The Best Daycare Centers in Playa Vista, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Playa Vista. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Playa Vista
Bright Horizons at Playa Vista
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Playa Vista offers a comprehensive early education program with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The center features state-of-the-art facilities including multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and dedicated art and music spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and implements rigorous safety protocols including secured entry systems and comprehensive background checks. Parents appreciate the regular communication through daily reports and the center's focus on preparing children for kindergarten with strong academic foundations.
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The Gardner School of Playa Vista
The Gardner School
The Gardner School of Playa Vista provides an academically-focused early childhood program with advanced curriculum including foreign language exposure, technology integration, and hands-on science exploration. The facility features secure, modern classrooms with observation windows, dedicated music and movement rooms, and expansive outdoor play areas with age-appropriate equipment. All lead teachers hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes safety with biometric entry systems, comprehensive security monitoring, and strict health protocols. Parents consistently praise the school's communication, professional staff, and the noticeable academic progress children make.
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Kiddie Academy of Playa Vista
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Playa Vista utilizes the Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, mathematics, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. The center features purpose-built classrooms with learning centers for different activities, secure outdoor playgrounds with natural elements, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development requirements. The academy emphasizes health and safety with secured entry systems, regular sanitation protocols, and nutritious meal programs. Parents value the structured yet nurturing environment and the consistent communication about their child's development and daily activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Playa Vista, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Playa Vista, and what factors influence the price?
In Playa Vista, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,500+ per month. This is higher than the California state average, reflecting the area's high cost of living and desirable location near tech hubs like Silicon Beach. Factors influencing price include the type of facility (corporate center vs. in-home licensed daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, the inclusion of amenities (like organic meals, webcams, or enrichment programs), and the age of your child (infant care is most expensive due to stricter staffing requirements). Many centers in Playa Vista offer all-inclusive pricing covering meals, diapers, and wipes, which can simplify budgeting.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Playa Vista, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are very common for reputable daycare centers and preschools in Playa Vista, especially for infant spots. Due to high demand from local families and employees of nearby companies like Google, YouTube, and ICON, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally during your second trimester of pregnancy or 6-12 months before your desired start date. Some popular centers have waitlists exceeding a year for infants. It's a good strategy to apply to multiple programs and stay in regular, polite contact with the directors to express continued interest.
What are the key differences between a large daycare center and a licensed family childcare home (FCC) in Playa Vista?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and often, philosophy. Large daycare centers in Playa Vista (like Bright Horizons or other corporate or private centers) are often located in commercial buildings, have multiple classrooms divided by age, larger groups of children, and a structured curriculum with multiple teachers. They may offer more amenities and extended hours. Licensed Family Childcare Homes (FCCs) operate out of a provider's residence in the neighborhood. They offer a smaller, mixed-age, home-like environment with fewer children (typically 6-14), which can mean more personalized attention and flexibility. FCCs are often slightly more affordable but may have less formal programming. Both are licensed and inspected by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division.
What specific licensing and safety regulations should I verify for a daycare provider in California/Playa Vista?
Every licensed childcare provider in Playa Vista must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services. You should verify their license is current and view their public file, which includes inspection reports and any cited violations. Key state regulations to ask about include: staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), mandatory background checks and pediatric CPR/first aid certification for all staff, ongoing training hours, and facility safety standards. Additionally, given Playa Vista's urban environment, inquire about outdoor play space safety, pick-up/drop-off protocols, and emergency preparedness plans for events like earthquakes. You can look up any provider's license status and history on the Community Care Licensing website.
Besides traditional daycare centers, what are some alternative or flexible childcare options available to parents in Playa Vista?
Playa Vista offers several alternatives to a standard 9-5 daycare schedule. These include: **Nanny Shares:** A popular option where two or three families hire one nanny to care for their children together, often splitting the cost; local parent Facebook groups are a common way to arrange these. **Part-Time Preschool Programs:** Many local preschools offer half-day (e.g., 9am-12pm) programs for children 2 years and older, which can be combined with a part-time nanny. **Employer-Sponsored Care:** Some major employers in the Silicon Beach area offer backup care benefits or partnerships with networks like Bright Horizons, providing access to last-minute or subsidized care. **Flexible Drop-In Centers:** While less common, some facilities in nearby Marina del Rey or Culver City offer reservation-based or drop-in childcare by the hour or day, useful for parents with irregular schedules.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Playa Vista: