Daycare in San Diego, CA
377 licensed programs in San Diego (San Diego County): 329 child care centers and 48 school-age programs. Together they're licensed for 22,844 children.
Short answer
Infant care at a center costs a median $379 a week in San Diego County (2022 prices), $251 at a family child care home. California's child care subsidy, Subsidized child care (Child Care and Development programs), helps pay if a family of three earns up to $93,420. Call ahead: licensed spots aren't open spots.
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 San Diego County
$379/weekmedian for full-time infant care at a center ($19,719 a year) in 2022, before inflation since.
| Weekly | Center | Home daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $379 | $251 |
| Toddler | $269 | $238 |
| Preschool | $243 | $238 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of 2022.
329 child care centers in San Diego, by ZIP code
Showing the 250 largest of 329 centers by licensed capacity, A to Z within each ZIP, with street address and phone. Find the rest in the official search below.
ZIP 91977 · 1
- Santa Sophia Preschool 9800 San Juan Street · 619-463-0141
ZIP 92101 · 8
- City Tree Christian School 320 Date Street · 619-232-3794
- St. Vincent De Paul Village Preschool P 1501 Imperial Avenue · 619-645-6720
- Nha - STEM Institute for Early Learning 808 West Cedar Street · 619-239-1985
- Aspen Leaf Preschool-Barry Ted Moskowit 880 Front Street Suite 129 · 619-557-3431
- San Diego City College Early Education 1313 Park Boulevard · 619-388-3205
- Nha - Broadway Early Learning Academy 475 West Broadway · 619-614-1500
- Nha - Broadway Early Learning Academy 475 West Broadway · 619-614-1500
- Sdcc Early Education Infant Toddler Cen 1313 Park Boulevard · 619-388-3205
ZIP 92102 · 8
- Future Achievers Preschool/Logan Height 3040 Imperial Avenue · 619-947-9690
- Little Lamb Land Christian Preschool 4168 Market Street · 619-527-4311
- Kinder Mission Day Care Center 3003 a Street · 469-487-4659
- Nha - Chollas View Head Start 918 North 47th Street · 619-263-1780
- Nha McGill School of Success Head Start 3025 Fir Street · 619-239-0630
- Little Angels Academy 3078 L Street · 619-458-9553
- Nha- New Life Head Start Family Focus C 766 28th Street · 619-702-0250
- Little Angels Academy 3078 L Street · 619-458-9553
ZIP 92103 · 11
- Fleur De Lis Nursery School 3743 Front Street · 619-295-6781
- St. Vincent Preschool 4077 Ibis Street · 619-296-2261
- Montessori School of San Diego 1323 West Spruce Street · 619-295-7591
- San Diego Cooperative Preschool 4190 Front Street · 619-295-9860
- St. Paul's Community Care Center 328 Maple Street · 619-239-6900
- Hillcrest Preschool 3900 Cleveland Avenue · 619-295-4147
- Francis W Parker School 4201 Randolph Street · 619-298-9110
- St. Paul's Community Care Center 328 Maple Street · 619-239-6900
- Mission Hills Community Preschool 1211 West Lewis Street · 619-291-2112
- Green Beans Preschool 3975 Front Street · 858-945-2302
- Aspen Leaf Preschool 3518 Third Avenue · 619-501-8899
ZIP 92104 · 8
- French Montessori Preschool of San Diego the 4011 Ohio Street · 619-534-5328
- Timbertoy Bilingual Montessori-North Park 2930 Howard AVE · 619-864-3880
- North Park Christian Preschool 2901 North Park Way · 619-220-0372
- Tesoro Preschool 3030 Thorn Street · 619-569-8955
- Aspen Leaf Preschool 3111 30th Street · 619-285-0767
- Nha North Park Head Start Family Focus 2717 University Avenue · 619-298-4500
- Saint Patrick Preschool 3583 30th Street · 619-487-9538
- Childrens Creative and Performing Arts 3076 Howard Avenue · 619-584-2454
ZIP 92105 · 11
- Nha Home Avenue Head Start Family Focus 4111 Home Avenue · 619-262-8200
- Copley-Price Family YMCA Preschool Chil 4300 El Cajon Boulevard · 619-280-9620
- Nha Urban Village II Head Start 4305 University Avenue Ste · 619-284-5644
- Waldorf School of San Diego 3547 Altadena Avenue · 619-280-8016
- Urban Village 1 Early Learning Academy 3795b Fairmount Avenue · 619-283-2780
- Nha - John Marshall Head Start 3550 Altadena Avenue · 619-624-2360
- Central Elementary State Preschool 3878 Orange Ave · 619-344-6100
- Nha - Altadena Head Start 3770 Altadena Avenue · 619-280-6950
- Nha-Damon R. Carson Early Learning Academy 4110 41st St · 619-837-8350
- Rising Star Preschool 3040 Fairmount Avenue · 619-213-9356
- Cherokee Point State Preschool/Head Sta 3735 38th Street · 619-641-3400
ZIP 92106 · 5
- Rock Academy Early Education Center Th 2277 Rosecrans Street · 619-764-5205
- Kid Ventures Liberty Station Preschool 2865 Sims RD · 619-573-9625
- Bay Point Early Childhood Center 2850 Wasp Way · 619-837-8350
- Rock Academy Early Education Center-Inf 2277 Rosecrans Street · 619-764-5205
- Point Loma Nazarene Early Childhood Lea 3900 Lomaland Drive · 619-849-2223
ZIP 92107 · 7
- Sacred Heart Academy Preschool 4895 Saratoga Avenue · 619-222-7252
- Point Loma Community Church Center 2128 Chatsworth BLVD · 619-223-3327
- Warren-Walker School - Ocean Beach 4605 Point Loma Avenue · 619-223-3663
- St. Peter's Preschool 1371 Sunset Cliffs Boulevar · 619-224-1689
- Adventures in Montessori Ocean Beach 4735 Santa Cruz Ave. · 619-850-0533
- Ryan Family YMCA Preschool 4425 Valeta Street · 619-226-8888
- Ocean Beach Child Care Project 2031 Chatsworth Boulevard · 619-222-6242
ZIP 92108 · 5
- Children's Growing Center - First Unite 2111 Camino Del Rio South · 619-295-1915
- Learning Jungle Mission Valley 403 Camino Del Rio South · 619-309-3430
- Nese Kids Care 967 Camino Del Rio S · 619-295-5500
- Nazareth Preschool 10728 San Diego Mission Roa · 619-641-7954
- Learning Jungle Mission Valley 403 Camino Del Rio South · 619-309-3430
ZIP 92109 · 8
- Seaside Preschool Bay Location 2485 Felspar Street · 858-886-7844
- Baldwin Academy 1760 & 1762 Hornblend Street · 858-270-5995
- St. Andrew's by the Sea Preschool 1050 Thomas Ave · 858-273-3023
- Seaside Preschool 1201 Turquoise Street · 858-886-7141
- St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School 1376 Felspar Street · 858-272-6282
- Pacific Beach Presbyterian Preschool 1675 Garnet Avenue · 858-273-1320
- Baldwin Academy - Infant 1752 Hornblend Street · 858-270-5995
- Includ(ed) 4761 Cass Street · 619-630-0695
ZIP 92110 · 7
- Bay Park Academy 5050 Milton ST · 619-276-7048
- Manchester Family CDC 1752 VIA Las Cumbres · 619-260-4620
- Bay Park Early Learning Center 1955 Chicago Street · 619-275-2241
- School of the Madeleine Preschool 1930 Illion Street · 619-276-6545
- Warren-Walker Early Learning Center 2905 Cadiz Street · 619-771-3663
- Early Learners Children's Academy 4050 Taylor Street · 619-291-5200
- Apple Youchien 2550 Fairfield Street · 619-994-0620
ZIP 92111 · 17
- Wee Care Early Learning Center 3580 Mount Acadia Boulevard · 858-560-0990
- Jeff & Deni Jacobs Child Development Ce 2360 East Jewett Street · 858-278-2571
