How do I choose the right daycare in Goleta?

When choosing a daycare in Goleta, 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

Daycare Centers in Goleta, California (15 Results)

Q: What types of daycare are available in Goleta?

Goleta offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 12 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.

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in California?

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 Goleta for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Goleta

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.

Good Shepherd Pre-School

4.55 score

5(6)

380 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

Good Shepherd Preschool in Goleta receives perfect 5/5 ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, spacious outdoor facilities, and enriching activities. Parents report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and form strong friendships while enjoying diverse programming including music, dance, and science.

Caring and attentive teachersspacious outdoor play areassandbox and truckslarge play structures

Steps To Learning Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

6901 Phelps Rd., Goleta, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 15 children

Steps to Learning Preschool in Goleta receives consistently high praise from parents for providing excellent care, structured learning, and developmental support across infant, toddler, and preschool age groups. Parents highlight the nurturing atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and engaged management under owner Ruwini Goonewardina. Children reportedly thrive academically and socially while enjoying field trips, activities, and a flexible schedule.

Exceptional and well-trained staffCPR certifiedstrong developmental outcomes across cognitive/social/emotional/physical domainsindividualized attention to child needs

Steps To Learning Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

6901 Phelps Road, Goleta, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

Parents consistently praise Steps to Learning Preschool for its nurturing environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive developmental programs. Children show measurable growth in academics, social skills, and language development. The owner Ruwini is noted as hands-on and responsive to family needs.

Experienced and knowledgeable staffCPR certifiedflexible schedulingdiverse learning activities (academics

Cac - Goleta I Center

4.31 score

4.5(8)

5681 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children

CAC - Goleta I Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring teachers, child happiness, and helpful staff. One unrelated review about a senior lunch program at a different Davis Center location criticized staff organization and professionalism. Overall, parents feel comfortable and satisfied with the daycare services.

Kind and caring teachershelpful staffchildren happy and eager to attendcommunity resources provided

Daycare Centers in Goleta, California

There are 15 daycare centers in Goleta, 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 Goleta, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 15 all daycares in Goleta, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Goleta, 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

Goleta offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 12 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 Goleta for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Goleta 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.

15 Daycare Centers in Goleta, California

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Goleta

Top Rated

Good Shepherd Pre-School

Steps To Learning Preschool

Steps To Learning Preschool

Cac - Goleta I Center

Evergreen Learning Center LLC

Isla Vista Children'S Center

Map

Daycare types in Goleta

Browse by type in Goleta