The Best Daycare Centers in Highland, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Highland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Highland
The Goddard School of Redlands
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Redlands offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development with low student-to-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, clean classrooms. All teachers are qualified early childhood educators with ongoing professional development. The school serves Highland families with comprehensive programs from infancy through kindergarten preparation.
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Bright Horizons at Redlands
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Redlands provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and developmentally appropriate practices. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, outdoor learning environments, and well-equipped classrooms. Their program includes emergent curriculum approaches, literacy-rich environments, and STEM activities. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing training. The center serves Highland commuters and families with flexible scheduling options and strong parent communication systems.
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Rainbow Child Development Center
Rainbow Child Development Center
Rainbow Child Development Center is a locally-owned Highland facility offering comprehensive early childhood programs with a focus on whole-child development. Their curriculum blends structured learning with creative play, incorporating literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features secure facilities with fenced playgrounds, age-appropriate learning materials, and nutritious meal programs. Staff members are CPR/First Aid certified and participate in continuous professional development. The center maintains strong community connections and offers flexible scheduling to accommodate working families in the Highland area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Highland, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Highland, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Highland, CA, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $900 to $1,400 per month for full-time infant care, with toddler and preschool rates slightly lower, typically ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. Licensed family childcare homes often offer more affordable rates, generally between $700 and $1,000 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, California’s state-subsidized program, CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care and the Alternative Payment Program (APP), are available for qualifying families based on income, need, and family size. Locally, parents can apply through the San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department or the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), which serves the Inland Empire region, including Highland. It's advisable to apply early, as waitlists for subsidies can be lengthy.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in Highland?
All legal childcare providers in Highland must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. The most direct way to verify a provider's status and review their compliance history is to use the CDSS online "Child Care Licensing Lookup Tool." You can search by the provider's name, facility number, or city. This public portal provides access to inspection reports, citations, and any substantiated complaints, allowing you to assess the facility's safety and regulatory record. Additionally, you can contact the local Regional Licensing Office in San Bernardino for more detailed inquiries. It's also recommended to visit any potential daycare in person, observe the environment, and ask the provider for their license and references from other Highland parents.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Highland, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Highland, especially for infant and toddler programs. High-demand facilities, particularly those affiliated with schools or offering enriched curricula, can have waitlists ranging from 3 to 12 months. For infant care, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists during your second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool spots, starting your search at least 6-9 months before your desired start date is prudent. Many centers in Highland have formal waitlist procedures and may require a non-refundable deposit to hold a spot. It's a good strategy to get on multiple waitlists and to check in periodically with providers to express your continued interest.
What are the main differences between a licensed family childcare home and a daycare center in Highland?
The two primary licensed options in Highland offer distinct environments. A **Licensed Family Childcare Home** operates out of the provider's residence, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 8 or 14 children (depending on the license type). This setting often provides a more home-like, flexible atmosphere with potentially lower costs and more individualized attention. A **Licensed Childcare Center** operates in a commercial or dedicated facility, follows a more structured schedule and curriculum, and cares for larger groups of children separated by age. Centers often have multiple staff members, more extensive facilities (like dedicated playgrounds), and may offer additional services like prepared meals. Both are regulated by the same state licensing standards for health, safety, and staff qualifications, but the choice often comes down to a parent's preference for a personalized home setting versus a more institutional, socially-focused environment.
What outdoor or enrichment activities are typically available for children in Highland daycare programs, considering the local climate and amenities?
Daycare programs in Highland leverage the area's sunny, warm climate and local amenities to provide ample outdoor and enrichment activities. Most centers and quality family homes have secured outdoor play areas with age-appropriate structures for physical development. Given the heat, especially in summer, providers are required to have shade structures and follow sun safety protocols. Many programs incorporate activities at or related to nearby local attractions like the historic Highland Bowl or community parks. Enrichment often includes basics like music, art, and story time, with some centers offering optional programs like introductory Spanish, soccer, or dance. Given Highland's proximity to the San Bernardino National Forest, some preschools may incorporate nature-based learning themes. It's always best to ask specific providers about their daily schedule and how they utilize outdoor time safely throughout the year.