The Best Daycare Centers in Ojai, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ojai. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ojai
Montessori School of Ojai
Independent
The Montessori School of Ojai offers authentic Montessori education in a nurturing environment with highly trained AMI-certified teachers. The school features beautifully prepared classrooms with Montessori materials, large outdoor play areas, and gardens. Their curriculum emphasizes independence, practical life skills, and individualized learning paths. The facility maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and focuses on holistic child development. Parents consistently praise the school's peaceful atmosphere, experienced staff, and the remarkable developmental progress children make.
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Oak View Children's Center
Independent
Located just minutes from Ojai in neighboring Oak View, this center provides comprehensive childcare with a play-based educational approach. The center features age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor play spaces, and a structured daily routine that balances learning activities with creative play. Staff includes experienced early childhood educators with CPR/first aid certification. The curriculum incorporates literacy, math readiness, science exploration, and social-emotional development. Parents highlight the center's clean facilities, nutritious meal program, and excellent communication from teachers.
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Ventura Unified Early Childhood Education Center
Ventura Unified School District
This district-run early childhood center serves families throughout Ventura County, including Ojai residents. The program features California state-aligned curriculum with certified teachers and comprehensive developmental assessments. The center offers both half-day and full-day programs with emphasis on school readiness, literacy development, and social skills. Facilities include modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and resource rooms. The program maintains high safety standards with secure entry systems and regular safety drills. Parents appreciate the structured learning environment, qualified teaching staff, and smooth transition to elementary school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ojai, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Ojai, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ojai, full-time daycare or preschool for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while preschool for children 3-5 years old can range from $900 to $1,400 per month. These costs reflect Ojai's smaller, community-focused market and can be higher than some surrounding areas due to the town's desirability and limited number of facilities. For financial assistance, parents should explore the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) administered through the Child Development Resources of Ventura County (CDRVC), which serves Ojai families based on income eligibility. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers about any privately funded scholarships.
How long are waitlists for licensed daycare centers and in-home family childcare homes in Ojai, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists in Ojai can be significant, especially for infant care and highly sought-after preschools, with waits often ranging from 6 to 18 months. The limited number of providers in a small community creates high demand. For in-home family childcare (licensed as Family Child Care Homes), waitlists may be shorter but are still common. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists, even for programs with your second-choice schedule. Maintain regular, polite contact (every 2-3 months) with providers to express continued interest. Consider flexible start dates and be open to part-time options initially, which can sometimes transition to full-time.
Are there unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in Ojai, and how do they operate?
Yes, Ojai's natural setting fosters several nature-based and outdoor-focused childcare options. These include licensed forest schools and preschools that prioritize outdoor play and learning in Ojai's oak woodlands, gardens, and parks. Programs may operate almost entirely outdoors in all weather (with proper shelter), focusing on child-led exploration, environmental education, and hands-on activities. They are licensed under the same California Community Care Licensing standards but often have specialized waivers for outdoor facilities. Availability is limited and highly competitive. It's important to visit these programs to understand their specific philosophies, safety protocols for outdoor hazards (like poison oak), and their approach to inclement weather.
What should I look for when verifying the license and inspection history of a daycare provider in Ojai?
Every licensed childcare provider in Ojai must be regulated by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. You can and should verify a provider's license status and review their inspection history online for free at the **CCLD Facility Search Website**. Look for the facility number, which should be posted at the location. When reviewing records, check for the license type (Child Care Center or Family Child Care Home), capacity, and any associated waivers. Pay attention to the dates and outcomes of recent visits. While minor citations are common, look for patterns of serious violations related to health, safety, or supervision. You can also contact the local CCLD office for the Ventura region to ask questions.
Given Ojai's semi-rural location, what are the backup childcare options if my regular provider is closed or my child is mildly ill?
Ojai's limited provider network makes backup care a critical consideration. Formal drop-in daycare centers are virtually non-existent in town. Your best options include: 1) **Networking with other parents** from your daycare to arrange informal swaps. 2) **Hiring a local babysitter or nanny** through community boards, local Facebook groups (like "Ojai Babysitters & Nannies"), or word-of-mouth. 3) Exploring **caregiver matching services** that serve the Ventura County area, though availability in Ojai itself may be spotty. 4) Some local preschools may offer optional "camp" days on certain school closure dates for enrolled families. Planning ahead and building a small roster of trusted backup caregivers is essential, as last-minute options in Ojai are very scarce.