The Best Daycare Centers in Claremont, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Claremont. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Claremont
Bright Horizons at Claremont
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Claremont offers a research-based curriculum emphasizing STEM, literacy, and social-emotional development through play-based learning. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees and ongoing professional development. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, regular drills, and rigorous cleanliness protocols. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs like music and art. Parent communication is supported through daily updates and a dedicated app. The center stands out for its strong partnerships with local families and its alignment with NAEYC standards, fostering a nurturing environment that supports developmental milestones.
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KinderCare on Foothill
KinderCare Education
KinderCare on Foothill provides a comprehensive early childhood curriculum focused on literacy, math, science, and creative arts, tailored to each age group. The center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios and employs staff with CPR/first aid certification and ongoing training. Safety measures include keypad entry, fenced playgrounds, and health screenings. The facility offers spacious indoor and outdoor learning environments, a nutritious meal program, and flexible scheduling. It is praised for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent involvement through regular conferences and events, making it a trusted choice for holistic child development in the Claremont area.
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Claremont Community School of Early Childhood Education
Independent
Claremont Community School of Early Childhood Education is renowned for its play-based, emergent curriculum that integrates Reggio Emilia-inspired approaches, encouraging creativity and inquiry. The center features experienced educators with advanced degrees in child development and low student-teacher ratios. Safety is emphasized through secure facilities, background-checked staff, and organic meal options. The environment includes natural outdoor spaces, art studios, and project-based learning areas. It stands out for its strong community focus, cultural diversity, and parent co-op opportunities, ensuring individualized attention and a supportive learning atmosphere for children in Claremont.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Claremont, CA
What are the typical costs for infant and toddler daycare in Claremont, CA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Claremont, full-time infant daycare typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,400 to $1,900 per month. These costs reflect the city's high quality of care, credentialed staff, and higher operational expenses in Los Angeles County. For financial assistance, parents can apply for the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program through the local resource and referral agency, **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves the San Gabriel Valley including Claremont. Additionally, some Claremont-based centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to apply for assistance early, as waitlists for subsidized slots can be long.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers and preschools in Claremont, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded licensed centers and preschools in Claremont, especially those affiliated with The Claremont Colleges or with exceptional ratings, can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 18 months for infant rooms. For preschool-age children (3-5 years), waitlists may be 3-9 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least a year before you need care. Get on multiple waitlists (both centers and licensed family child care homes), make follow-up calls every 2-3 months to confirm your active status, and be flexible with your start date. Exploring options in neighboring communities like Pomona or Upland can also provide more immediate availability.
What are the licensing and safety regulations specific to California that I should verify when touring a daycare in Claremont?
All legal childcare providers in Claremont must be licensed by the **California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division**. Key regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:12 for preschoolers), mandatory background checks (fingerprinting) for all staff and volunteers, and required pediatric CPR/First Aid certification. Providers must also have a disaster plan for events like earthquakes and fires. During a tour, you can ask to see their current license (posted publicly), ask about staff qualifications, and observe safety features like secured gates, outlet covers, and clean facilities. You can also look up a provider's license status and any past violations on the CDSS website.
Are there unique childcare options in Claremont that leverage local educational or community resources?
Yes, Claremont offers several unique options tied to its "City of Trees and PhDs" character. Several **lab schools** or child development centers are operated by The Claremont Colleges (e.g., the Claremont McKenna College Children's School, the Scripps College Family Child Care Network), which often serve as training sites for education students and emphasize developmental research-based curricula. The City of Claremont's **Human Services Department** also offers recreational preschool programs and school-age camps. Furthermore, the vibrant village and numerous parks mean many programs incorporate nature-based and community-oriented learning, taking advantage of the local botanical gardens and college campuses for enrichment.
What is the difference between a licensed family child care home and a daycare center in Claremont, and how do I choose?
In Claremont, a licensed **daycare center** is a facility in a commercial or institutional building, often caring for larger groups of children with multiple staff rooms. A licensed **family child care (FCC) home** is operated out of the provider's residence, with a smaller, mixed-age group (up to 8 or 14 children, depending on license type). Centers often provide more structured curricula, larger peer groups, and may have longer hours. FCC homes typically offer a more home-like, flexible environment with potentially lower ratios and mixed-age sibling care. Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your philosophy. Claremont has a strong network of both; visiting several of each type is the best way to gauge the right fit. The local FCC providers often form supportive networks to share resources and training.