- Vine Learning Center the 2130 Ulric Street · 858-974-1222
- Playhouse Preschool Forever Young 7045 Forum Street · 858-279-2016
- Nha - Karen D. Love Head Start 2230 East Jewett Street · 858-433-6505
- Mesa College Child Development Center 7250 Mesa College Drive · 619-388-2812
- Noah's Ark Preschool of the Clairemont 5255 Mount Ararat Drive · 858-571-1880
- Kidcademy 7250 Eckstrom Avenue · 858-599-7999
- Au Clair De Lune 1945 Coolidge Street · 858-449-6808
- Ees - Child Development Center 6960 Linda Vista Road · 858-278-2457
- Ridge City Preschool & Daycare 6866 Linda Vista Road · 858-277-1442
- Playhouse Preschool Infant Center 6545 Balboa Avenue Suite B · 858-279-2009
- Timbertoy Bilingual Montessori LLC 6736 Linda Vista Rd · 619-864-3880
- Vine Learning Center #2 the 6705 Linda Vista Road · 858-715-1720
- Ridge City Preschool & Daycare 6866 Linda Vista Road · 858-277-1442
- Cultivate Children's Center 6555 Balboa Avenue Suite 101 · 858-522-9412
- Au Clair De Lune 1978 Coolidge Street · 858-394-5269
ZIP 92113 · 11
- Children of the Rainbow Inc 4890 Logan Avenue · 619-615-0652
- Nha Webster Head Start Family Focused C 2930 Marcy Avenue · 619-232-4520
- Barrio Logan Child Development Center 2138 Logan Avenue · 619-233-3460
- El Nido Infant Toddler Montessori Center 2875 Ocean View Blvd. · 619-344-6500
- Children of the Rainbow Inc 690 Beardsley Street Ste. · 619-578-2974
- Nha - University of Early Learning-Kenn 4715 T Street · 858-336-6090
- Nha - Barbara Y. Fielding Early Learnin 841 South 41st Street · 619-684-6550
- Nha Mercado Head Start Family Focused C 2001 Newton Avenue · 858-336-6090
- Nha University of Early Learning Calvar 735 Cesar E Chavez Parkway · 619-693-4380
- Children of the Rainbow Inc 4890 Logan Avenue · 619-615-0652
- Children of the Rainbow 2225 Commercial Street #140 · 619-272-8394
ZIP 92114 · 6
- Nha - Johnson Early Learning Academy 5760 Luber Street · 619-798-3330
- Imperial Learning Academy 7210 Lisbon Street · 619-230-5943
- Nha - Euclid Avenue Head Start 210 South Euclid Avenue · 619-264-3580
- St. Rita's School 5165 Imperial Ave. · 619-264-8831
- Nha O'Farrell Head Start 6130 Skyline Drive · 619-880-5065
- Purpose Driven Daycare 5825 Imperial Ave · 619-340-6440
ZIP 92115 · 7
- College Ave Pre-School 4747 College Avenue · 619-583-7111
- Children of the Rainbow 6845 University Avenue · 619-269-1581
- Nha Early Link-Skill Centers of America 6285 University Avenue · 619-243-1607
- Aka Head Start - Darnall 6020 Hughes Street · 619-955-8730
- College Park Preschool 5075b Campanile Drive · 619-582-2520
- Nest Montessori School the 4848 Seminole Drive · 619-321-9693
- Kids Ave Enrichment Learning Center 6250 El Cajon Blvd Ste#101-104 · 619-300-7379
ZIP 92116 · 5
- Grace Kids Christian Preschool 2716 Madison Avenue · 619-269-8080
- Kensington Community Church Pre-School 4773 Marlborough Drive · 619-280-1610
- Learning Jungle Adams Avenue - Infant 3844 Adams Avenue · 619-301-7025
- St. Didacus School 4639 Felton Street · 619-284-6190
- Adams State Preschool 4672 35th Street · 619-362-4200
ZIP 92117 · 9
- Northminster Preschool 4324 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard · 858-270-3760
- St. Mark's Weekday Nursery School 3502 Clairemont Drive · 858-273-1489
- Ekobe School of Learning 4570 Mount Herbert Avenue #c · 619-320-8763
- Montessori School House 4544 Pocahontas Avenue · 858-270-9350
- Bright Beginnings Learning Academy 3219 Clairemont Mesa Boulev · 858-505-9638
- Bright Beginnings Learning Academy Infa 3219 Clairemont Mesa Boulev · 858-505-9638
- Tsumiki 4811 Mount Etna Drive · 858-571-7000
- Coastal Christian Academy 4633 Doliva Drive · 858-598-6846
- Alcott Preschool 4680 Hidalgo Avenue · 858-273-3415
ZIP 92119 · 4
- San Carlos United Methodist Weekday Pre 6554 Cowles Mountain Boulev · 619-464-4335
- Silverman Preschool of Tifereth Israel 6660 Cowles Mountain Boulev · 619-697-1948
- Silverman Ginsburg Infant Center 6660 Cowles Mountain Boulev · 619-697-1948
- Grow Smart Children's Academy 6271 Jackson Drive · 619-464-0305
ZIP 92120 · 7
- Mission Nazarene Preschool 4750 Mission Gorge Place · 619-287-4900
- Learning Jungle Mission Gorge 6690 Mission Gorge Rd #r S · 619-280-6690
- Sagebrush Children's Center 6801 Easton Court · 619-287-6767
- Ascension Montessori Children's Center 5106 Zion Ave · 619-582-2699
- Price Family Preschool of Temple Emanu- 6299 Capri Drive · 619-286-2999
- St. Therese Academy Pre-K 6440 Saint Therese Way · 619-583-1493
- Mission Nazarene Preschool - Infant 4750 Mission Gorge Place · 619-287-4900
ZIP 92121 · 5
- Golden Poppy Preschool & Infant Center 3422 Tripp Court · 858-794-9130
- Eastgate Christian School 4377 Eastgate Mall · 858-453-7430
- Maxwell H. & Muriel Gluck Ccc LLC the 10660 John J Hopkins Dr · 858-455-5220
- Sorrento Valley Kindercare 10068 Pacific Heights Blvd. · 858-546-9115
- Sorrento Valley Kindercare 10068 Pacific Heights Blvd. · 858-546-9115
ZIP 92122 · 8
- Mission Bay Montessori Academy 2640 Soderblom Ave · 858-457-5895
- Congregation Beth Israel/Sid Rubin Pres 9001 Towne Centre Drive · 858-900-2530
- Kindercare Agee Preschool 6150 Agee Street · 858-453-7530
- Kindercare Agee Infant 6150 Agee Street · 858-453-7530
- Lighthouse Early Childhood Center 5055 Governor Drive · 858-292-8253
- Ucuc Preschool 2877 Governor Drive · 858-455-0336
- All Saints Preschool 6355 Radcliffe Drive · 858-453-5340
- Say - Spreckels Extended Day Program 6033 Stadium Street · 858-688-2195
ZIP 92123 · 10
- Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School 3630 Afton Road · 858-569-4800
- LA Petite Ecole Du Lycee Francais 8401 Aero Drive · 858-277-1514
- Toby Wells YMCA Developmental Preschool 5105 Overland Avenue · 858-496-9622
- Alexa's Playc 3685 Kearny Villa Road · 858-966-8555
- Chinese Bilingual Pre-School 5075 Ruffin Road · 858-633-2950
- Pearl Montessori Preschool 5150 Murphy Canyon Road #105 · 858-279-5437
- St. Columba Preschool 3365 Glencolum Drive · 858-279-0161
- Gethsemane Christian Preschool 2696 Melbourne Drive · 858-277-7710
- Sdpoa Childcare Center 4020 Murphy Canyon Road · 858-567-0003
- Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School - in 3630 Afton Road · 858-279-3300
ZIP 92124 · 5
- Bright Horizons at Tierrasanta 6090 Santo Road · 858-467-1800
- Afterschool Achievement Academy 3293 Santo Road · 858-751-5755
- Adventure Days Preschool 10881 Tierrasanta Boulevard · 858-560-5686
- Panda Bear Preschool 4998 Via Valarta · 858-576-2327
- Nha-Miller Head Start 4343 Shields Street · 858-278-0502
ZIP 92126 · 14
- Faa Merry Go Around 9175 Kearny Villa Road · 858-536-1008
- Christ the Cornerstone Preschool 9028 Westmore Road · 858-566-1741
- Walker's Children's Center 9245 Hillery Drive · 858-271-8050
- Childtime Children's Center 8111 New Salem Street · 858-586-0721
