were attentive and responsive to my children's development and made them feel special and loved. The staff in the baby room are exceptionally warm and accommodating. The toddler room provides lots of opportunities for creative play through art, music, and reading activities, while the preschool room provides a thoughtful curriculum with the right balance of structure and play to prepare children for kindergarten. It was truly the perfect place for my children to spend their first years. read more

My two sons were at Penleigh from 4 months old. They're now 2 and 4. They grew up in Penleigh. The teachers are highly nurturing and they really, really care about the children. My boys formed relationships there that they continue to have, even now that we have moved on due to relocation to another city. My children LOVED it there. I trusted the teachers with the most precious people in my world, and they earned that trust over and over each day. The teachers are an absolute blessing: caring, responsive, and engaging. I would recommend Penleigh to anyone who is seeking child care in the Sacramento area! read more

Penleigh is a great facility if you are in need of childcare for your little one. They are very attentive to each individual child's needs, and encourages everyone to do their best. I loved the preschool curriculum that they had my son follow (thank you Ms. Elena!). My son was more than prepared for Kindergarten when he started; he knew more than the teacher expected him to know! They are great at working with children who may have developmental disabilities as well, and they work with the family to discuss your child's progress in behavior and learning. Ms. Marivel and her staff have been such an important part of our lives for the past 3 years. Don't hesitate to bring your child. read more

My daughter was in the preschool room at Penleigh for 1 year and 7 months. She really enjoyed her time there; she made lots of friends and loved the teachers. The teachers are great. While at Penleigh, my daughter learned to write her name and was well-prepared to move on to TK. They have a nice balance between doing some constructive learning while leaving plenty of time for play. My daughter loves the upstairs/outside play area. The teachers also plan a variety of fun activities to do with the kids (e.g., puppet shows, walks around the neighborhood, arts and crafts, games, sing-a-longs). They have a "graduation" celebration every year to celebrate the children who are leaving to go onto TK and Kindergarten; these events were really nice...The teachers put a lot of effort into making this year's graduation a special event for the kids and families. Thank you for the wonderful care you have provided to my daughter! read more

I don't give a lot of 5-star ratings on Yelp, but our son has now been at Penleigh for nearly one year in the infant room, and I cannot say enough how great it is to leave him at a place we trust. The owner Marivel has a kind and positive personality and life outlook that is reflected throughout in the staff and facility. Every careprovider has been hard working, gentle, enthusiastic and attentive. I wish we had known about Penleigh when our older children were infants in the care of Discovery Tree and Sacramento Montessori. It is very stressful finding a daycare for your baby- but I have no doubt that any parent that chooses Penleigh will feel comfortable with their decision. read more

My daughter has been attending for two months and she has learned more in that time then she did her whole year of pre school. She is always happy to be there and the children are all well behaved. The rooms are beautiful and all interesting for the kids. I love the staff, they are always available to talk with me and greet and say their goodbyes to my daughter. I am more than happy that I sent my daughter to this center. read more