The Best Daycare Centers in San Dimas, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in San Dimas. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in San Dimas
KinderCare at San Dimas
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare San Dimas offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum focusing on literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. The center features dedicated infant rooms with individualized care plans, toddler classrooms with hands-on learning centers, and preschool programs that prepare children for kindergarten. All teachers meet or exceed state qualifications and receive ongoing professional development. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and nurturing environment that balances structured learning with play-based activities.
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The Learning Experience - San Dimas
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in San Dimas provides a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that incorporates phonics, foreign language, manners, and physical fitness. The center features bright, modern classrooms with interactive technology, dedicated music and movement rooms, and secure outdoor play areas. Their infant program includes individualized feeding and napping schedules with daily communication logs, while preschool programs focus on school readiness with literacy-rich environments. Staff maintain low teacher-to-child ratios and hold degrees in early childhood education. The center is noted for its clean, safe facilities, regular parent updates, and strong emphasis on character development and social skills.
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La Verne Christian Preschool
La Verne Christian Schools
Located just minutes from San Dimas, La Verne Christian Preschool offers a Christ-centered educational environment with a comprehensive academic foundation. The program balances structured learning with creative play, incorporating phonics, mathematics, science exploration, and biblical principles. Classrooms feature learning centers for hands-on discovery, and the campus includes secure playgrounds with modern equipment. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and provide individualized attention through small class sizes. The school maintains excellent safety protocols, including secured entry systems and regular safety drills. Parents consistently rate the program highly for its nurturing atmosphere, strong academic preparation, and values-based education that serves families throughout the San Dimas area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in San Dimas, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in San Dimas, CA?
In San Dimas, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the type of program and the child's age. For an infant at a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Home-based family childcare is often more affordable, ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These rates are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum (e.g., Montessori or play-based), and included amenities. Compared to nearby cities like Claremont or Glendora, San Dimas is generally in line with regional averages for Los Angeles County. It's advisable to inquire about what is included in tuition (meals, diapers, enrichment activities) as this can affect the overall value.
How can I verify the license and safety record of a daycare provider in San Dimas?
All licensed childcare providers in San Dimas are regulated by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). You can and should verify a provider's license status and review their compliance history for free through the CDSS "Child Care Licensing" website. Simply search by the facility's name, address, or license number. This public report will show the license type (Center or Family Child Care Home), capacity, any past citations for serious violations, and the dates of their last inspections. Additionally, the San Dimas Sheriff's Station can provide general safety information for the neighborhood. We recommend visiting any potential daycare in person, asking about their staff background check procedures (mandated by state law), emergency preparedness plans, and childproofing measures specific to their facility.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in San Dimas, and how far in advance should I apply?
Yes, waitlists are common for many sought-after daycare centers and preschools in San Dimas, particularly for infant care slots, which are limited by strict state ratios. For popular programs affiliated with local schools or with strong reputations, it is not unusual to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months or longer. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin researching and touring facilities during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before their needed start date. For toddler or preschool programs, applying 4-6 months in advance is prudent. When contacting centers, ask specific questions about their waitlist process: Is there a fee to be on the list? How often is it updated? Do they give preference to siblings or residents of San Dimas? Exploring smaller family childcare homes can also be a strategic way to find quality care with potentially shorter wait times.
What local resources or programs in San Dimas can help me find and afford childcare?
San Dimas parents have several key local resources. First, the **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves Los Angeles County, offers a referral service to help find licensed providers matching your needs and location. They also administer state and federal subsidy programs for qualifying families, such as the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) and the California State Preschool Program (CSPP). You can contact them online or via their Pomona office. Secondly, the **City of San Dimas Community Services Department** often hosts preschool programs at the San Dimas Community Center or local parks, which can be a more affordable municipal option. Finally, checking with local institutions like Bonita Unified School District for transitional kindergarten (TK) information and nearby churches that may host preschools can expand your options.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in San Dimas, and how do I choose?
The two main licensed options in San Dimas offer distinct environments. **Daycare Centers** (like those on Arrow Hwy or near Bonita Ave) are typically larger facilities with multiple classrooms, more children, and a structured, school-like environment with a set curriculum and multiple staff. They often have stricter operating hours. **Family Child Care Homes** are run out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, mixed-age group setting that can feel more like a family. They often provide more flexible hours and may be more accommodating with schedules. Licensing ratios differ: a home is limited to 8 children (with variations for assistant presence), while centers have specific ratios per age group (e.g., 1:4 for infants). Your choice depends on your child's temperament, your need for flexibility, and your preference for a social or homelike setting. Tour both types, and consider your commute—a home-based provider in your specific San Dimas neighborhood might offer greater convenience.