- Early Learners Children's Academy 9585 Candida Street · 858-530-8200
- Magic Hours Childrens' Center 8330 Westmore Road · 858-271-8383
- Next Generation Educational Center 8989 Mira Mesa Boulevard · 858-536-8800
- Mira Mesa Presbyterian Preschool 8081 Mira Mesa Boulevard · 858-578-2160
- Good Shepherd Catholic School 8180 Gold Coast Drive · 858-693-1522
- Exploring Children's Academy the 10850 Montongo Street · 858-705-8394
- Kids Journey Academy 9750 Galvin Avenue · 858-226-2164
- Miramar College Child Development Cente 10440 Black Mountain Road · 619-388-7851
- Early Learners Children's Academy 9585 Candida Street · 858-530-8200
- Nha-Walker Head Start 9245 Hillery Drive · 858-653-3671
ZIP 92127 · 11
- Lifetime Montessori 14727 Camino De LA Luna · 858-759-0631
- Primrose Schools 4s Ranch 17025 Via Del Campo · 858-592-2335
- Kids' Care Club 10414 Craftsman Way · 858-675-7000
- Lifebridge Preschool & Daycare Center 17645 West Bernardo Drive · 858-485-5933
- Maranatha Christian Schools 10752 Coastwood Road · 858-613-7803
- Kindercare Learning Center - Paseo Mont 11290 Paseo Montanoso · 858-672-1200
- Westwood Club Preschool Program 17394 West Bernardo Drive · 858-618-2159
- Kid Ventures 10760 Thornmint Road · 858-207-6088
- Del Norte High Preschool 16601 Night Hawk Lane · 858-487-0877
- Design 39 Campus Preschool (d39c) 17050 Del Sur Ridge Road · 858-676-6639
- Willow Grove Preschool 14727 Via Azul · 858-673-6526
ZIP 92128 · 5
- LA Petite Academy 12668 Sabre Springs Parkway · 858-486-7197
- Rancho Bernardo Community Church Presby 17010 Pomerado Road · 858-487-0824
- ABC Children's Center at San Diego 12145 Alta Carmel Court #27 · 858-451-1663
- Dot to Dot 12160 Alta Carmel Court · 858-485-1978
- Kindercare Learning Center - World Trad 12135 World Trade Drive · 858-487-6444
ZIP 92129 · 10
- Carmel Mountain Preschool 9510 Carmel Mountain Rd · 858-484-4877
- Kids' Care Club 9995 Carmel Mountain Road # · 858-538-5437
- Penasquitos Christian Preschool 14484 Penasquitos Drive · 858-672-9353
- LA Petite Academy Incorporated 10050 Carmel Mountain Road · 858-484-2654
- Discovery Isle Child Development Center 10125 Azuaga Street · 858-538-4800
- Kindercare Paseo Montril Preschool 10065 Paseo Montril · 858-484-3232
- Rolling Hills Elementary School Prescho 15255 Penasquitos Drive · 858-672-3400
- Rancho Family YMCA Preschool 9440 Fairgrove LN · 858-484-8788
- Westview High Preschool 13500 Camino Del Sur · 858-780-2000
- Kindercare Paseo Montril Infant 10065 Paseo Montril · 858-484-3232
ZIP 92130 · 16
- Bright Horizons at Del Mar 3720 Arroyo Sorrento Road · 858-509-0419
- Kid's Bay the 13770 Carmel Valley Road · 858-240-6710
- Carmel Valley Preschool 13340 Hayford Way · 858-481-7933
- Congregation Beth Am Early Childhood Ce 5050 Del Mar Heights Road · 858-481-2893
- Notre Dame Academy Preschool 4345 Del Mar Trails Road · 858-509-2300
- San Diego Jewish Academy Preschool 11860 Carmel Creek Road · 858-704-3778
- Carmel Valley Montessori School 3800a Mykonos Lane · 858-720-2181
- Dot to Dot 5550 Carmel Mountain Road # · 858-207-7949
- Dmusd Child Development Center 13030 Ashley Falls Drive · 858-793-0071
- Del Mar Highlands Kindercare Preschool 3808 Townsgate Drive · 858-794-7710
- Dmusd Early Childhood Development Cente 10830 Calle Mar De Mariposa · 858-793-0070
- Congregation Beth Am Early Childhood Ce 5050 Del Mar Heights Road · 858-481-2893
- Solana Beach CDC - Solana Ranch Prescho 13605 Pacific Highlands Rch · 858-794-7160
- Kid's Bay - Infant the 13770 Carmel Valley Road · 858-240-6710
- Del Mar Highlands Kindercare Infant 3808 Townsgate Drive · 858-794-7710
- Sdja's Children's House: Beit Yeladim 11860 Carmel Creek Road · 858-704-3778
ZIP 92131 · 9
- Scripps Exploring Academy 9855 Erma Road Suite 128 · 858-693-3702
- Scripps Montessori School 9939 Old Grove Road · 858-566-3632
- Chabad Preschool 10785 Pomerado Road · 858-566-1996
- Kindercare Learning Center - Treena 10623 Treena Street · 858-271-4700
- St Gregory the Great Catholic Preschool 15315 Stonebridge Parkway · 858-397-1290
- Srsrc - Scripps Trail Children's Center 10250 Scripps Trail · 858-549-5355
- Kindercare Learning Center - Infant 10623 Treena Street · 858-271-4700
- Scripps Exploring Academy - Infant 9855 Erma Road Suite 128 · 858-693-3702
- Say Jerabek Preschool Center 10050 Avenida Magnifica · 858-578-5330
ZIP 92139 · 4
- Ecs Zamorano Head Start 7375 Tooma Street · 619-434-5780
- Dejesus Academy International 5940 Winchester Street · 619-479-2410
- Saint Michael Preschool 2637 Homedale Street · 619-472-5437
- Episcopal Community Services - Reo Head Start 2602 Reo Drive · 619-228-2800
ZIP 92154 · 5
- Ecs Montgomery Head Start 3240 Palm Avenue · 619-424-4030
- Ocean View Christian Academy 2460 Palm Avenue · 619-424-7873
- Ees Finney Child Development Center 3950 Byrd Street · 619-690-0147
- St. Charles Catholic Preschool 980 Saturn Boulevard · 619-423-0784
- Four Seasons Academy 3702 Del Sol Blvd Ste a-1 · 858-294-3395
ZIP 92182 · 2
- Associated Students Child Care Center 5500 Campanile Drive · 619-594-7428
- Associated Students Child Care Center I 5500 Campanile Drive · 619-594-7428
No ZIP code listed · 1
- Medina Learning Center 6064 University AVE · 619-906-4177
79 more centers are on the state's list. Search California's child care list.
Home daycares and school-age programs in San Diego
Counted here, not listed: home daycares are shown by city only. Use the official search for names and phone numbers.
| School-age programs | 48 |
|---|
How can I get help paying for daycare in San Diego?
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. If your income is at or below the poverty line, Head Start and Early Head Start are free.
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.
Some areasNew families may wait (February 2025)
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 San Diego: common questions
How much does daycare cost in San Diego, CA?
In San Diego County, full-time infant care at a child care center had a median price of $379 a week ($19,719 a year) in 2022, and preschool care $243 a week. A family child care home charged a median $251 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 San Diego?
California's list shows 377 licensed programs in San Diego as of October 2026: 329 child care centers and 48 school-age programs. Together they're licensed for 22,844 children, though licensed capacity isn't the same as open spots.
Can I get help paying for daycare in San Diego?
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. San Diego also has 40 free Head Start and Early Head Start centers for families who qualify.
How do I know a daycare is licensed?
Every program on this page is on California's list of active licensed programs. 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.