The Best Daycare Centers in Santa Clarita, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Santa Clarita. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Santa Clarita
Tutor Time of Valencia
Learning Care Group
Tutor Time of Valencia offers a comprehensive educational curriculum with a focus on early childhood development through their proprietary Early Foundations program. The center features age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated infant rooms, toddler spaces, and preschool classrooms. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social development through hands-on activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and strict health protocols. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. Parents praise the center's communication through daily reports and the engaging learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten.
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The Goddard School of Valencia
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Valencia provides a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), focusing on academic, social, and emotional development. The center features modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields and receive extensive training in child development. The facility maintains rigorous safety standards including keypad entry, comprehensive background checks, and regular safety drills. Parents consistently highlight the school's excellent communication, experienced staff, and the visible progress children make in their development.
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Kids & Company Learning Center
Independent
Kids & Company Learning Center is a family-owned facility that has served Santa Clarita Valley for nearly two decades with a balanced approach to early childhood education. Their curriculum combines structured academic preparation with creative play and social development activities. The center features separate age-appropriate playgrounds, spacious classrooms with natural lighting, and a comprehensive security system. The teaching staff maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and many educators have been with the center for over 10 years. The center is praised for its nurturing environment, experienced leadership, and strong focus on preparing children for elementary school while fostering individual growth and confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Santa Clarita, CA
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Santa Clarita, CA, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Santa Clarita, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool varies significantly based on the type of facility and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,400 to $2,200 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,800 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, California’s state-subsidized program is administered locally by the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), which has an office serving the Santa Clarita Valley. Eligibility is based on family income, size, and need (such as employment or schooling). Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for assistance early, as waitlists for subsidized slots can be long.
How long are the waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Santa Clarita, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Santa Clarita, particularly in sought-after areas like Valencia or near major employers, can be substantial. It's not uncommon for infant and toddler programs to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a fee), and follow up with centers every 2-3 months to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like Saugus or Canyon Country, which may have more immediate availability. Utilizing the referral service from the local Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) can also help identify options with current openings.
What are the key differences between a large daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Santa Clarita, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Santa Clarita, large daycare centers are often housed in commercial buildings, care for larger groups of children (sometimes 50+), and typically have multiple staff with structured curricula and larger playgrounds. Licensed family childcare homes operate out of a provider's residence, are smaller (caring for up to 8 children, with variations for a "large" license), and offer a more home-like, mixed-age setting. Family childcare can offer more flexible hours and potentially lower ratios. To verify the license and compliance history of any facility, you must use the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Care Facility Search website. You can look up the provider by name or location to see their license status, any past citations, and the capacity they are authorized for. Always visit in person and ask to see their current license posted on-site.
Are there any unique outdoor or enrichment programs integrated into Santa Clarita daycares, given the city's parks and family-friendly amenities?
Yes, many Santa Clarita daycare centers and preschools leverage the city's extensive park system and 350 days of sunshine per year. It's common for programs to incorporate daily outdoor play in secured yards, but some go further with structured "nature-based" learning, gardening projects, or regular walks to nearby parks like Central Park or Valencia Heritage Park. Enrichment programs often include on-site activities like music and movement, introductory Spanish, and STEM projects. Given Santa Clarita's strong arts community, some centers partner with local organizations like the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons for occasional performances or art projects. When touring, ask about their outdoor philosophy, frequency of park visits, and any partnerships with local cultural or recreational resources.
What should I know about the licensing requirements and staff qualifications for daycare providers in Santa Clarita, California?
All childcare providers in Santa Clarita must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Key requirements include: passing background checks (fingerprinting) for all adults in the home or center, completing pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, and fulfilling ongoing training in health, safety, and child development (a minimum of 15 hours per year for licensees). For teachers in centers, the state requires a minimum of 12 core units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and experience. Many Santa Clarita providers exceed these minimums, with directors often holding Bachelor's degrees and teachers pursuing Associate Teacher or Teacher permits through the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Family childcare home providers must also complete preventative health training. Parents should ask about staff turnover rates and the specific qualifications of the caregivers who will be with their child daily.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Santa Clarita: