The Best Daycare Centers in North Highlands, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in North Highlands. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in North Highlands
KinderCare Learning Center at North Highlands
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at North Highlands is renowned for its balanced learning approach that integrates literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development through play-based and structured activities. The center employs highly qualified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education, maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, regular health checks, and fenced outdoor play areas. The curriculum aligns with state standards and includes enrichment programs like music and art. Parents appreciate the consistent communication through daily reports and family engagement events, making it a trusted choice for comprehensive child development in the community.
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Bright Horizons at McClellan Park
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at McClellan Park offers a premium childcare experience with its World at Their Fingertips curriculum, emphasizing hands-on, project-based learning that fosters curiosity and critical thinking. Staff members hold degrees in early childhood education and undergo continuous training, with CPR and first aid certifications. The facility features state-of-the-art classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor environments. Safety protocols include biometric entry and rigorous cleanliness standards. Noted for strong parent partnerships and flexibility in scheduling, this center excels in providing high-quality, employer-supported care that serves families in North Highlands and surrounding areas.
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The Goddard School of Citrus Heights
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Citrus Heights stands out with its F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) curriculum, which blends play-based learning with academic readiness in literacy, STEM, and social skills. Teachers are highly qualified, with ongoing professional development and certifications in child safety. The school offers modern facilities including dedicated playgrounds, interactive technology, and creative arts spaces. Emphasizing individualized learning plans and regular progress updates, it fosters a nurturing environment. Parents value the strong community focus and inclusive atmosphere, making it a top choice for families in the North Highlands region seeking a well-rounded educational foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in North Highlands, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in North Highlands, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In North Highlands, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per month, while toddler and preschool care is generally between $850 and $1,200 per month. Costs can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum, and staff-to-child ratios. For financial assistance, Sacramento County, which includes North Highlands, administers the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) and the CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care program. These are income-based subsidies that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, many local centers offer sibling discounts. It's highly recommended to contact the **Child Action, Inc.** referral agency, which serves Sacramento County, for personalized help navigating subsidy eligibility and available slots.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in North Highlands?
All licensed childcare facilities in North Highlands are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. You can and should verify a provider's license and review their compliance history online through the **CCLD Facility Search Portal**. Search by the facility name or license number. This public report shows the license status, capacity, any past citations for serious violations (like supervision or safety issues), and the dates of their last inspections. For an added layer of local insight, you can also check reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google, and ask the provider directly for references from current families in the North Highlands area.
Are there many licensed in-home daycare options (Family Child Care Homes) in North Highlands, and what are their advantages?
Yes, North Highlands has a significant number of licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs), which are often a popular and more affordable option in the community. These small, home-based settings typically care for 6-14 children in a mixed-age group, which can offer a family-like atmosphere and flexible hours that sometimes better accommodate non-traditional work schedules. They are particularly prevalent in residential neighborhoods throughout North Highlands. The advantages include potentially lower child-to-adult ratios, a consistent primary caregiver, and a home environment. You can find licensed FCCHs using the same CCLD search tool, and local parent Facebook groups (e.g., "North Highlands Community") are often excellent resources for personal recommendations.
What is the current waitlist situation for daycare centers in North Highlands, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in North Highlands and the greater Sacramento area can be lengthy, often ranging from 3 to 9 months, especially for infant care slots. It is strongly advised to begin your search and tour facilities at least 6-12 months before your needed start date. Many popular centers near the I-80 corridor or associated with local employers have the longest waits. When contacting a center, always ask specifically about their waitlist policy: if there's a fee to join, how often you need to confirm your interest, and their estimated timeline. Exploring multiple options, including both centers and licensed family homes, is crucial to secure a spot in North Highlands.
What are some key local factors or resources for finding quality childcare in North Highlands?
Beyond online searches, tapping into local networks is key. Utilize the free referral services of **Child Action, Inc.** (a contractor for Sacramento County), which maintains a database of licensed providers and can match you based on your location, schedule, and child's age. Joining community-focused social media groups like "North Highlands, CA Community" or "Sacramento Area Moms" on Facebook can yield invaluable firsthand recommendations and insights into provider reputations. Also, consider proximity to major commute routes like I-80 or Watt Avenue; choosing a provider with easy access can simplify your daily routine. Finally, many local providers participate in quality improvement programs like the Quality Counts California rating system, which can be a helpful indicator of a program's commitment to early learning standards.
Nearby Cities
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