The Best Daycare Centers in Chatsworth, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Chatsworth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Chatsworth
KinderCare at Chatsworth
KinderCare Learning Companies
This NAEYC-accredited center offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Features include secure keypad entry, dedicated age-appropriate classrooms, and highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor learning environments with modern educational materials and a focus on school readiness. Parents praise the consistent communication and individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
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The Learning Experience - Chatsworth
The Learning Experience
This center features The Learning Experience's proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum with specialized programs in phonics, foreign language, and manners. The facility includes state-of-the-art security systems, bright and colorful classrooms, and multiple outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All lead teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The center is known for its strong emphasis on both academic preparation and character development, with parents consistently noting the caring staff and clean, well-maintained environment.
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Northridge Discovery Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Chatsworth, this highly-regarded independent center offers a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The curriculum focuses on hands-on learning experiences, social skills development, and individualized learning plans. Features include low student-teacher ratios, certified early childhood educators, nutritious meal programs, and extensive outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent safety protocols with secure access and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Parents consistently praise the warm, family-like atmosphere and the center's commitment to each child's unique development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Chatsworth, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Chatsworth, CA?
In Chatsworth, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. This varies based on the type of facility; licensed in-home family daycare homes are often on the lower end of this range, while larger daycare centers or those with specialized educational curricula (like Montessori) may charge at the higher end or slightly above. Prices in Chatsworth are generally reflective of the greater Los Angeles area but can be slightly lower than in some neighboring communities like Woodland Hills or Calabasas. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and enrichment activities.
How can I verify the license and safety record of a daycare provider in Chatsworth?
All licensed childcare providers in California are regulated by the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) of the Department of Social Services. You can search for any licensed facility in Chatsworth using the CCLD's online "Child Care Facility Search" tool. This public database allows you to view the facility's license status, capacity, and any past citations or substantiated complaints. For a more thorough check, you can also contact the local CCLD Regional Office for the San Fernando Valley. Additionally, Chatsworth parents often recommend visiting the facility in person, asking about staff-to-child ratios (which in California are 1:4 for infants and 1:12 for preschoolers), and checking for visible safety measures like secured gates, clean play areas, and posted emergency plans.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Chatsworth, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the more sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Chatsworth, especially for infant care slots, which are limited due to stricter staffing ratios. It is highly advisable to begin your search and put your name on waitlists at least 6 to 12 months before your desired start date. Some popular centers may even recommend applying during pregnancy. For less immediate needs, like preschool for a 3-year-old, 3-6 months of lead time is often sufficient. When touring facilities, always ask about their specific waitlist process, any associated fees, and how often they update families on their position.
What are some of the unique local or outdoor amenities that daycare programs in Chatsworth might utilize?
Chatsworth's unique geography offers several local amenities that enrich childcare programs. Many quality daycares incorporate outings or themed activities around local landmarks such as the Chatsworth Reservoir, the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, or the nearby Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center. Programs may have gardens for children to learn about plants, or they may plan nature walks to observe the area's famous rock formations and wildlife. This connection to local parks and open spaces is a distinctive benefit of childcare in Chatsworth, promoting physical activity and environmental education. When touring facilities, ask about their policy on outdoor play and if they utilize these community assets.
What options exist for backup or emergency childcare in Chatsworth if my regular provider is unavailable?
Chatsworth parents have a few options for backup care. Several local daycare centers offer occasional "drop-in" care slots based on daily availability, though these must be arranged in advance. Nationwide backup care networks like Bright Horizons or Care.com have providers in the area, but availability can be limited. A more reliable local solution is to network with other parents in your daycare or through community groups (like on Nextdoor or local Facebook parent groups) to share recommendations for trusted babysitters or nannies who do short-notice work. Additionally, some in-home family daycare providers in Chatsworth may accommodate a temporary sibling or known child from another family in an emergency. Planning and having a shortlist of 2-3 backup options is crucial.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Chatsworth: