The Best Daycare Centers in Silverado, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Silverado. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Silverado
The Goddard School of Lake Forest
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Lake Forest offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their state-licensed teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. They maintain low student-teacher ratios and provide daily communication to parents through their proprietary app. The center is known for its comprehensive safety protocols and nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and independence.
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Tutor Time of Lake Forest
Learning Care Group
Tutor Time provides a research-based curriculum focused on school readiness and whole-child development. Their proprietary Early Foundations® curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning. The center features secure keypad entry, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Classrooms are designed with learning centers that promote exploration and independence. Teachers use the Tadpoles® app to provide real-time updates and photos to parents. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds and offers enrichment programs in music, movement, and Spanish. Their infant program follows individualized care plans with detailed daily reports.
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Primrose School of Rancho Santa Margarita
Primrose Schools
Primrose School offers the Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and academics. Their curriculum includes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts, delivered by degreed early childhood educators. The school features secure entry systems, sanitization protocols, and emergency preparedness plans. Classrooms are equipped with modern learning materials and technology. Their Harmony & Heart® program incorporates music, and the Primrose Promise program encourages community service. The facility includes multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups and provides nutritious meals prepared on-site. Parents receive regular progress reports and have access to live streaming in classrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Silverado, CA
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Silverado, CA, and how do they differ?
In Silverado, CA, parents primarily have two licensed options: Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) and Child Care Centers. FCCHs are run out of a provider's residence and are licensed for smaller groups (up to 8 or 14 children, depending on the license type), offering a more home-like, mixed-age setting. Given Silverado's semi-rural, canyon community, many providers operate FCCHs. Child Care Centers are less common in the immediate area due to the residential nature and may require travel to nearby communities like Trabuco Canyon or Rancho Santa Margarita. Centers are larger, facility-based programs with more structured curricula and multiple staff. Licensing for both is overseen by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, ensuring health, safety, and staff-to-child ratio standards are met.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in the Silverado area?
The most reliable resource is the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) "Child Care Licensing" website and search tool. You can search by zip code (92676) or city to find licensed Family Child Care Homes and Centers in and around Silverado. The tool provides inspection reports, citation history, and license status, which is crucial for vetting providers. Additionally, local parent groups on social media (e.g., Facebook groups for Silverado or Trabuco Canyon) are invaluable for personal recommendations and insights into provider reputations and waitlist situations. Due to the limited number of providers in the immediate area, networking with other local parents is often the fastest way to discover available spots.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare in Silverado, and are there financial assistance programs available?
Costs in Silverado and its surrounding Orange County areas are relatively high. For a licensed Family Child Care Home in Silverado, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month for full-time infant/toddler care. Rates for preschool-age children are slightly lower. Costs at centers in nearby towns may be higher, often exceeding $1,800 per month. Financial assistance is primarily available through the state's subsidized program, CalWORKs Stage 1, and the Alternative Payment (AP) Program, administered locally by agencies like the Orange County Department of Education. Eligibility is based on family income, need, and factors like employment or schooling. Given high demand, subsidy waitlists can be long, so applying early is recommended.
Are there unique considerations for childcare in Silverado related to its rural/canyon environment?
Yes, several local factors are important. First, **commute and accessibility**: Many homes and providers are located along winding canyon roads. Consider the daily drive, especially during occasional weather events like rain or fire season, which can impact road safety and access. Second, **emergency preparedness**: Given the area's wildfire risk, it's essential to ask any provider about their specific emergency evacuation and communication plans. Third, **enrichment opportunities**: Some local FCCHs may incorporate nature-based learning, taking advantage of the surrounding open space, which can be a unique benefit. Finally, **availability**: Options are more limited than in suburban tracts, so planning and starting your search 6-12 months in advance is often necessary.
What should I look for or ask about specifically during a daycare tour in the Silverado area?
Beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, focus on local specifics. Ask about: **Emergency Plans**: "What is your specific protocol for wildfires, power outages, or road closures affecting pickup?" **Outdoor Play & Safety**: "Given the local wildlife (e.g., coyotes), what are your outdoor play area safety measures?" **Staff Commutes**: "Do your staff live locally, ensuring they can reliably arrive during canyon road conditions?" **Summer & Heat**: "How do you manage outdoor time and indoor cooling during hot summer days?" Also, inquire about their **community connections**—whether they take children on local outings (e.g., to nearby parks or libraries) and how they communicate with parents given that some areas in Silverado can have spotty cell service. Verifying their license is current and asking for references from other Silverado parents is also key.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Silverado: