The Best Daycare Centers in Mentone, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Mentone. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Mentone
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 readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and modern classrooms with SMART Board technology. They emphasize STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development through play-based curriculum. The center provides nutritious meals and maintains rigorous health and safety protocols, including comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Rainbow Kids Preschool
Rainbow Kids Preschool
Rainbow Kids Preschool provides a comprehensive early childhood program focusing on whole-child development through a balanced curriculum of academic preparation and social skills. Their experienced teaching staff includes credentialed early childhood educators who implement developmentally appropriate practices. The facility features secure campuses with monitored access, outdoor learning environments, and specialized learning centers for literacy, mathematics, and creative arts. They offer extended hours to accommodate working families and maintain small class sizes with individualized attention. The program includes music education, physical development activities, and regular parent communication through digital portfolios.
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Kiddie Academy of Redlands
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Redlands implements the Life Essentials® curriculum that combines academic learning with character development and social skills. Their certified teachers create engaging learning environments with hands-on activities in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive security cameras, and age-appropriate playgrounds with safety surfacing. They maintain strict health protocols including regular sanitation and health screenings. The program includes technology integration, community awareness projects, and regular assessments to track developmental milestones. They offer flexible scheduling options and provide nutritious meals prepared in their commercial kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Mentone, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Mentone, CA?
In Mentone, which is part of the San Bernardino County area, daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. For a licensed daycare center, full-time care for an infant typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs are slightly lower, generally between $850 and $1,200 per month. In-home family childcare is often a more affordable option, ranging from $700 to $1,000 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that California offers financial assistance programs like CalWORKs and the Alternative Payment Program, which eligible Mentone families can access to help offset these costs.
How can I verify the license and safety record of a daycare provider in Mentone?
All licensed childcare providers in Mentone, CA, are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). You can and should verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history online through the CDSS "Child Care Licensing" public search tool. This database shows the facility's license number, capacity, any type of care offered, and the results of their most recent inspections, including any citations for violations. You can also contact the local Regional Licensing Office for San Bernardino County for additional information. We recommend always visiting a facility in person, asking about their emergency plans, staff background checks (mandated by state law), and first-aid/CPR certifications.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Mentone, and how should I plan ahead?
Yes, waitlists are common for many of the popular and highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Mentone, especially for infant care slots, which are limited by state licensing ratios. It is not unusual for waitlists to be 3 to 9 months long. To plan effectively, we recommend starting your search during your second trimester if expecting, or at least 4-6 months before your desired start date. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100). Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the surrounding neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate availability and shorter wait times.
What unique outdoor or educational opportunities do Mentone daycares offer, given its location?
Mentone's location at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and proximity to the Santa Ana River Trail influences many local childcare programs. Several daycares and preschools incorporate "nature-based" learning into their curriculum. This may include regular outdoor exploration, gardening projects, and lessons on local flora and fauna. Some providers organize short, supervised nature walks or have partnerships with nearby parks like Mentone Park or the Mill Creek Cattle Company for animal encounters. When touring facilities, ask about their daily outdoor play policy and if they utilize any of Mentone's natural assets for experiential learning, which is a great way to connect children to their local environment.
What options are available for part-time, drop-in, or after-school care in Mentone?
While full-time care is most common, Mentone does offer several part-time and school-age options. Many licensed family childcare homes offer more flexible schedules, including part-week or half-day care. For drop-in care, your best bet is to inquire with specific in-home providers, as centers rarely offer this service due to staffing ratios. For after-school care, the Mentone Elementary School and other local schools in the Redlands Unified School District may offer on-site programs or can refer you to licensed providers who offer transportation from school. Additionally, organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside serve the area and provide after-school and summer programs for school-age children. Always confirm that any part-time provider is properly licensed.