The Best Daycare Centers in Barstow, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Barstow. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Barstow
Barstow Head Start
Child Development Associates, Inc.
Barstow Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services through a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness. The program emphasizes literacy development, social-emotional learning, and cognitive development through play-based activities. Certified teachers with early childhood credentials implement developmentally appropriate practices in small class sizes. The center offers nutritious meals, health screenings, and family engagement programs. What makes this facility stand out is its holistic approach that supports both child development and family well-being through extensive wraparound services and parent education opportunities.
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The Learning Tree Preschool & Daycare
Independent
The Learning Tree offers a comprehensive educational program that balances structured learning with creative exploration. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional early childhood education, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social development. The facility features secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center stands out for its low student-teacher ratios, individualized learning plans, and strong emphasis on parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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KinderCare Learning Center at Victorville
KinderCare Education
This KinderCare location serves families throughout the High Desert region including Barstow with a nationally-recognized curriculum that prepares children for academic success. The center employs dedicated early childhood educators who implement research-based learning approaches across all age groups. Safety is paramount with secured entry systems, comprehensive background checks, and rigorous health protocols. The facility features dedicated learning centers, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. What distinguishes this center is its comprehensive early learning framework that includes phonics-based reading readiness, STEM exploration, and social skills development, backed by KinderCare's 50+ years of educational expertise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Barstow, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Barstow, CA?
In Barstow, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of provider and the child's age. For licensed daycare centers, you can expect to pay approximately $600 to $900 per month for full-time care. In-home family childcare homes may range from $500 to $750 monthly. Infant care is typically at the higher end of this scale due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. Costs are generally more affordable than in major California metropolitan areas, but availability can be limited. It's important to note that California offers financial assistance programs like CalWORKs and the Alternative Payment Program for eligible families, which can be accessed through the San Bernardino County Children's Fund or local resource and referral agencies.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Barstow?
All licensed childcare providers in Barstow are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify a facility's license and view its compliance history by using the "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the CDSS website. Simply enter the provider's name, facility number, or city. This report will show the license status, capacity, any type of license (e.g., Infant Center, Preschool, Family Child Care Home), and a record of all inspections, including citations for violations. For local assistance, you can also contact the Child Care Resource and Referral agency serving the High Desert region, which can help you understand the reports and identify quality, licensed options in the Barstow area.
Are there any daycare centers in Barstow that offer extended hours for parents with non-traditional work schedules?
Yes, due to Barstow's location as a major logistics and transportation hub with many residents working at the rail yards, warehouses, or in healthcare, some childcare providers offer extended or flexible hours. A few licensed centers and family childcare homes may provide care as early as 5:00 AM or as late as 7:00 PM, and some offer weekend care. However, these spots are in high demand and fill quickly. It is crucial to inquire directly with providers about their specific hours and any shift differential fees. Networking with other local parents or contacting the local resource and referral service can help identify these specific providers, as they are not the standard.
What resources are available in Barstow to help me find and choose a quality daycare?
The primary local resource is the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) program administered by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. They maintain a database of all licensed providers in the Barstow area and offer free referrals based on your specific needs (location, hours, child's age, etc.). They can also provide guidance on what to look for during a visit, questions to ask providers, and information on state subsidies. Additionally, you can visit the Barstow Unified School District website for information on state preschool programs, and local community centers or libraries often have bulletin boards with childcare advertisements. Always cross-check any provider's license with the state CDSS website.
How long are waitlists for infant daycare in Barstow, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for infant daycare (children under 2 years old) in Barstow can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for the most sought-after centers and licensed family homes. This is due to strict state-mandated staff-to-infant ratios limiting available spots. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee? How often should I check in? Is the list prioritized? Exploring multiple options, including both centers and family homes, increases your chances of securing a spot when needed.
Childcare Insights for Barstow
Finding quality childcare that also has immediate openings can feel like a pressing challenge for parents in Barstow. The search for "daycares near me with openings" is more than just a Google query; it's about securing a safe, nurturing, and reliable environment for your child close to home. In our community, this search comes with its own unique considerations, from the desert climate to the rhythm of local life along the I-40 corridor. The good news is that with a focused approach, you can navigate the options and find a wonderful fit for your family right here in Barstow.
Start your search by tapping into local networks. Beyond online directories, the Barstow community is a valuable resource. Consider speaking with other parents at the Barstow Mall playground, the Dana Park community events, or your local pediatrician's office. Personal recommendations often lead to discovering smaller, licensed home daycares that may have openings but limited online presence. Additionally, contacting the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), which serves San Bernardino County, can provide a vetted list of licensed providers in our specific zip codes. They can inform you about potential vacancies and help you understand the different types of licenses, which is crucial for making an informed decision.
When you contact a daycare in Barstow, whether it's a larger center or a family home, ask specific questions that matter for our area. Inquire about their sun safety policies for outdoor play, given our high desert sun, and how they handle the extreme summer heat. Ask about their daily communication methods and their policy on school closures during occasional dust storms or high winds. It’s also wise to discuss their proximity to major routes like Main Street or the interstate, and their drop-off/pick-up logistics to ensure it fits with a commute that might involve the Marine Corps Logistics Base or other local employers. A visit is non-negotiable; seeing the space during operating hours will give you a true sense of the environment, the children's engagement, and the caregiver interactions.
Finally, be prepared to act thoughtfully but promptly when you find a promising option with an opening. Have your child's immunization records and a list of emergency contacts ready. Discuss the enrollment agreement thoroughly, including rates, hours, and policies for holidays. Remember, an opening is an opportunity to start a partnership. The right daycare in Barstow will not only provide care but will become an extension of your family's support system, fostering your child's growth within the context of our friendly, resilient high desert community. Trust your instincts—you know your child best, and finding a place where they feel secure and happy is the ultimate goal.