The Best Daycare Centers in Upland, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Upland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Upland
KinderCare at Upland
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Upland provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on academic, social-emotional, and physical development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their approach includes hands-on learning, literacy development, and STEAM activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, experienced staff, and the visible developmental progress children make.
Daycare Services:
The Learning Experience - Upland
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Upland offers a proprietary L.E.A.P. curriculum that combines academic learning with social skills and character development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and surveillance cameras. Their phonics-based literacy program and mathematics curriculum prepare children for kindergarten success. The facility includes modern classrooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a dedicated music room. Staff members hold early childhood education degrees and receive ongoing professional development. Parents highlight the clean environment, engaging activities, and the center's focus on both education and emotional well-being.
Daycare Services:
Rancho Cucamonga Montessori School
Rancho Cucamonga Montessori
Located just minutes from Upland, Rancho Cucamonga Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education with AMI-trained teachers and carefully prepared environments. The school serves children from infancy through elementary years, emphasizing individualized learning, practical life skills, and independence. Classrooms feature genuine Montessori materials, and the curriculum covers language, mathematics, cultural studies, and sensorial development. The facility includes beautiful outdoor learning spaces, gardens, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, highly qualified staff, and the exceptional academic and social development children achieve. The center maintains excellent safety protocols and low student-teacher ratios.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Upland, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Upland, CA?
In Upland, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. This places Upland slightly above the national average but is consistent with the Inland Empire region of California. Center-based care is often at the higher end of this range, while licensed family childcare homes may offer more affordable options, sometimes starting around $900 per month. Costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, staff-to-child ratios, and educational curriculum. It's important to note that California does not have a statewide price cap, so rates are set by individual providers. Many facilities in Upland offer sibling discounts, and financial assistance may be available through the California Department of Education's Child Care and Development Division or local subsidy programs.
How can I verify the license and safety record of a daycare provider in Upland?
All licensed childcare providers in Upland must be registered with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Community Care Licensing Division. You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history for free through the CDSS "Child Care Facility Search" website. Simply enter the facility's name, address, or license number. This report will show the license status, capacity, any past citations, and the dates of recent inspections. For an in-person perspective, the Upland Public Library's community resource desk can often help parents navigate this state website. Additionally, you can contact the local Regional Licensing Office in San Bernardino for specific concerns. Always visit the facility in person to observe safety measures, such as secured gates, clean environments, and emergency plans tailored for local risks like earthquakes or heatwaves.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Upland, and how can I secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Upland, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios under California law. It's not unusual for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before your needed start date. 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 Upland neighborhoods, as they may have more immediate openings and offer a smaller, home-like setting.
What types of state-subsidized childcare assistance programs are available to Upland families?
Upland families may qualify for several state and county-subsidized programs to help with childcare costs. The primary program is the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP), which provides vouchers that can be used at participating licensed centers and family childcare homes. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and need (such as employment, school enrollment, or seeking employment). The San Bernardino County Children's Network can help with applications. Additionally, the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) offers free or low-cost part-day and full-day preschool for income-eligible 3 and 4-year-olds at select locations, including some within the Upland Unified School District. The best first step is to contact the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), which serves San Bernardino County, for a personalized eligibility screening and application assistance.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a family childcare home in Upland, and how do I choose?
In Upland, daycare centers are larger facilities, often with multiple classrooms, structured curricula, and larger groups of children. They typically operate in commercial buildings, have multiple staff with specific qualifications, and may offer more rigid hours (e.g., 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM). Family childcare homes are run out of a provider's residence, are licensed for a smaller number of children (often 6-8), and offer a mixed-age, home-like environment with potentially more flexible hours. Centers might provide more socialization and specialized programs, while homes often offer more personalized care and may be more accommodating for non-standard work schedules. When choosing, consider your child's temperament, your schedule, and budget. Visit both types, check their CDSS licensing records, and ask about their policies on sick children, meals (many Upland providers participate in the CACFP food program), and their approach to local outings, such as trips to Upland's Memorial Park or the library.