Nearly two million children regularly spend time in childcare in California. However, not much was known about the nutrition environments of these settings. In 2008, we conducted a statewide study (n=429 childcare sites) to investigate food and beverages options provided. This study was used to inform the Healthy Beverage law implemented in January 2012 to regulate beverages in licensed childcare in California. In 2012, we repeated the study with an aim to compare the major food categories provided to 2–5 year old children in 435 childcare sites (serving ~32,000 children) in California between 2008 and 2012.Compared to 2008, in 2012 we found that 10% more sites reported serving whole grains servings, whereas 4% fewer sites served white grains. In 2012, 2% more sites served fresh fruits, whereas 7% fewer sites served canned fruit. Similarly, more sites served legumes (9%), vegetarian meat substitute (13%) and baked/broiled chicken/fish (15%) in 2012. However, increases (5–10%) were also observed for sugary items, fried potatoes, and potato chips.From 2008 to 2012 an increased percentage of childcare sites provided foods that tend to positively impact the diet quality of young children. More efforts are required to bring positive changes for foods that tend to negatively impact diet quality, and contribute excess calories, such as sugary and savory snacks and fried potatoes.