The Best Daycare Centers in Calabasas, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Calabasas. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Calabasas
The Goddard School of Calabasas
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Calabasas offers a comprehensive play-based learning curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, and academic development. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) incorporates STEAM activities, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated outdoor play areas. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and participate in ongoing professional development. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through a proprietary app, including photos and progress updates.
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Bright Horizons at Calabasas
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Calabasas provides a research-based curriculum called The World at Their Fingertips, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that encourage exploration and independence. The center employs degreed teachers with specialized training in early childhood development and offers enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and physical education. Their Emergent Curriculum adapts to children's interests while meeting developmental milestones.
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Montessori of Calabasas
Montessori Educational Centers
Montessori of Calabasas offers authentic Montessori education in a carefully prepared environment designed to foster independence and intrinsic motivation. The curriculum encompasses practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies. All lead teachers hold AMI or AMS Montessori certifications and the center maintains small class sizes with mixed-age groupings. The facility includes beautiful outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces that complement the indoor learning environment. The school emphasizes peace education, global awareness, and developing the whole child through individualized learning plans and hands-on manipulative materials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Calabasas, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Calabasas, CA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Calabasas, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, placing it among the higher-priced areas in California due to the city's affluent nature and high cost of living. This can vary based on the type of center (corporate chain vs. private in-home), specific amenities, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, California's state-subsidized program, CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care, is available for qualifying families based on income, need, and family size. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or limited scholarship opportunities. It's highly recommended to contact the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County, including Calabasas, for the most current information on subsidies and eligibility.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Calabasas, and what strategies can parents use to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded licensed daycare centers in Calabasas can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant rooms. This is due to high demand, limited facility space, and strict state-mandated teacher-to-child ratios. To navigate this, parents should start their search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Key strategies include: 1) Getting on multiple waitlists (both centers and licensed family child care homes), 2) Following up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest, 3) Exploring options in neighboring communities like Agoura Hills or West Hills, and 4) Considering nanny shares, which are popular in Calabasas, as a flexible interim or permanent solution.
What are the key differences between a large daycare center and a licensed family child care home in Calabasas, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Calabasas, large daycare centers are often part of corporate chains or private schools, offering structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger peer groups. Licensed family child care (FCC) homes are run out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, often with more flexible hours. FCC homes are licensed for up to 8 children (with variations for a large license). To verify the license and compliance history of *any* provider, you must use the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) **"Child Care Licensing" website**. You can search by facility name, location, or license number to view inspection reports, citations, and license status. This is a critical step for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
Are there daycare facilities in Calabasas that offer specialized programs, such as organic meals, language immersion, or outdoor/nature-focused curricula?
Yes, reflecting the community's preferences, several Calabasas daycare providers offer specialized programs. You can find centers with organic and locally-sourced meal programs, as well as those emphasizing outdoor play and nature exploration, leveraging the city's proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains. While full language immersion programs (like Spanish or Mandarin) are less common in standalone daycares here than in larger metro areas, several centers incorporate bilingual elements into their daily curriculum. For more structured immersion, some parents look toward private preschools in the area that start at age 2 or 3. It's best to inquire directly with centers about their specific educational philosophies and enrichment offerings.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for daycare in California, and how do Calabasas facilities typically compare?
California law mandates strict staff-to-child ratios. For centers, key ratios are: 1:4 for infants (0-24 months), 1:12 for toddlers (18-36 months), and 1:12 for preschoolers (36 months to entry into first grade). Many high-quality facilities in Calabasas often maintain ratios that are *better* (i.e., more staff per child) than the state minimum to provide more individualized attention, which is a common selling point for premium centers. For licensed family child care homes, the ratio is 1:4 for infants and 1:6 for children under age 10, with no more than 3 infants. Always ask a prospective provider for their specific ratios during tours, as a lower ratio is a strong indicator of quality care and safety.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Calabasas: