The Best Daycare Centers in Woodland Hills, CA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Woodland Hills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills KinderCare
KinderCare Learning Companies
Woodland Hills KinderCare provides comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones. The center features dedicated learning centers for literacy, math, science, and creative arts, with age-appropriate classrooms designed to stimulate cognitive and social development. All teachers are CPR and First Aid certified, with many holding early childhood education degrees. The facility includes secure entry systems, regular safety drills, and nutritious meal programs. What sets this center apart is their balanced approach combining structured learning with play-based activities and strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Goddard School of Calabasas
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Woodland Hills, The Goddard School of Calabasas offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including STEM labs, outdoor playgrounds with natural elements, and dedicated art studios. All lead teachers hold four-year degrees in education or related fields, and the school maintains low student-teacher ratios. The center emphasizes safety with secured entry, comprehensive background checks, and health screening protocols. Their unique approach includes yoga, foreign language exposure, and technology integration appropriate for young learners.
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Montessori School of Tarzana
Independent Montessori School
Montessori School of Tarzana serves the Woodland Hills area with authentic Montessori education guided by AMI-trained teachers. The school features beautifully prepared environments with Montessori materials that encourage independence, concentration, and love of learning. Classrooms are mixed-age to foster peer learning, and the curriculum covers practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. The facility includes peaceful outdoor gardens, organic vegetable patches cared for by students, and natural play areas. What distinguishes this school is their commitment to the complete Montessori philosophy, highly qualified teaching staff with specialized training, and strong community of families who value child-led learning and development of the whole child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Woodland Hills, CA
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Woodland Hills, CA?
In Woodland Hills, the average cost for full-time infant or toddler daycare typically ranges from $1,600 to $2,200 per month. This places it on the higher end of the spectrum for the Los Angeles area, reflecting the city's affluent neighborhoods and higher operational costs for providers. Prices can vary based on the type of facility (corporate center vs. in-home licensed daycare), the staff-to-child ratio, and included amenities like organic meals or specialized early learning curricula. It's advisable to budget for this range and inquire about any additional fees for registration, supplies, or late pickups.
How long are typical waitlists for reputable daycare centers in Woodland Hills, and when should I start looking?
Waitlists for highly-regarded daycare centers and preschools in Woodland Hills can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 18 months, especially for infant spots. Popular centers near Warner Center or in established neighborhoods may have the longest lists. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their research and place their names on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy. For toddler or preschool-age entry, starting your search at least 9-12 months in advance is prudent. Maintaining contact with your top choices every few months can keep your application active.
What are the key differences between a licensed daycare center and a licensed family childcare home (FCC) in Woodland Hills?
In Woodland Hills, licensed daycare centers are larger facilities, often in commercial spaces, with multiple classrooms and staff. They typically follow a structured curriculum, have stricter teacher qualification requirements under California law, and may offer more enrichment programs. Licensed Family Childcare Homes (FCCs) operate out of a provider's residence, offering a smaller, home-like environment with mixed-age groups, which can be beneficial for siblings. FCCs in California have a smaller capacity (up to 8 children, with variations) and may offer more flexible hours. Both are regulated by the California Department of Social Services, but their inspection reports and licensing details can be found online, allowing parents to vet either option thoroughly.
Are there any local resources or programs in Woodland Hills that help parents find and evaluate childcare options?
Yes, a primary local resource is the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), which serves the San Fernando Valley, including Woodland Hills. They offer a free referral service to help parents find licensed providers that match their needs, location, and budget. Additionally, you can use the online "California Child Care Licensing Portal" to look up the license status, inspection history, and any citations for any facility. The Woodland Hills-Tarzana Chamber of Commerce and local parent groups on social media platforms like Nextdoor or Facebook are also valuable for gathering personal recommendations and insights into local daycare reputations.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Woodland Hills?
During a tour in Woodland Hills, go beyond the basics. First, confirm their license is current and posted. Observe the staff-to-child interactions—are they engaged and responsive? Check for cleanliness and safety, including secured outdoor play areas (important in our sunny climate) and protocols for earthquakes or fires. Ask about their educational philosophy and how it aligns with your goals. Inquire about staff turnover, as consistency is key. Finally, discuss their policies on sick children, communication (daily reports/apps), and nutrition—many Woodland Hills centers emphasize healthy, sometimes organic, meal programs. Trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and how your child might fit in.
Childcare Insights for Woodland Hills
Finding quality, affordable childcare can feel like one of the most daunting tasks for a parent. In a community like Woodland Hills, where the cost of living is a significant consideration, the search for "cheap childcare near me" is more than just a convenience—it's a necessity for many families balancing budgets. The good news is that with some local knowledge and a strategic approach, securing reliable and reasonably priced care in our area is entirely possible.
Your first step should be to look beyond the simple internet search and tap into the rich network of local resources. The Child Care Resource Center, which serves the San Fernando Valley including Woodland Hills, is an invaluable starting point. They can provide personalized referrals to licensed family child care homes and centers that meet your specific needs and budget. Often, smaller licensed home-based daycares in our residential neighborhoods offer more flexible and affordable rates than larger commercial centers, while still providing a nurturing, structured environment. Don't hesitate to drive through areas like Ventura Boulevard's side streets or the communities around Serrania Park; you'll often spot small, unassuming signs for these home-based programs.
Another avenue to explore is seeking out childcare cooperatives or nanny shares with other local families. Connecting with parents at the Woodland Hills Recreation Center playground or through community groups on social media can lead to arrangements where costs are shared. This model can be particularly cost-effective and provides a consistent, small-group setting for your child. Furthermore, investigate part-time preschool programs offered by local community centers or faith-based organizations. Many churches and synagogues in Woodland Hills host preschools that operate on a shorter daily schedule, which can be a perfect and more affordable solution if you only need care during school hours or have a flexible work arrangement.
When evaluating any option, remember that "cheap" should never compromise safety or quality. Always verify that the provider is licensed by the State of California, which you can do online. Schedule visits, ask about caregiver-to-child ratios, and request references from other Woodland Hills parents. Inquire about what's included in the tuition; sometimes a slightly higher fee that includes meals, snacks, and enrichment activities may offer better overall value than a bare-bones rate. Finally, be sure to ask about any available financial assistance. Many California-subsidized programs, like the Alternative Payment Program, work with local providers to help eligible families bridge the gap. With patience and thorough research, you can find a childcare solution in Woodland Hills that provides peace of mind for you and a happy, secure environment for your child.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Woodland Hills: