The Best Daycare Centers in Glendale, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Glendale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Glendale
The Goddard School of Glendale
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Glendale offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, language development, and creative arts. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated outdoor play areas. All teachers hold early childhood education degrees or certifications and participate in ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention.
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Sunshine Daycare & Preschool
Independent
Sunshine Daycare & Preschool provides a nurturing, home-like environment with a comprehensive educational program focused on whole-child development. Their curriculum blends Montessori-inspired activities with structured learning, emphasizing literacy, mathematics, and social skills. The center features secure facilities with CCTV monitoring, nutritious meal programs, and spacious indoor/outdoor play areas. Staff members include certified early childhood educators with specialized training in infant/toddler development. The center is particularly praised for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and strong parent-teacher communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at Burbank
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Burbank, serving the greater Glendale area, offers a research-based World at Their Fingertips curriculum that prepares children for academic success while fostering creativity and critical thinking. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated art and music studios, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their highly qualified teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous professional development. The program emphasizes emergent curriculum based on children's interests, with strong focus on literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Additional services include enrichment programs in music, Spanish, and yoga, plus flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Glendale, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Glendale, CA, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Glendale, the average cost for full-time infant care typically ranges from $1,400 to $2,200 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,800 per month. These costs can vary based on the type of facility (center-based vs. home-based), its amenities, and curriculum. For financial assistance, Glendale parents can apply for the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program, which are administered locally through agencies like Child Care Resource Center (CCRC). Additionally, the City of Glendale may offer limited subsidies or can direct you to local non-profits. It's highly recommended to contact the Glendale Child Care Information and Referral Service for the most current program details and eligibility requirements.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Glendale, and what can I do to improve my chances of securing a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded licensed daycare centers in Glendale can be substantial, often ranging from 3 to 12 months, especially for infant rooms. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 6-9 months before your needed start date. Be proactive by contacting multiple centers to get on their lists, and follow up with a polite email or call every 2-3 months to confirm your continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family child care homes in Glendale neighborhoods like Montrose, Rossmoyne, or Kenneth Village, which may have shorter wait times. Being flexible with your start date or considering part-time options initially can also open up opportunities.
What are the key differences between a large daycare center and a licensed family child care home in Glendale, and how do I verify their licensing status?
Large daycare centers in Glendale (like those in commercial buildings) often have more structured curricula, multiple classrooms divided by age, and larger groups of children with several staff members. Licensed family child care homes operate out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. Both must be licensed by the State of California. To verify licensing status, inspection reports, and any history of violations, you must use the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) "Child Care Licensing" website. You can search by facility name, address, or license number. Always review the facility's compliance history and visit in person before making a decision.
Are there any unique local resources or parent networks in Glendale for finding and vetting childcare providers?
Yes, Glendale has several valuable local resources. The **Glendale Public Library** often hosts parent-child workshops and can be a good place to network with other parents for recommendations. The **City of Glendale Community Services & Parks Department** offers preschool programs and may have referrals. For structured networking and vetting, online groups like "Glendale, CA Moms" or "Parents of Glendale" on Facebook are active communities where parents share firsthand experiences, warnings, and recommendations for local daycares and nannies. Additionally, the **Glendale Unified School District** (GUSD) website lists their state preschool programs, which can be a trusted starting point for older toddlers.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Glendale, specifically regarding safety and outdoor play?
During a tour in Glendale, prioritize both general safety and local specifics. For safety, confirm that all gates and fences are secure, especially given Glendale's mix of quiet suburbs and busier arterial streets. Check for visible proof of staff CPR/first-aid certification and ask about their emergency plans for earthquakes, which are relevant to Southern California. For outdoor play, assess if the play area has adequate shade structures or trees to protect from the strong sun, and ensure play equipment is age-appropriate and well-maintained. Observe if children are taken outside daily, as this is a state licensing requirement for physical activity. Also, note the cleanliness of the space and ask about their sick-child policy to understand how illnesses are managed within the group.
Childcare Insights for Glendale
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with deep emotional trust. For parents in Glendale, California, searching for "private daycares near me" opens a door to a variety of wonderful, community-focused options, each with its own unique character. The process, while sometimes overwhelming, can be navigated smoothly with a local perspective and a clear sense of what matters most for your child and family.
Glendale’s diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling downtown area near Brand Boulevard to the quieter, tree-lined streets of Rossmoyne or Glenoaks, mean that a perfect fit could be just around the corner. A key first step is to consider your daily routine. Are you looking for a center conveniently located near your workplace, perhaps in the Media District or along the 134 freeway, or is a home-based preschool closer to your residence a better fit for a calmer start to the day? Many private daycares in Glendale offer structured educational philosophies, such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia-inspired programs, while others emphasize play-based learning in a more intimate setting. Defining your priorities—whether it’s a specific curriculum, flexible hours, or a strong focus on outdoor play—will help narrow the search.
We are fortunate in Glendale to have a tight-knit community where word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow parents at Brand Park or the Glendale Central Library children’s section for their personal experiences. Once you have a shortlist, scheduling in-person tours is non-negotiable. This allows you to observe the environment firsthand. Pay attention to the cleanliness and safety of the facilities, the ratio of caregivers to children, and most importantly, the warmth of the interactions. Notice if the children seem engaged and happy. A great question to ask any director is how they handle the transition for new children and how they communicate daily updates with parents, perhaps through an app or a personal conversation at pickup.
Remember to verify that any private daycare you are seriously considering is properly licensed by the California Department of Social Services. You can check this online for complete peace of mind. Also, consider the practicalities specific to our area. Inquire about their policies for our occasional rainy days or the increasingly common smoky skies from regional fires—how do they adjust indoor and outdoor activities? Finally, trust your instincts. The right place will feel right; you’ll sense a nurturing atmosphere where your child can thrive. Taking the time to find a daycare that aligns with your family’s values will provide immeasurable comfort as you head to work or manage daily responsibilities, knowing your little one is in caring and capable hands right here in our community.