The Best Daycare Centers in Farmington, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Farmington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Farmington
Little Lambs Preschool
Little Lambs Preschool
Little Lambs Preschool is a highly-regarded local institution in Farmington offering a comprehensive early childhood education program. They focus on play-based learning with structured academic components to prepare children for kindergarten. The center features a low student-teacher ratio, experienced certified early childhood educators, and a nurturing Christian environment. Their curriculum includes literacy development, math readiness, social skills, and creative arts. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and emphasizes character development alongside academic preparation. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean facilities, and the strong foundation children receive.
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The Learning Experience - Manteca
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in nearby Manteca serves the Farmington community with a comprehensive early education program. This nationally recognized center offers the proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, certified early childhood educators, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. The center provides nutritious meals, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and specialized programs in philanthropy, manners, and foreign language exposure. Their phonics-based reading program has shown exceptional results in preparing children for elementary school success.
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Primrose School of Stockton at Spanos Park
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Stockton serves families in the broader region including Farmington with their Balanced Learning approach that combines academic preparation with character development. The accredited program features dedicated early childhood educators with ongoing professional development, secure campus with controlled access, and purpose-built classrooms designed for optimal learning. Their curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts, plus specialized music and physical education programs. The school emphasizes parent partnership through regular communication and family events. Facilities include age-appropriate playgrounds, library, and technology-enhanced learning spaces with excellent safety records and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Farmington, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Farmington, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Farmington, CA, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month per child. Center-based care tends to be higher, often ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 monthly. Farmington is a small, rural community in San Joaquin County, so options are more limited than in larger cities, which can impact pricing and availability. For financial assistance, California offers the CalWORKs Child Care program and the Alternative Payment Program (APP), which are administered through local agencies like the San Joaquin County Office of Education or the Child Care Resource & Referral (R&R) agency for the region. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (like employment or training). It's crucial to apply early, as waitlists for subsidies can be long.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Farmington?
All licensed childcare providers in Farmington must be registered with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify a license and review inspection reports, including any citations or complaints, for free on the CDSS website using their "Child Care Facility Search" tool. Simply enter the provider's name, facility number, or city. For Farmington specifically, you can also contact the local Regional Office covering San Joaquin County for additional context. Always look for a current license, check the "Visit Type" and "Visit Conclusion" in recent reports, and note if any "Type A" violations (which are the most serious) have been cited. This due diligence is essential given the limited number of providers in a small town.
Are there any licensed daycare centers in Farmington, or is the care primarily in-home family childcare?
Due to its small, rural population, Farmington has very few, if any, large daycare centers. Childcare is predominantly provided through licensed family childcare homes (FCCHs). These are private residences where a provider cares for a smaller group of children, often offering a more home-like environment. Some parents may also utilize license-exempt care, such as care from a relative, or look for providers in nearby larger towns like Stockton, Lathrop, or Tracy, which involve a commute. The Farmington community often relies on word-of-mouth recommendations and local networks to find trusted in-home providers. Checking with the Farmington Elementary School or local community boards can sometimes yield leads on available FCCHs.
What is the average waitlist time for daycare in Farmington, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Given the limited supply of licensed childcare in a small community like Farmington, waitlist times can be unpredictable but often range from several months to over a year, especially for infant care. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Get on multiple waitlists at both family childcare homes and centers in neighboring towns. Be proactive and follow up with providers monthly to express continued interest. Networking with other parents through local Facebook groups (e.g., "Farmington, CA Community") or at the Farmington Library can provide insider information on upcoming openings. Being flexible with your start date and hours can also make you a more attractive candidate to providers.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Farmington?
For school-age children attending Farmington Elementary School (part of the New Hope Elementary School District), the primary option is typically an on-site or district-coordinated program. You should contact the school district office directly to inquire about the availability of an after-school education and safety (ASES) program. These state-funded programs often provide homework help, enrichment activities, and supervision until 6 PM. If a formal school program is not available, parents in Farmington often piece together care using a combination of licensed family childcare homes that offer school-age slots, private babysitters, or care provided by trusted neighbors. Due to the rural setting, coordinating transportation from school to a childcare home is a key logistical point to address.