The Best Daycare Centers in Camino, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Camino. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Camino
Bright Horizons at Cameron Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Cameron Park is a highly-regarded childcare center located just 10 minutes from Camino, offering a comprehensive educational program based on The World at Their Fingertips curriculum. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with age-appropriate learning environments, certified early childhood educators, and low teacher-to-child ratios. Their program emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development through hands-on learning experiences. The center maintains rigorous health and safety protocols, including secure entry systems and comprehensive cleanliness standards. Parents consistently praise the qualified teaching staff, engaging curriculum, and excellent communication about child development progress.
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Kindercare Learning Center - Placerville
KinderCare Education
The KinderCare Learning Center in Placerville serves families throughout the Camino area with a research-based curriculum that focuses on whole-child development. Their program includes phonics-based literacy instruction, STEM activities, and social skills development. The center features dedicated classrooms for each age group, secure outdoor play areas, and nutritious meal programs. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with coded entry systems, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks. The center is noted for its inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships that support each child's individual learning journey.
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Little Angels Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Little Angels Preschool & Childcare, located in nearby Pollock Pines, has built an outstanding reputation serving the Camino community with a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center offers a nurturing environment with experienced teachers who create individualized learning plans for each child. Their program includes early literacy, mathematics, science exploration, arts, and outdoor learning in their spacious, natural play areas. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and emphasizes character development and social skills. Parents consistently highlight the warm, family-like atmosphere, experienced staff with low turnover, and the center's commitment to providing a safe, stimulating environment that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Camino, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Camino, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Camino, which is in El Dorado County, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), costs are slightly lower, averaging $900 to $1,300 per month. These rates are generally reflective of the rural/suburban nature of the area, which can be more affordable than nearby urban centers like Sacramento or South Lake Tahoe but still significant for families. For financial assistance, parents should apply for the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program through the El Dorado County Office of Education or the local resource and referral agency, Child Action, Inc. These programs provide subsidies based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in Camino?
All licensed childcare providers in Camino, California, are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify a facility's license and review its compliance history online through the CDSS Care Facility Search tool. Simply enter the provider's name or license number. It's crucial to look for the license status (should be "Licensed"), any past citations (especially Type A violations, which are the most serious), and the results of recent inspections. You can also contact the local Regional Office in Sacramento for additional information. We recommend visiting any potential daycare in person to observe safety measures, such as secure fencing, clean facilities, and staff-to-child ratios, which in California are 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers, and 1:14 for school-age children.
Are there many licensed in-home daycare options (Family Child Care Homes) in Camino, and what are their advantages?
Yes, licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) are a popular and often more available option in Camino due to its residential, community-oriented setting. These small, home-based programs can be either a Small FCCH (serving up to 8 children) or a Large FCCH (serving up to 14 children). Their advantages in Camino often include a more flexible, home-like environment, potentially smaller group sizes, and providers who may offer more personalized care and flexibility with hours, which can be beneficial for parents with non-traditional work schedules common in the local agriculture, tourism, or service industries. They can also be more integrated into the local neighborhood. You can find licensed FCCHs using the same CDSS search tool and by asking for referrals through local parent networks or the El Dorado County Child Care Planning Council.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in Camino, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Due to Camino's smaller size and limited number of dedicated childcare centers, waitlists can be common, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers or preschools to have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. We strongly recommend starting your search at least 6-12 months before you need care, particularly if you require an infant spot. For preschool-age children starting in the fall, inquire and get on lists by the prior spring. To manage this, contact multiple providers—including both centers and licensed family homes—and get on multiple waitlists if possible. Be proactive and follow up periodically. The El Dorado County Child Care Resource and Referral service can provide current lists of providers with openings.
Are there childcare options in Camino that incorporate outdoor or nature-based learning, reflecting the local environment?
Absolutely. Given Camino's location in the Sierra Nevada foothills, surrounded by apple orchards and close to nature, several providers emphasize outdoor play and nature-based learning. Some local preschools and family child care homes may have programs that utilize their large, natural yards, incorporate gardening, or plan activities around the local seasons (like apple harvest). While not all are formally designated "forest schools," many take advantage of the setting. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor time, play structures, and if they have policies for all-weather outdoor play. Some providers may also organize local field trips to nearby parks or farms. This focus aligns well with California's early learning foundations that emphasize physical development and exploration.