Find a daycare in Irvine, CA

Find daycares in Irvine, CA

Find daycares in Irvine, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Find daycares in Irvine, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best daycares in your area.
Zip code

Age of child(ren)

Top 10 daycares in Irvine, CA

Parents agree: these Irvine daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
St Andrew's Children's Center

St Andrew's Children's Center

New on TrustedCare
40+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
St. Andrew's Children's Center has been a pillar of the Irvine, California community since 1984, providing quality child development and family services. Their play-based learning approach ensures a well-rounded experience for all children. With a variety of programs and extracurricular activities, including Soccer Shots, Cooking and Art Academies, Gymnastics, and Sign Language for Babies, they cater to a broad range of interests. Committed to nurturing both the mind and body, they also provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
Little Scholars Child Care Learning Center

Little Scholars Child Care Learning Center

New on TrustedCare
22+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Established in 2002, Little Scholars Child Care Learning Center is a family-run preschool in Yorba Linda, CA, extending services to surrounding areas. They offer comprehensive childcare from infancy to Pre-K and an after-school care program. Their mission is to provide a safe, loving environment that fosters learning and growth at each child's pace. They also emphasize hands-on learning experiences, social interactions, and Kindergarten readiness through a variety of activities, including field trips and enrichment classes. Little Scholars is more than a daycare; it's a place where children are empowered to make choices and explore a world of
Baby Steps Family Child Care

Baby Steps Family Child Care

New on TrustedCare
22+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Welcome to Baby Steps Family Child Care in Garden Grove, CA! With a dedicated team of 8 caring professionals, we provide a warm and nurturing daycare environment where your child can flourish. Our focus is on creating a safe, supportive space that encourages learning, play, and growth. At Baby Steps, every child is given the individual attention they need to take confident strides toward their future. Join our family and watch your little one thrive!
Cypress Montessori Academy

Cypress Montessori Academy

New on TrustedCare
24+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
At Cypress Montessori Academy in Cypress, CA, we are dedicated to nurturing your child's growth through individual-directed learning within a rich, supportive environment. Our expert team of educators, with a commitment to personalized care, ensures that each child receives the attention they deserve. We offer an exceptional curriculum program that embraces the Montessori philosophy, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. Join us, and watch your child thrive in our thoughtfully designed, engaging spaces.
Tricia's Lil Farlings Daycare

Tricia's Lil Farlings Daycare

New on TrustedCare
24+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
I’m a in home daycare I have provided care for over 20 years. Our home is there home while parents are away at work, it’s liking being with gramma. We like to sing, dance learn basic numbers and colors. I want the children to feel safe and loved. I’m CPR certified and finger printed.
Precious Little Heartbeat Childcare

Precious Little Heartbeat Childcare

New on TrustedCare
22+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Welcome to Precious Little Heartbeat Childcare, where your child's well-being and development are our top priorities. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, we offer nurturing daycare services designed to foster growth and learning in a safe, loving environment. With a dedicated team of passionate caregivers, we ensure personalized attention and care for each child. At Precious Little Heartbeat Childcare, we create a foundation for lifelong learning and happiness, helping your child thrive every step of the way. Join our family, and let us be part of your child's precious journey.
Golden Star Daycare

Golden Star Daycare

New on TrustedCare
4+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Golden Star Daycare, founded in 2020 and located in Orange CA, offers home-based childcare for infants, toddlers, and school-age children. Their dedicated and energetic staff strive to provide high-quality care in a clean, safe, and nurturing environment. They offer developmentally-focused, play-based learning, and also provide meals and potty training assistance. With a keen understanding of the challenges faced by working parents, Golden Star Daycare is committed to helping families by providing loving, comprehensive care.
Tiny Ones Care

Tiny Ones Care

New on TrustedCare
6+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Tiny Ones Care, founded in 2018, is a licensed home daycare in Irvine, California. They provide a nurturing environment that fosters each child's growth through cooperative play and creative activities. With a unique holistic approach to early childhood education, Tiny Ones Care incorporates decades of Montessori teaching experience. Their programs are designed to foster self-awareness and prepare children for the next stage of their lives, ensuring they leave the daycare fully equipped for future learning opportunities.
Irvine Happy Daycare

Irvine Happy Daycare

New on TrustedCare
8+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Dedicated educators in daycare nurture children's development through tailored activities, fostering skills across various domains. Their efforts create a safe and engaging space where children begin their journey of lifelong learning.
Little Flowers Family Child Care

Little Flowers Family Child Care

New on TrustedCare
23+ years in business
Serves Irvine, CA
Founded in 2001, Little Flowers Family Child Care, located in Garden Grove, CA, offers quality child care in a nurturing environment. With a focus on personalized care, the center provides a variety of fun and developmental activities to infants and children of all ages. This family-run facility ensures a positive self-concept through a balance of self and teacher-directed activities, helping children grow and thrive. They also offer convenient before and after-school programs, as well as weekend and night care services, making it an ideal choice for busy families.

Your Daycare questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on TrustedCare.

How much does daycare cost?

Daycare costs depend on the child’s age group, the type of daycare, and where you live. Infant daycare is typically the most expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,500 per month. Infant daycare requires higher ratios of caregivers to children, which increases costs. Babies require more individualized attention, including diaper changes, feedings, and naps. As the child ages and becomes more independent, this ratio decreases along with daycare costs.

Traditional daycare centers tend to charge higher rates than home-based family daycare centers or co-ops. However, they usually have lower child-to-caregiver ratios, offer a wider range of amenities and activities, and have stricter qualifications for staff. Church-based, YMCA, or other non-profit child care centers offer lower rates, while home-based daycare is typically the cheapest option due to the low overhead costs.

In urban areas with a higher cost of living, daycare costs tend to be higher to cover the cost of higher rent and teacher salaries. Suburban and rural daycare centers have lower overhead costs, which often translates to more affordable daycare.

Is daycare tax deductible?

No, you cannot directly deduct daycare expenses on your federal tax return. However, if you qualify, there's a tax credit designed to assist with daycare costs, known as the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

The Child and Dependent Care Credit enables you to claim a percentage of your eligible childcare expenses. It ranges from 20% to 35% of allowable expenses, capping at $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more qualifying children (applicable to the 2023 tax year). Consult a qualified tax professional to confirm if your eligibility.

Can a daycare charge you when they are closed?

Some daycares may charge a reduced fee or no fee at all during certain closures, while others may maintain regular charges. The terms in your daycare contract or agreement should outline whether or not you are charged when they are closed. It's common for daycares to have specific policies regarding fees during closures, such as holidays or other scheduled breaks.

If you're unsure, reach out to the daycare directly to clarify their billing practices during closures.

How do I look up daycare violations?

To look up daycare violations, start by contacting your state’s licensing agency for childcare facilities. You can usually find this information through your state’s Department of Health and Human Services online database.

Another option is to reach out to community resources such as local parenting groups, forums, or social media groups. Other parents may share their experiences or provide information about daycare violations in your area. Finally, consider a visit the daycare center directly and ask for information about any past violations. Daycare centers are often required to make this information accessible to parents.

How do I choose a daycare?

When picking a daycare, trust your instincts and choose a daycare that aligns with your child's needs, your values, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for their development. Follow these additional suggestions to find the best fit for you and your child:

  • Get recommendations from other parents, friends, and pediatricians to start your search.
  • Visit in person to make sure the spaces are clean, safe, and friendly.
  • Ask about caregiver qualifications, such as CPR training, early childhood education background, and experience with children of a similar age.
  • Understand the daycare's approach to early education, discipline, feeding, and soothing methods.
  • Choose a daycare that is licensed and accredited to meet government-set health and safety standards.
  • Check if parents are encouraged to participate in the program and if there are opportunities for parental engagement.
  • Contact current and former clients for feedback on their experiences with the daycare.
  • Consider making unannounced visits to get a true sense of the daycare's daily operations
  • Look for a daycare with a suitable curriculum, flexible schedules, and activities that fit your preferences.
  • Visit the daycare with your child and see how they react to the space, teachers, and other children.
  • Secure a spot on the waiting list as early as possible, especially for sought-after infant programs.

What questions should I ask when evaluating potential daycare centers?

Gather as much information as you can to find the daycare that best fits your family’s needs. Be prepared with a list of questions when visiting daycares, including:

  • Is your daycare licensed and accredited to meet safety standards?
  • Are teachers credentialed and trained in CPR/First Aid?
  • What are the class sizes and student-teacher ratios for each age group?
  • What are the daycare's hours of operation and rates?
  • How does the daycare handle discipline?
  • Will the daycare assist with potty training?
  • How much time do children spend in free-play and outdoors?
  • Are meals and snacks provided by the daycare?
  • How are food allergies handled by the daycare?
  • What enrichment programs and activities are available?

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