Daycare in Aptos, CA
8 licensed programs in Aptos (Santa Cruz County): 7 child care centers and 1 school-age program. Together they're licensed for 487 children.
Short answer
Source: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, as of October 2026. Child care centers, infant centers and school-age centers that CDSS lists as licensed. California's current open data doesn't include family child care homes, so this list has centers only; search CCLD for licensed family child care homes. Openings change daily, so call first.
What daycare costs in Santa Cruz County
$477/weekmedian for full-time infant care at a center ($24,798 a year) in 2022, before inflation since.
| Weekly | Center | Home daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $477 | $408 |
| Toddler | $326 | $335 |
| Preschool | $256 | $314 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of 2022.
7 child care centers in Aptos
Licensed centers, A to Z, with street addresses.
- Cabrillo College Children's Centerlicensed for 37
6500 Soquel Drive, 95003 · (831) 479-6352
License 440702549 - Cabrillo College Childrens/Infant CenteInfant · licensed for 20
6500 Soquel Drive, 95003 · (831) 479-6352
License 444400156 - Children's Enrichment Centerlicensed for 120
2701 Cabrillo College Drive, 95003 · (831) 465-3302
License 440700992 - Little Learners of Aptos LLClicensed for 30
9850 Monroe AVE, 95003 · (831) 251-9813
License 444417185 - Santa Cruz Montessori Schoollicensed for 112
6230 Soquel Drive, 95003 · (831) 476-1646
License 440700557 - Secret Garden Preschool - Rio Del Mar thelicensed for 36
221 Thunderbird DR, 95003 · (831) 419-2207
License 444417138 - Simcha Preschoollicensed for 52
3055 Porter Gulch RD, 95003 · (831) 479-3449
License 444417183
1 school-age program in Aptos
Before- and after-school and summer programs for school-age children.
- Campus Kids Connection ValenciaSchool-age · licensed for 80
250 Aptos School Road, 95003 · (831) 465-4192
License 444415707
How can I get help paying for daycare in Aptos?
Subsidized child care (Child Care and Development programs) pays part of the bill at a licensed provider you choose; you pay a copay based on income.
Help paying in California
Subsidized child care (Child Care and Development programs), run by California Department of Social Services
$93,420a year or less for a family of three to start (85% of state median income), as of July 2025. You also need to work, study or train.
The highest copay reported for a family of three is 1% of income (January 2025).
How to applySources: California Department of Social Services; National Women's Law Center
- Child care assistance in every state Income limits, copays and waiting lists
- Child care cost by county Look up any county in California
- How much childcare costs Center, home daycare and nanny prices
- Dependent care FSA calculator The FSA or the tax credit for 2026
- Head Start in California Free preschool and Early Head Start if you qualify
Daycare in Aptos: common questions
How much does daycare cost in Aptos, CA?
In Santa Cruz County, full-time infant care at a child care center had a median price of $477 a week ($24,798 a year) in 2022, and preschool care $256 a week. A family child care home charged a median $408 a week for an infant. These prices come from the U.S. Department of Labor and aren't adjusted for inflation, so expect higher rates today.
How many licensed daycares are in Aptos?
California's list shows 8 licensed programs in Aptos as of October 2026: 7 child care centers and 1 school-age program. Together they're licensed for 487 children, though licensed capacity isn't the same as open spots.
Can I get help paying for daycare in Aptos?
Yes, if you qualify. Subsidized child care (Child Care and Development programs), run by California Department of Social Services, pays part of the cost at a provider you choose. A family of three can earn up to $93,420 a year to start.
How do I know a daycare is licensed?
Every program on this page is on California's list of active licensed programs, with its license number. Look up the record before you tour: it shows the ages and number of children the program is licensed for and its inspection history.
Sources
- 1.Community Care Licensing Facilities (CDSS_CCL_Facilities) California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Accessed October 16, 2026.
- 2.National Database of Childcare Prices: 2008-2022 (Data File) U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 3.National Database of Childcare Prices Technical Report (September 2024) U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 4.Subsidized child care (Child Care and Development programs) California Department of Social Services. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 5.California: Financial Assistance Resources for Families (last reviewed 2026-08-21) Childcare.gov (Administration for Children and Families). Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 6.Warning Signs: State Child Care Assistance Policies 2025 National Women's Law Center. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 7.CCDF Family Co-Payments by State (January 2025) Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 8.42 U.S. Code 9858n, Definitions (Child Care and Development Block Grant Act) Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School (U.S. Code). Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 9.Understanding and finding child care in California Childcare.gov (Administration for Children and Families). Accessed October 16, 2026.