Find a daycare in San Diego, CA

Find daycares in San Diego, CA

Find daycares in San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA

Parents agree: these San Diego daycares are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Jama Safiyo & Farah Abdi Family Childcare

Jama Safiyo & Farah Abdi Family Childcare

New on TrustedCare
9+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Welcome to Jama Safiyo & Farah Abdi Family Childcare, where your child's growth and happiness are our top priorities. Located in the heart of San Diego, our dedicated team of three professionals provides a nurturing and safe environment for your little ones. We specialize in daycare services, offering a warm and engaging atmosphere where children can learn, play, and thrive. Join our family and let us be a part of your child's early development journeyOur licensed child care facility has been open for 9 years. Located in City Highlights is now offering affordable evening, night and weekend child care for infants, toddlers, preschool and schoo
Lo's Family Childcare Text(669)-251-8458

Lo's Family Childcare Text(669)-251-8458

New on TrustedCare
Serves San Diego, CA
Welcome to Lo’s Family Childcare , a nurturing and secure in-home childcare service located in 92115. We provide a loving and supportive environment for children aged 3months-12 years. where they can learn, play, and grow. offering age appropriate activities that promote creativity, social skills, and early education. We understand the unique needs of families and strive to provide flexible, reliable, and affordable childcare solutions that give parents peace of mind. At Lo’s Family Childcare , your child's well-being is our top priority, ensuring they feel at home while you’re away.
SHTEWI, MANAR FAMILY CILD CARE

SHTEWI, MANAR FAMILY CILD CARE

New on TrustedCare
Serves San Diego, CA
Welcome to Shtewi, Manar Family Child Care, San Diego’s cozy corner for your little ones to flourish! Nestled in the heart of 92115, we offer personalized daycare services with a sprinkle of love and a dash of fun. With one dedicated caregiver, your child receives the attention they deserve in a warm and nurturing environment. Here, every day is an adventure filled with learning and laughter. Join our family and watch your child thrive in a place where they truly belong!
Hillcrest Preschool

Hillcrest Preschool

New on TrustedCare
55+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Established in 1970, Hillcrest Preschool is a diverse and inclusive institution based in San Diego, California. They are dedicated to fostering socialization and authenticity in a safe, loving environment. Catering to children aged 18 months to 5 years, Hillcrest offers both full-time and part-time slots with an emphasis on play-based learning. Their curriculum is well-rounded, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and creative development. The preschool prepares children for kindergarten and beyond, aiming to make them comfortable in a social setting, excited about learning, and confident in their unique talents.
ABC Little Hands

ABC Little Hands

New on TrustedCare
21+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Founded in 2022, ABC Little Hands is a licensed daycare based in San Diego, CA, with a mission to nurture and enrich children's growth on all fronts. Offering a bilingual program with Spanish immersion, ABC Little Hands is dedicated to small group interaction, promoting social skills, and providing organic meals. Their unique services extend to providing daycare until 6pm and a monthly parents' night out. With a commitment to providing a fun, safe, and nurturing environment, ABC Little Hands is now enrolling for 2024 / 2025
Early Advantage Family Day Care, Inc.

Early Advantage Family Day Care, Inc.

New on TrustedCare
29+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
I'm an experienced caregiver (over 30 years) with a BA degree in education from SDSU. Committed to providing the highest quality childcare. I Offer a proven program, emphasizing both educational and intentional play activities designed to nurture and develop children'a psychological, emotional, behavioral, & social skills. I enjoy watching the children grow and develop over the years and parents appreciate how many of them graduate from my day care equipped for advanced kindergarten placement. I use my own curriculum, coupled with play based activities. I was trained by my mom, who was a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 30+ years.
Rivero Daycare

Rivero Daycare

New on TrustedCare
10+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Rivero daycare is located in San Diego, California I run a home-based daycare. I am open Monday through Friday from 5:00AM to 5:30 PM. Rivero daycare offers a variety of age-appropriate toys with activities indoors and outdoors with hands-on learning experiences.Safety is always a priority and where children feel happy and right at home. I have a small license which accommodates up to eight children. Rivero daycare is dedicated to nurturing your little ones growth and education preparing the school-age children with arts, music, language, and problem-solving abilities and the collaborative environment, where your children can thrive. CPR and
The Merry-Go-Around

The Merry-Go-Around

New on TrustedCare
25+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
The Merry Go Around, founded in 1994, is a NAEYC accredited, non-profit child development center located in San Diego, California. They offer services to children from the ages of 6 weeks to 6 years. The center fosters a hands-on learning environment and provides a range of teacher-led activities and student-initiated learning experiences. They also offer yoga for older students at no additional cost. The childcare center is dedicated to fostering growth, joy, respect, and self-worth in children through meaningful everyday experiences. Special discounts are offered to federal employees.
Paradise Hills Family Child Daycare

Paradise Hills Family Child Daycare

New on TrustedCare
Serves San Diego, CA
Welcome to Paradise Hills Family Child Daycare a nurturing and engaging in-home daycare where children feel loved,supported,and encouraged to grow. Our cozy and safe environment is designed to make your child feel right at home. Our bilingual in-home daycare offers a unique opportunity for children to develop essential language skills,creativity, and problem solving abilities.Through play-based learning kids can explore,experiment,and learn at their own pace. Our large backyard provides the perfect setting for outdoor adventures and hands-on learning experiences. With over eight years of experience in child development and ABA training, I am
I.Newton Education Center

I.Newton Education Center

New on TrustedCare
4+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Welcome to I.Newton Education Center, where your child's growth and development are our top priorities. Located in El Cajon, CA, our nurturing daycare environment is designed to foster learning and social skills in young children. With a dedicated team of 8 passionate educators, we provide personalized attention to help your child thrive. At I.Newton Education Center, we believe in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive space that inspires curiosity and a love for learning. Join us and watch your child flourish.

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?

Reviews for San Diego daycares

Recent success stories from people in the San Diego area.
We've vetted over 250,000 child care providers.
Deep insights on every provider

Compare programs with pricing, detailed information, parent reviews, photos, and more.

Quality & safety transparency

See the current licensing status for every daycare and child care provider.

Up-to-date availability

Filter your search to show providers with openings now.

San Diego daycares by service