Children at daycare

36 Daycare Centers in Carlsbad, California

Browse all 36 daycare centers in Carlsbad, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Carlsbad

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    5150 Hemingway Drive, Carlsbad, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

    Carlsbad Country Day School receives consistently high praise from parents, with particular emphasis on the quality and dedication of teachers, especially Ms. Jenny Wheeler. Parents highlight the safe, clean, nurturing environment, quality meals, good communication, and strong child development outcomes. Multiple families report that their children love attending and form lasting friendships.

    Caring and attentive teacherssafe environmentclean facility with good natural lightquality meals and snacks
  2. 2

    5150 Hemingway Drive, Carlsbad, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 162 children

    Carlsbad Country Day School receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, qualified teachers, safe facility, and strong communication. Parents report their children are happy, learning well, and forming meaningful friendships in a nurturing environment. The school is particularly noted for enrichment programs, healthy meals, and teacher continuity across grade levels.

    Highly attentive and caring teacherssafe environmentclean modern f
  3. 3
    Leport School
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    3016 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 18 children

    Parents consistently praise this daycare for its play-based, child-centered approach and caring, professional educators. Children thrive in the outdoor-focused environment, and parents appreciate the individualized attention, particularly for children with special needs. The school has earned universal 5/5 ratings with parents describing it as transformative and exceeding expectations compared to other facilities.

    Caring and professional educatorsplay-based learning philosophyextensive outdoor timesmall class sizes
  4. 4

    2276 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 91 children

    Parents consistently praise La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten for its nurturing, child-focused environment with highly dedicated teachers who foster both academic and social-emotional development. Children are reported to be happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and eager to attend school daily. The school emphasizes learning through play while delivering enriched curriculum and strong individual attention.

    Caring and nurturing teacherssmall class sizeschild-focused approachstrong academic preparation for kindergarten
  5. 5

    6604 Black Rail Road, Carlsbad, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 115 children

    Redeemer by the Sea Lutheran Preschool in Carlsbad receives predominantly positive reviews praising the warm, welcoming environment, experienced and caring teachers, engaging play-based curriculum, and safe facilities. However, one parent reported a significant dispute over non-refundable deposits and concerns about the center's handling of families with special circumstances.

    Welcoming environmentfriendly and enthusiastic staffexperienced teacherspersonalized attention to children
  6. 6

    6286 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 168 children

    Aspirations School of Learning receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, highly educated and caring staff, and beautiful facility designed to foster creativity and learning. Parents highlight transparent communication, engaging enrichment activities, and a strong sense of community. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with some children continuing through kindergarten.

    Exceptional and passionate staffReggio Emilia-inspired curriculumbeautiful and clean facilitychild-led learning environment

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Carlsbad based on parent reviews

Carlsbad Country Day School-Infant

4.9(20)

5150 Hemingway Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad Country Day School receives consistently high praise from parents, with particular emphasis on the quality and dedication of teachers, especially Ms. Jenny Wheeler. Parents highlight the safe, clean, nurturing environment, quality meals, good communication, and strong child development outcomes. Multiple families report that their children love attending and form lasting friendships.

Caring and attentive teacherssafe environmentclean facility with good natural light

Carlsbad Country Day School

4.9(20)

5150 Hemingway Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad Country Day School receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, qualified teachers, safe facility, and strong communication. Parents report their children are happy, learning well, and forming meaningful friendships in a nurturing environment. The school is particularly noted for enrichment programs, healthy meals, and teacher continuity across grade levels.

Highly attentive and caring teacherssafe environmentclean modern f

Leport School

4.9(20)

3016 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA

Parents consistently praise this daycare for its play-based, child-centered approach and caring, professional educators. Children thrive in the outdoor-focused environment, and parents appreciate the individualized attention, particularly for children with special needs. The school has earned universal 5/5 ratings with parents describing it as transformative and exceeding expectations compared to other facilities.

Caring and professional educatorsplay-based learning philosophyextensive outdoor time

La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten

4.9(12)

2276 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA

Parents consistently praise La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten for its nurturing, child-focused environment with highly dedicated teachers who foster both academic and social-emotional development. Children are reported to be happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and eager to attend school daily. The school emphasizes learning through play while delivering enriched curriculum and strong individual attention.

Caring and nurturing teacherssmall class sizeschild-focused approach

Children'S Villages Child Development Center

5(3)

2506 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA

Children'S Villages Child Development Ctr.-Infant

5(3)

2506 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA

Map

Daycare Centers in Carlsbad, California

There are 36 daycare centers in Carlsbad, California. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Carlsbad, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Carlsbad

Showing 36 results

Maac Project Head Start Carlsbad 1 - Eureka Place
Headstart Programs
5
Address
3368 Eureka Place, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 720-4378
Carlsbad Children'S Garden
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2518 Jefferson Street, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 729-1558
Children'S Villages Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2506 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 434-5854
Christ Presbyterian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
7807 Centella Street, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 753-4513
Coast Kids Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1330 Poinsettia Lane, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 929-0029
Children'S Villages Child Development Ctr.-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2506 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 434-5854
Carlsbad Country Day School-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Carlsbad Country Day School receives consistently high praise from parents, with particular emphasis on the quality and dedication of teachers, especially Ms. Jenny Wheeler. Parents highlight the safe, clean, nurturing environment, quality meals, good communication, and strong child development outcomes. Multiple families report that their children love attending and form lasting friendships.

Caring and attentive teacherssafe environmentclean facility with good natural light
Address
5150 Hemingway Drive, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 804-0550
Carlsbad Country Day School
Before or After School Daycare
4.9

Carlsbad Country Day School receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, qualified teachers, safe facility, and strong communication. Parents report their children are happy, learning well, and forming meaningful friendships in a nurturing environment. The school is particularly noted for enrichment programs, healthy meals, and teacher continuity across grade levels.

Highly attentive and caring teacherssafe environmentclean modern f
Address
5150 Hemingway Drive, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 804-0550
La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise La Costa Valley Preschool & Kindergarten for its nurturing, child-focused environment with highly dedicated teachers who foster both academic and social-emotional development. Children are reported to be happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and eager to attend school daily. The school emphasizes learning through play while delivering enriched curriculum and strong individual attention.

Caring and nurturing teacherssmall class sizeschild-focused approach
Address
2276 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 436-2797
Leport School
Before or After School Daycare
4.9

Parents consistently praise this daycare for its play-based, child-centered approach and caring, professional educators. Children thrive in the outdoor-focused environment, and parents appreciate the individualized attention, particularly for children with special needs. The school has earned universal 5/5 ratings with parents describing it as transformative and exceeding expectations compared to other facilities.

Caring and professional educatorsplay-based learning philosophyextensive outdoor time
Address
3016 Highland Drive, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 434-6440
Redeemer By The Sea Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.1

Redeemer by the Sea Lutheran Preschool in Carlsbad receives predominantly positive reviews praising the warm, welcoming environment, experienced and caring teachers, engaging play-based curriculum, and safe facilities. However, one parent reported a significant dispute over non-refundable deposits and concerns about the center's handling of families with special circumstances.

Welcoming environmentfriendly and enthusiastic staffexperienced teachers
Address
6604 Black Rail Road, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 431-8293
Aspirations School Of Learning
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

Aspirations School of Learning receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, highly educated and caring staff, and beautiful facility designed to foster creativity and learning. Parents highlight transparent communication, engaging enrichment activities, and a strong sense of community. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and socially, with some children continuing through kindergarten.

Exceptional and passionate staffReggio Emilia-inspired curriculumbeautiful and clean facility
Address
6286 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 603-9173
Carlsbad Educational Foundation-Calavera Hills
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4
Address
4101-4104 Tamarack Ave., Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 331-6387
Carlsbad Educational Foundation-Poinsettia
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4
Address
2445 Mica Road, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 331-6580
Homeroom Hourly Child Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
3
Address
1820 Marron Road, Suite Q-7, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 936-6722
The Montessori Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
740 Pine Avenue, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(442) 333-9359
Maac Project Head Start Carlsbad 2 Laurel Tree
Headstart Programs

MAAC PROJECT HEAD START CARLSBAD 2 LAUREL TREE has mixed reviews with limited feedback specifically about the childcare center. While some reviewers gave positive ratings, several parents reported significant concerns about staff behavior and management professionalism.

Pleasant facilitiesnice apartments on grounds
Address
1307 Laurel Tree Lane, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 930-0749
Big Future Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Big Future Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with 8 of 9 reviews giving 5 stars. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, clean facilities, strong community atmosphere, and balanced approach to learning and fun. One parent felt the school lacked distinctive features compared to their previous experience.

Caring and attentive staffclean facilitiesflexible scheduling
Address
2634 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 473-8531
Casa Montessori De Carlsbad
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3470 Madison Street, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 729-4455
Discovery Isle Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Discovery Isle Carlsbad receives universally positive reviews from parents. Children show strong academic, social, and emotional development, with parents consistently praising the caring teaching staff and effective leadership. The center maintains excellent parent communication through daily photo apps and updates.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong leadership (Principal VanessaAssistant Principal Brandi/Michelle)
Address
6130 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 431-7090
Sanderling Waldorf School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
1905 Magnolia Avenue, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 635-3747
Pilgrim Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2020 Chestnut Avenue, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 729-4464
Prestige Preschool Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
7150 Rancho Santa Fe Road, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 891-0902
Kindercare-Carlsbad Infant Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Poinsettia in Carlsbad receives nearly universal praise from parents for its caring staff, strong leadership under Director Mandy, enriching curriculum, and family-oriented community atmosphere. However, one parent reported significant concerns about overcrowding, inadequate staffing, cleanliness issues, and safety incidents.

Caring and loving staffstrong director leadershipexcellent communication with parents
Address
1200 Plum Tree Road, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 435-0001
Carlsbad Educational Foundation-Valley Middle
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1645 Magnolia Avenue, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 331-5300
Carlsbad Educational Foundation - Hope Elem.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3010 Tamarack Avenue, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 331-5900
Discovery Isle Child Development Center-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools

Discovery Isle Carlsbad receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, talented staff and strong leadership under Principal Vanessa. Parents consistently report that their children are happy, engaged, and making significant developmental progress through well-organized activities and creative learning experiences. Communication with families is highlighted as excellent, with regular photo updates and daily summaries provided through an app.

Caring and passionate teachersstrong leadership and administrationexcellent parent communication
Address
6130 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 431-7090
Kindercare-Carlsbad
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Poinsettia in Carlsbad receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from parents, with most praising the caring staff, strong leadership under Director Mandy, engaging curriculum, and family-oriented culture. One parent reported significant concerns about overcrowding, cleanliness, and staffing issues. The facility is noted for nutritious meals, community events, and individualized attention to children's development.

caring and loving staffstrong director l
Address
1200 Plum Tree Road, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 435-0001
Kindercare-Carlsbad 1648-Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise KinderCare Carlsbad for excellent staff care, engaging curriculum, and strong communication through their mobile app. All reviewers gave 5-star ratings, highlighting positive child development, a welcoming environment, and professional management. The facility's cleanliness, activities, and beautiful location are frequently commended.

Kind and caring staffexcellent communication via mobile appengaging curriculum with diverse activities
Address
6270 Flying L.C. Lane, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 431-2558
Carlsbad Educational Foundation-Aviara Oaks Elem.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6900 Ambrosia Lane, Carlsbad, CA
Phone
(760) 331-6028

Page 1 of 2· 36 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 36 all daycares in Carlsbad, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Carlsbad, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with California's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in California)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Carlsbad offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 31 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 3 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in California typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Carlsbad for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Carlsbad must be licensed by California's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.