The Best Daycare Centers in Ontario, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ontario. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ontario
The Goddard School of Ontario
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ontario offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. Their curriculum focuses on literacy, STEM, art, and social-emotional development in state-of-the-art classrooms. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
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Kiddie Academy of Ontario
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Ontario provides comprehensive educational childcare with their Life Essentials® curriculum that integrates character development, technology, and hands-on learning. The academy features purpose-built classrooms with modern learning materials, secure keypad entry systems, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. Their program includes nutritionally balanced meals, regular parent communication through mobile apps, and development tracking. Staff members hold early childhood education credentials and receive continuous training in child development best practices and safety protocols.
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The Learning Experience - Ontario
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Ontario offers a proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that combines academic preparation with social skills and citizenship. The center features bright, modern facilities with interactive learning centers, secure monitored access, and age-specific playgrounds. Their program includes early literacy, mathematics, foreign language exposure, and philanthropy lessons. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios with certified early childhood educators who participate in ongoing professional development. Parents receive regular updates and photos through their mobile app, and the facility includes comprehensive safety and health protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ontario, CA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ontario, CA, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Ontario, as in all of California, daycare facilities must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. This includes family child care homes (smaller, in-home settings) and child care centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards. To verify a facility's license, you can use the CDSS online "Child Care Licensing Lookup Tool" or call the local Regional Office. It's crucial to check for any past citations or complaints. Ontario parents should also note that the city may have additional zoning or business license requirements for providers.
What is the average cost of full-time infant daycare in Ontario, CA, and are there financial assistance programs available?
The cost of full-time infant daycare in Ontario typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per month, though premium centers can be higher. Prices vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and staff qualifications. For financial assistance, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) administers the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) and the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for income-eligible families. Additionally, many local centers offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's recommended to apply for assistance early, as funding is limited and waitlists can be long.
How long are waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Ontario, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers in Ontario, especially for infants and toddlers, can be significant, often ranging from 3 to 9 months or more. Popular centers near major employers like the Ontario Mills, airports, or hospitals tend to have the longest lists. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple lists (even if there's a fee), and follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family child care homes in your neighborhood, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting.
What are the key differences between a large child care center and a licensed family child care home in Ontario?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and structure. Large centers in Ontario (like KinderCare or Montessori schools) are often in commercial buildings, have multiple classrooms divided by age, follow a structured curriculum, and employ several teachers. They may offer more enrichment programs. Licensed Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) operate out of the provider's residence, care for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 8 or 14, depending on license), and often provide a more flexible, family-style environment. FCCHs can be more affordable and may offer more convenient hours for shift workers common in Ontario's logistics and healthcare sectors.
Are there any unique health or safety considerations for daycares in Ontario, CA, given the local climate and environment?
Yes, Ontario's climate and urban environment present specific considerations. Due to high air pollution levels and frequent heat, especially in summer, quality daycares should have robust indoor air filtration systems (HEPA filters), provide ample shade and hydration for outdoor play, and limit strenuous outdoor activities on Spare the Air days. Given the region's seismic activity, ask about the center's earthquake drill protocol and emergency supplies. Additionally, with Ontario being a major transportation hub, inquire about drop-off/pick-up traffic safety protocols and whether the facility is located away from major truck routes to minimize exposure to diesel exhaust.
Childcare Insights for Ontario
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, and if you’re searching for “daycare centers near me” in Ontario, California, you’re in a community with a diverse range of options. The process can feel overwhelming, but focusing on local specifics can help you navigate your search with greater confidence and clarity. Ontario is a vibrant city with unique needs, from families working in the bustling logistics sector around the Ontario International Airport to those enjoying the community-focused neighborhoods near the Ontario Mills area.
A great first step is to understand the types of care available right here in our city. Ontario is home to large, established daycare centers, often with structured educational curricula, as well as smaller, licensed family childcare homes that can offer a more intimate, home-like setting. Many local centers are familiar with the varied work schedules prevalent in the region and may offer extended hours or flexible pickup times to accommodate shift work. When you begin your visits, pay close attention to the daily rhythm of the center. Observe how caregivers interact with the children during playtime at places like the local Gault Family Park or during routine activities; these interactions are the heart of a quality program.
Given Ontario’s warm climate, also consider the outdoor space. A safe, shaded, and engaging playground is not just a luxury but a vital component for physical development and enjoyment. Don’t hesitate to ask about their policies for outdoor time and how they ensure children are protected from the sun. Furthermore, inquire about their community connections. Many excellent daycare centers in Ontario incorporate local resources into their learning, such as visits to the Ontario City Library or simple walks to observe neighborhood helpers, fostering a sense of belonging in your child.
Your search should always include verifying a provider’s license status with the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division. This public database allows you to review any past citations and ensure the facility is in good standing. It’s also wise to connect with other parents in Ontario, whether through local Facebook groups, community centers like the Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Center, or simply by chatting with neighbors at the grocery store. Personal recommendations in a city of this size can be incredibly valuable and lead you to hidden gems you might not find through an online search alone.
Remember, the best fit is about more than just location and hours. It’s about finding a place where your child feels secure, engaged, and happy, and where you feel a genuine partnership with the caregivers. Trust your instincts during tours. Does the environment feel welcoming? Do the children seem content and busy? The right daycare center in Ontario will not only provide care but will become an extension of your family’s support system, helping your little one learn and grow right here in the heart of the Inland Empire. Take a deep breath, start your local search, and know that a wonderful care environment for your child is within reach.