The Best Daycare Centers in Studio City, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Studio City. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Studio City
The Gardner School of Studio City
The Gardner School
The Gardner School offers a comprehensive academic-focused curriculum for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Their research-based approach includes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, foreign language exposure, and developmentally appropriate learning centers. The facility features secure entry systems, indoor and outdoor play areas, and classrooms equipped with modern educational technology. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains low student-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention and strong developmental outcomes.
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The Learning Experience - Sherman Oaks
The Learning Experience
Located just minutes from Studio City, The Learning Experience provides a well-rounded early education program with their proprietary L.E.A.P. (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum. The center focuses on academic preparation alongside character development through their philanthropy-based curriculum. Features include state-of-the-art security systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and bright, engaging classrooms. The curriculum includes early literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills development. All lead teachers hold early childhood education degrees or credentials, and the center maintains excellent staff retention rates. Parents praise the consistent communication and strong community atmosphere.
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Kid's Corner Preschool & Infant Center
Kid's Corner
As a longstanding local provider in Studio City, Kid's Corner offers a play-based developmental approach combined with structured academic preparation. Their curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, creative expression, and early literacy skills. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, natural outdoor play spaces, and classrooms designed for different age groups. Teachers implement developmentally appropriate practices and maintain detailed portfolios tracking each child's progress. The center is known for its warm, family-like environment and experienced teaching staff, many of whom have been with the center for over a decade. They offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Studio City, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Studio City, CA, and what factors influence the price?
In Studio City, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per month. This is higher than the national average due to the area's high cost of living and demand. Factors that influence the price include the type of facility (corporate chain vs. licensed in-home daycare), the caregiver-to-child ratio, the inclusion of educational curricula (like Montessori or Reggio Emilia), and extra amenities such as organic meals, webcam access, or extended hours. Many centers in Studio City also require an annual registration or materials fee. It's advisable to budget for the higher end of this range and to inquire about any potential discounts for siblings or prepayment.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Studio City, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Studio City can be notoriously long, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant spots. For popular programs affiliated with studios or offering specialized early education, you may even encounter waitlists that exceed two years. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search and application process during pregnancy or as soon as possible after moving to the area. To manage this, consider applying to multiple centers, staying in regular contact with the directors to express continued interest, and also exploring licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home in Studio City, and how do I verify their licensing?
In Studio City, a licensed daycare center operates in a commercial facility, often with multiple classrooms, a larger staff, and a structured curriculum. A licensed family childcare home operates out of the provider's residence, typically caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of children (up to 8 or 14, depending on the license type) in a more home-like setting. Both must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify the license status, view any past citations, and check compliance history for any facility by using the online "Child Care Facility Search" tool on the CDSS website or by calling your local Regional Office. Always verify the license is current and in good standing.
Are there any local Studio City resources or parent networks to help find and vet childcare providers?
Yes, several local resources can be invaluable. The **Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)**, which serves the San Fernando Valley including Studio City, offers referral services, parenting workshops, and information on subsidy programs. Online, parents actively use neighborhood-specific Facebook groups like "Studio City Moms & Dads" or "Studio City Neighborhood Council" for personal recommendations and reviews. The **Studio City Chamber of Commerce** website may also list local family-friendly businesses, including daycare centers. Additionally, connecting with other parents at local parks (like Beeman Park or Studio City Recreation Center) or through activities at the **Studio City Library** can yield trusted, word-of-mouth referrals.
What are the state-mandated staff-to-child ratios for daycare in California, and how do Studio City facilities typically adhere to them?
California has strict staff-to-child ratios that all licensed facilities must follow. For infants (0-24 months), the ratio is 1:4 (one adult for every four infants). For toddlers (24-36 months), it's 1:6. For preschoolers (36 months to enrollment in kindergarten), it's 1:12. Many high-quality daycare centers in Studio City often maintain ratios that are even better (lower) than the state minimum to provide more individualized attention, which is a key selling point for parents. When touring a facility, always ask about their specific ratios during different parts of the day and observe the classrooms to see if they appear adequately staffed. Adherence to these ratios is a critical indicator of safety and quality care.
Nearby Cities
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