The Best Daycare Centers in Burbank, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Burbank. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Burbank
Bright Horizons at Burbank
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Burbank offers a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. The center features NAEYC-accredited programs with experienced early childhood educators who hold degrees in early childhood education. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports and the center's focus on creating a nurturing, stimulating environment that prepares children for academic success.
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KinderCare at Burbank
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Burbank provides a research-based curriculum that balances academic preparation with social development. Their early childhood teachers receive ongoing professional development and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The center offers STEM learning, literacy programs, and creative arts in purpose-built classrooms with modern learning materials. Safety features include secured entrances, regular safety drills, and comprehensive health protocols. The center is known for its inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships, with many families noting the consistent quality of care and their children's enthusiasm for attending.
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The Gardner School of Burbank
The Gardner School
The Gardner School of Burbank offers an academically focused early childhood program that emphasizes school readiness through structured learning and play. Their proprietary curriculum includes literacy development, mathematics, science exploration, and foreign language exposure. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry, surveillance cameras, and strict pick-up protocols. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration, and teachers hold degrees in early childhood education with ongoing training. Parents consistently praise the school's clean facilities, engaging activities, and the noticeable academic progress their children make.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Burbank, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Burbank, CA?
In Burbank, the cost of full-time daycare varies significantly based on the type of facility. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay an average of $1,600 to $2,200 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the cost typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,900 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive, averaging $1,200 to $1,800 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, facility amenities, and meal provisions. It's important to note that Burbank is in Los Angeles County, where childcare costs are among the highest in the state. We recommend contacting facilities directly for precise pricing and inquiring about any available subsidies or sibling discounts.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Burbank?
All licensed childcare providers in Burbank are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history for free through the CDSS website. Search by the facility's name, address, or license number. The public file will show the license status (active, suspended, etc.), capacity, ages served, and any past citations for violations of state regulations. For a more local perspective, you can also contact the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), which serves the San Fernando Valley and Burbank area. They can provide referrals and help parents understand licensing reports. Always visit a facility in person to observe the environment and ask the director about any past citations.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Burbank, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Burbank, especially for infant spots, which have the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before your needed start date, and even during pregnancy for infant care. Some popular centers affiliated with major employers like Warner Bros. or The Walt Disney Studios may have even longer lists. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot, and how often the list is updated. Also consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate availability.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Burbank?
The two main licensed options in Burbank offer distinct environments. **Daycare Centers** are larger facilities, often in commercial buildings, with multiple classrooms divided by age. They typically follow a structured educational curriculum, have several staff members, and may offer amenities like dedicated playgrounds and commercial kitchens. They are open year-round with set hours. **Family Childcare Homes** are operated out of the provider's residence, caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 8 or 14, depending on license). This setting often provides a more home-like, flexible atmosphere with potentially lower child-to-adult ratios and a family-style routine. Both are licensed by the state, but their inspection schedules and some regulations differ. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and whether you prefer a more social or familial setting.
Does the City of Burbank or local organizations offer any resources or assistance for finding and paying for childcare?
Yes, several local resources can help. The primary agency is the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves Burbank and the greater San Fernando Valley. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed providers that match their needs. Crucially, CCRC also administers state and federal subsidy programs for eligible families, such as the California Alternative Payment Program and CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (e.g., employment, school attendance). Additionally, the **Burbank Unified School District** offers preschool programs at some elementary schools, which may have income-based tuition scales. For immediate assistance, calling 2-1-1 can connect you to local social services.
Nearby Cities
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