The Best Daycare Centers in Lawndale, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Lawndale. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Lawndale
KinderCare at Lawndale
KinderCare Learning Companies
This established KinderCare location provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The program includes daily learning reports for parents, nutritious meals and snacks, and enrichment activities. What sets this center apart is their balanced approach to learning through play and structured activities, with strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness and individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Primrose School of Torrance
Primrose Schools
Located just minutes from Lawndale in Torrance, this Primrose School offers the exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. The facility features state-of-the-art security systems, dedicated music and art rooms, and well-equipped playgrounds. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields. The program emphasizes character development, foreign language exposure, and STEAM activities. Parents appreciate the regular communication through the Primrose Schools app, which includes daily photos and updates. The center stands out for its exceptional teacher retention rates and comprehensive approach to whole-child development.
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The Gardner School of Torrance
The Gardner School
This accredited early learning center serves the South Bay area including Lawndale families, offering an advanced academic curriculum with specialized enrichment programs in Spanish, music, and technology. The secure facility includes biometric entry systems, multiple playgrounds by age group, and dedicated learning centers. The school employs degreed teachers with specialized early childhood training and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Their comprehensive approach includes regular assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and detailed progress reports. The center distinguishes itself through its focus on school readiness with structured literacy and math programs, while maintaining a nurturing environment that supports social and emotional growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Lawndale, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Lawndale, CA?
In Lawndale, costs for full-time childcare vary significantly based on the type of program and the child's age. For an infant at a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, monthly fees typically range from $900 to $1,300. Home-based family childcare is often slightly more affordable, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the Los Angeles County average. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, diapers, enrichment activities). Many Lawndale families utilize state-subsidized programs like California's Alternative Payment Program (APP) or the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), which offer free or low-cost care based on income eligibility.
How can I verify a daycare or preschool is properly licensed in Lawndale?
All legal childcare providers in California must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). To verify a provider in Lawndale, you can use the online "Child Care Licensing Lookup Tool" on the CDSS website. You can search by facility name, address, or license number. The public report will show the license status (active, expired, revoked), capacity, ages served, any type of facility (center or family home), and a history of any serious citations or violations. You can also call the local Regional Licensing Office for the South Coast region. We strongly recommend visiting any potential facility in person to observe the environment and ask the director to see their current license, which must be posted.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Lawndale, and how should I plan ahead?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers and preschools in Lawndale, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To plan ahead, begin your search and tours during your second trimester if expecting. For toddler/preschool transitions, start looking 4-6 months before your desired start date. When touring, ask specifically about the current waitlist length, the deposit policy to hold a spot (which is often non-refundable), and how often they update families on their status. Also consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in Lawndale neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller setting.
What local resources in Lawndale can help me find and choose quality childcare?
The primary local resource is the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys but also provides referral services and information relevant to Los Angeles County. For direct, hyper-local support, parents should contact the **LA County Office of Education's (LACOE) Early Childhood Education Division**. They administer state preschool programs and can provide referrals. Additionally, the **City of Lawndale's Parks and Recreation Department** may offer preschool or afterschool programs. For online searching, platforms like Winnie.com and Care.com can be filtered for Lawndale. Finally, connecting with local parent groups on Facebook (e.g., "South Bay Moms") can provide invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and insights into specific Lawndale providers.
What are the options for subsidized or free childcare for low-income families in Lawndale?
Lawndale families have several key options for subsidized care. The **California State Preschool Program (CSPP)** offers free, part-day or full-day preschool for income-eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. These programs are often located at local elementary schools or non-profit centers. For children 0-13, the **Alternative Payment Program (APP)** provides vouchers that can be used at a wide network of licensed providers, including family homes and centers, with the family paying a co-pay based on income. Eligibility is primarily based on family size, income, and need (e.g., work, school, or seeking employment). Applications are processed through agencies like the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC). Additionally, the federal **Head Start** program may be available for qualifying families, offering comprehensive early education and family support services.