The Best Daycare Centers in La Crescenta, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in La Crescenta. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in La Crescenta
The Learning Experience - La Crescenta
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in La Crescenta offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that focuses on literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. The center features state-of-the-art security systems including keypad entry and surveillance cameras, with all staff CPR and First Aid certified. Their programs include phonics-based reading readiness, foreign language introduction, and character development. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, interactive learning centers, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parent communication is enhanced through daily digital reports and regular parent-teacher conferences.
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La Crescenta Montessori School
La Crescenta Montessori School
Located just minutes from La Crescenta in neighboring Montrose, this authentic Montessori school serves families throughout the foothill communities. The school follows AMI-inspired Montessori methodology with certified Montessori teachers and low student-teacher ratios. Their curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and individualized instruction across practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The campus features beautiful outdoor learning environments, gardening areas, and purpose-built Montessori classrooms with authentic materials. The school maintains strong safety protocols and offers extended care options for working families.
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Sunshine Day Camp & Preschool
Sunshine Day Camp
Sunshine Day Camp has been serving La Crescenta families for over 15 years with a play-based learning approach that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their curriculum includes STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts, with specialized programs for different age groups. The center features secure facilities with controlled access, outdoor play areas with modern equipment, and dedicated learning centers. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes community involvement and offers flexible scheduling options including part-time and full-time care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in La Crescenta, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in La Crescenta, CA?
In La Crescenta, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the type of program and the child's age. For a licensed daycare center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for full-time care for a toddler or preschooler. In-home family childcare homes are often slightly less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,400 monthly. Infant care is typically at the higher end of these ranges, often 10-20% more, due to required lower staff-to-child ratios. These costs are influenced by factors like the program's curriculum, staff qualifications, and facility amenities. It's important to note that while these are local averages, prices in neighboring Glendale or Pasadena can be higher, making La Crescenta a relatively more affordable option within the greater Los Angeles area.
How can I verify the license and safety record of a daycare provider in La Crescenta?
All licensed childcare providers in La Crescenta are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. You can and should verify a provider's license status online through the CDSS "Child Care Facility Search" tool. This public database allows you to search by facility name, location, or license number and will show the license status (active, expired, suspended), capacity, ages served, and any serious citations or violations from the last few years. For a more comprehensive review, you can also visit the regional licensing office in Pasadena to review the facility's full public file. Always ask the provider directly for their license number and look for it posted visibly at the facility.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in La Crescenta, and how should I plan ahead?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the well-regarded daycare centers and preschools in La Crescenta, especially for infant and toddler programs. Popular centers often have waitlists that are 6 to 12 months long. To plan effectively, it is recommended that expecting parents or those planning a return to work begin researching and touring facilities during the second trimester of pregnancy. When touring, ask specifically about the waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often is it updated? What is the typical wait time for your child's age group? Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the neighborhood, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What are some local resources for finding and evaluating childcare options in the La Crescenta area?
Parents in La Crescenta have several valuable local resources. The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves Los Angeles County. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed providers that match their needs, location, and budget. You can access their search database online or speak with a referral counselor. Additionally, the **Glendale Unified School District** (which serves La Crescenta) may have information on state preschool programs for income-eligible families. For community-based insights, local Facebook groups like "La Crescenta Moms" or "Crescenta Valley Community" are often used by parents to share personal recommendations and experiences with local providers.
What unique factors should I consider for childcare in La Crescenta regarding safety and environment?
La Crescenta's specific geography and climate present unique considerations. First, **wildfire safety** is crucial. Ask any provider about their emergency evacuation plan for fires, including designated safe zones, communication protocols with parents, and how they handle poor air quality days. Second, the area is in a **seismic zone**. Ensure the facility has a clear and practiced earthquake drill procedure. Third, consider the **layout of the facility**; many homes and centers in La Crescenta are on hillsides with steps or sloping yards—assess the safety and security of outdoor play areas. Finally, inquire about **summer heat protocols**, as temperatures can soar, including shaded outdoor areas, hydration policies, and air conditioning. A quality local provider will have robust, written plans for these regional hazards.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near La Crescenta: