Daycare in Shafter, CA
5 licensed programs in Shafter (Kern County): 5 child care centers. Together they're licensed for 195 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 Kern County
$353/weekmedian for full-time infant care at a center ($18,337 a year) in 2022, before inflation since.
| Weekly | Center | Home daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $353 | $238 |
| Toddler | $206 | $205 |
| Preschool | $171 | $191 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of 2022.
5 child care centers in Shafter
Licensed centers, A to Z, with street addresses.
- Richland State Preschoollicensed for 48
275 West Lerdo, 93263 · (661) 746-7770
License 153801303 - Shafter EHS Child Development Centerlicensed for 40
459 E. Euclid Avenue, 93263 · (661) 746-8240
License 153808178 - Shafter HS Child Development Centerlicensed for 30
452 Los Angeles Street, 93263 · (661) 746-1443
License 150403517 - Tierra Serena Child Development Centerlicensed for 60
17213 Central Valley Hwy, 93263 · (661) 746-0671
License 153808615 - Tierra Serena Child Development CenterInfant · licensed for 17
17213 Central Valley Hwy, 93263 · (805) 544-4355
License 153808616
How can I get help paying for daycare in Shafter?
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.
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 Shafter: common questions
How much does daycare cost in Shafter, CA?
In Kern County, full-time infant care at a child care center had a median price of $353 a week ($18,337 a year) in 2022, and preschool care $171 a week. A family child care home charged a median $238 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 Shafter?
California's list shows 5 licensed programs in Shafter as of October 2026: 5 child care centers. Together they're licensed for 195 children, though licensed capacity isn't the same as open spots.
Can I get help paying for daycare in Shafter?
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. Shafter also has 4 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, 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.