The Best Daycare Centers in Redlands, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Redlands. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Redlands
Sunshine Learning Center
Independent
Sunshine Learning Center is a highly-regarded independent childcare facility offering comprehensive early childhood education programs. Their curriculum emphasizes play-based learning combined with structured academic preparation, focusing on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM concepts. The center features certified early childhood educators with low teacher-to-child ratios, secure facility access with surveillance systems, and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong communication, and individualized attention given to each child's developmental needs.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Redlands
The Learning Experience
As part of the nationally recognized The Learning Experience network, this center offers a comprehensive early education curriculum featuring their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) methodology. The facility includes modern classrooms, dedicated playgrounds, and advanced security systems. Their program emphasizes phonics, foreign language exposure, manners and etiquette, and fitness. Staff maintain California early childhood education credentials with ongoing professional development. The center is noted for its structured daily routines, nutritious meal programs, and strong parent engagement through digital communication platforms.
Daycare Services:
ABC Learning Center
Independent
ABC Learning Center provides a balanced approach to early childhood education with emphasis on both academic readiness and character development. Their curriculum incorporates Montessori-inspired elements with traditional preschool education, focusing on independence, critical thinking, and social skills. The facility features spacious classrooms, dedicated art and music areas, and secure outdoor environments. Teachers hold California teaching credentials or early childhood education degrees with extensive experience. The center is particularly recognized for its inclusive environment, cultural diversity appreciation, and strong community involvement programs that extend learning beyond the classroom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Redlands, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Redlands, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Redlands, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the type of program. For infant care at a licensed center, parents can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,700 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $900 to $1,400 per month. Home-based family childcare is often slightly less expensive. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. For financial assistance, eligible families can apply for the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) or the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) through the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools or local providers like the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA). Additionally, many centers offer sibling discounts, and some employers in the area, such as the University of Redlands or local hospitals, may have dependent care assistance plans.
How can I verify the licensing and safety record of a daycare provider in Redlands?
All licensed childcare providers in Redlands are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify a facility's license status and review its compliance history online through the CDSS "Child Care Facility Search" tool. Simply enter the provider's name or location. This report will show the license type (Family Child Care Home or Child Care Center), capacity, any past citations, and the date of the last inspection. It's also highly recommended to visit the facility in person, ask about staff background checks (mandated by CA law), CPR/first-aid certification, and their emergency preparedness plans for local concerns like earthquakes or heatwaves, which are relevant to the Inland Empire.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Redlands, and what strategies can help secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality and well-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Redlands, especially for infant and toddler programs. Popular centers affiliated with institutions like the University of Redlands or certain Montessori schools may have waitlists several months long. To improve your chances, start your search at least 6-12 months before you need care. Contact multiple providers to get on their lists, and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $50-$100). Follow up politely every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods like Mentone or Loma Linda, as they may have more immediate availability and offer a smaller setting.
What are some of the unique or popular educational philosophies offered by childcare programs in Redlands?
Redlands offers a diverse range of educational approaches to suit different family philosophies. You can find several programs emphasizing: * **Montessori:** Focuses on child-led learning in a prepared environment; available at dedicated Montessori schools. * **Play-Based & Developmental:** Common in many local centers and faith-based preschools, emphasizing learning through structured and free play. * **Nature-Based/Forest School:** Gaining popularity, with some local programs utilizing Redlands' parks, like Prospect Park or the local orange groves, for outdoor exploration. * **Faith-Based:** Several churches in Redlands, such as Redlands United Church of Christ or Trinity Evangelical Free Church, offer preschool programs that incorporate religious teachings. * **Academic/Pre-K Prep:** Many programs align with California's Preschool Learning Foundations to prepare children for the Redlands Unified School District kindergarten curriculum.
As a parent in Redlands, what should I look for during a daycare tour that's specific to our local environment?
During a tour in Redlands, pay close attention to factors tied to the local climate and community: * **Outdoor Play Areas:** Given the warm, sunny climate for much of the year, ensure shaded areas, water access, and sun protection policies are in place. Check that play structures are on safe, impact-absorbing surfaces. * **Heat and Air Quality:** Inland Empire summers can be extremely hot with occasional poor air quality. Ask about their policy for indoor play during excessive heat warnings or smoky days from regional wildfires. * **Safety and Security:** Inquire about pick-up/drop-off procedures, especially if the center is near a busier street like Orange Street or Colton Avenue. Ask about their earthquake drill protocol. * **Community Connection:** Look for evidence of local engagement, like visits to the A.K. Smiley Public Library children's section, Redlands Farmers Market, or integration of local history (e.g., citrus industry) into learning activities. This can indicate a program rooted in the community.
Childcare Insights for Redlands
As a parent in Redlands, the search for quality childcare can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You’re looking for a safe, nurturing environment for your child, right here in our community, and knowing where to start is the first challenge. The good news is that Redlands offers a diverse range of childcare options, from licensed family daycare homes in our historic neighborhoods to larger childcare centers near the university or downtown. The key is to approach your search with a local perspective, understanding what makes our area unique.
Begin your search by tapping into local resources. The **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves San Bernardino County, is an invaluable starting point. Their referral service can provide a curated list of licensed providers in the 92373, 92374, and other Redlands zip codes. Don’t underestimate the power of our community networks, either. Ask for recommendations from other parents at the Redlands Mall playground, the Sylvan Park splash pad, or your local pediatrician’s office. Redlands is a city with strong neighborhood bonds, and personal referrals often lead to discovering wonderful, smaller-scale home daycares that might not have a significant online presence.
When evaluating options, consider the practicalities of life in Redlands. Traffic flow around the I-10 and Alabama Street corridor can be heavy during commute times, so the proximity of a childcare provider to your home or workplace is a crucial factor for your daily routine. Visit any potential center or home during operating hours to get a genuine feel for the environment. Observe how caregivers interact with the children and ask about their daily schedule. Does it include outdoor time, which is so abundant with our sunny Redlands weather? Inquire about their policies on everything from nutrition to how they handle the occasional Smoky Mountain air quality alerts, ensuring their approach aligns with your family’s needs.
Finally, trust your instincts as a parent. You know your child best. A quality provider in Redlands will be happy to answer all your questions, provide references from current families, and clearly explain their philosophy and licensing. They should also be transparent about their support for state-assisted programs like the California Alternative Payment Program if that is a consideration for your family. Finding the right childcare is about finding a partner in your child’s early development. By using local resources, considering our specific city’s layout, and conducting thorough visits, you can find a place in Redlands where your child will not only be cared for but will truly thrive and begin to explore the world from the heart of our own community.