Children at daycare

85 Daycare Centers in Irvine, California

Browse all 85 daycare centers in Irvine, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Irvine

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

    4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 97 children

    Jenny Hart Early Education Center in Irvine receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a caring, community-focused preschool with loving and patient teachers. Parents highlight strong child development across academics, social skills, and self-care, along with engaging activities and events. Multiple reviews mention children being reluctant to leave school and showing significant improvement compared to previous programs.

    Warmcaringpatient teachers; strong sense of community among families; balanced curriculum covering faithacademics
  2. 2

    3983 Portola Parkway, Irvine, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 98 children

    LePort Montessori School in Irvine receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's strong academics, particularly in literacy and math, combined with a nurturing Montessori approach. Parents consistently highlight dedicated and caring teachers, a warm community environment, and impressive social-emotional development and life skills instruction for children as young as 2 years old.

    Strong academic foundation and early literacy/math skillsdedi
  3. 3
    Learning Lab Preschool
    4.65 score
    4.9(13)

    5000 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Parents consistently praise Learning Lab Preschool for its caring, nurturing teachers and Christ-centered curriculum that balances academics, creativity, and social-emotional development. Families highlight the school's modern facilities, engaging activities, regular photo/video updates via Brightwheel, and exceptional support for both children and parents. Children show measurable growth in confidence, academic skills, and emotional development.

    Loving and caring teachersChrist-centered environmentSTEAM-based interactive learningmodern and clean facilities
  4. 4
    Chai Tots
    4.59 score
    4.8(14)

    5010 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    The reviews appear to be for a Chabad synagogue and Hebrew school, not a daycare center. All 10 reviews are overwhelmingly positive (5/5 stars) and praise the rabbi, community atmosphere, and Shabbat services. There is a significant mismatch between the daycare listing and the actual reviews provided.

    Welcoming communityknowledgeable rabbispacious facilityquality Shabbat services and food
  5. 5

    One Smoketree, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 200 children

    Parents consistently praise IUSD Early Childhood Learning Center for its caring, professional staff and engaging curriculum. Children reportedly enjoyed attending and learned important academic and social skills in a well-organized, structured environment.

    Warm and caring teachersengaging activitiesstructured curriculumprofessional staff
  6. 6

    10 Goodyear, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 85 children

    Parents consistently praise Shining Stars Christian Preschool for its nurturing, safe environment and qualified staff who support both academic and emotional development. Children reportedly advance academically, develop strong social skills, and leave well-prepared for elementary school. The Christian values, engaging activities, and responsive leadership are frequently highlighted as standout features.

    Warm and nurturing environmentqualified and caring teachersstrong academic preparationemotional and social development focus
  7. 7

    14341 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 24 children

    Irvine Community Nursery School is a highly-rated cooperative preschool where parents actively participate in classroom activities. Parents consistently praise the play-based learning approach, exceptional teachers (especially Ms. Donna and Ms. Bushra), nature-focused outdoor environment, and strong sense of community. Children reportedly show significant social, emotional, and developmental growth.

    play-based learningexperienced and caring teachersoutdoor/nature
  8. 8
    Leport School
    4.45 score
    4.7(9)

    3935 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 148 children

    Parents overwhelmingly praise LePort School's Mandarin immersion program combined with Montessori methodology, highlighting exceptional teacher quality, strong language acquisition results, and a supportive community atmosphere. Multiple families report significant academic and social-emotional development in their children, with particular appreciation for the school's responsive communication and cultural engagement. One negative review mentions observing a child crying and

  9. 9

    12860 Central Park Avenue, Irvine, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 172 children

    Parents consistently praise Tutor Time Irvine for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment across all age groups from infants through preschool. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and well-cared for, with strong communication between teachers and parents. The facility is described as clean, safe, and organized with enriching activities and special programs throughout the year.

    Warm and caring teachersattentive and patient staffclean and safe environmentchildren enjoy attending daily
  10. 10

    4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA · Church Daycare · Capacity: 50 children

    Parents consistently praise IUCC Early Childhood Center for its warm, family-like atmosphere where children feel genuinely cared for and loved by staff. The facility is noted for dedicated teachers, clean environments, nutritious meals, and a curriculum focused on individual child development and emotional support. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and thrive both academically and emotionally.

    Warm and caring staffdedicated teachers with long tenuresmall

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Irvine based on parent reviews

Jenny Hart Early Education Center

5(17)

4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA

Jenny Hart Early Education Center in Irvine receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a caring, community-focused preschool with loving and patient teachers. Parents highlight strong child development across academics, social skills, and self-care, along with engaging activities and events. Multiple reviews mention children being reluctant to leave school and showing significant improvement compared to previous programs.

Warmcaringpatient teachers; strong sense of community among families; balanced curriculum covering faith

Leport Montessori School

5(12)

3983 Portola Parkway, Irvine, CA

LePort Montessori School in Irvine receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's strong academics, particularly in literacy and math, combined with a nurturing Montessori approach. Parents consistently highlight dedicated and caring teachers, a warm community environment, and impressive social-emotional development and life skills instruction for children as young as 2 years old.

Strong academic foundation and early literacy/math skillsdedi

Learning Lab Preschool

4.9(13)

5000 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA

Parents consistently praise Learning Lab Preschool for its caring, nurturing teachers and Christ-centered curriculum that balances academics, creativity, and social-emotional development. Families highlight the school's modern facilities, engaging activities, regular photo/video updates via Brightwheel, and exceptional support for both children and parents. Children show measurable growth in confidence, academic skills, and emotional development.

Loving and caring teachersChrist-centered environmentSTEAM-based interactive learning

Chai Tots

4.8(14)

5010 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA

The reviews appear to be for a Chabad synagogue and Hebrew school, not a daycare center. All 10 reviews are overwhelmingly positive (5/5 stars) and praise the rabbi, community atmosphere, and Shabbat services. There is a significant mismatch between the daycare listing and the actual reviews provided.

Welcoming communityknowledgeable rabbispacious facility

Iusd Early Childhood Learning Center

4.8(13)

One Smoketree, Irvine, CA

Parents consistently praise IUSD Early Childhood Learning Center for its caring, professional staff and engaging curriculum. Children reportedly enjoyed attending and learned important academic and social skills in a well-organized, structured environment.

Warm and caring teachersengaging activitiesstructured curriculum

Shining Stars Christian Preschool

4.7(19)

10 Goodyear, Irvine, CA

Parents consistently praise Shining Stars Christian Preschool for its nurturing, safe environment and qualified staff who support both academic and emotional development. Children reportedly advance academically, develop strong social skills, and leave well-prepared for elementary school. The Christian values, engaging activities, and responsive leadership are frequently highlighted as standout features.

Warm and nurturing environmentqualified and caring teachersstrong academic preparation

Map

Browse by type in Irvine

Daycare Centers in Irvine, California

There are 85 daycare centers in Irvine, 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine

Showing 85 results

Rainbow Rising-Bonita Canyon
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1 Sundance Road, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 509-6736
Rainbow Rising-Northwood
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
28 Carson Street, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 651-0224
Rainbow Rising - Eastwood
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
99 Meander, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 502-6533
Child'S World Pre School
Before or After School Daycare
5
Address
18422 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-9229
Jcc Early Childhood Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
1 Federation Way Ste. 200, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 435-3400
Jenny Hart Early Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

Jenny Hart Early Education Center in Irvine receives consistently high praise from parents who describe it as a caring, community-focused preschool with loving and patient teachers. Parents highlight strong child development across academics, social skills, and self-care, along with engaging activities and events. Multiple reviews mention children being reluctant to leave school and showing significant improvement compared to previous programs.

Warmcaringpatient teachers; strong sense of community among families; balanced curriculum covering faith
Address
4445 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-7392
Leport Montessori School
Before or After School Daycare
5

LePort Montessori School in Irvine receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the school's strong academics, particularly in literacy and math, combined with a nurturing Montessori approach. Parents consistently highlight dedicated and caring teachers, a warm community environment, and impressive social-emotional development and life skills instruction for children as young as 2 years old.

Strong academic foundation and early literacy/math skillsdedi
Address
3983 Portola Parkway, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 427-3969
Hicks Canyon Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3817 View Park, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 544-3492
Irvine Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 724-6700
Light Of Christ Lutheran Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
18182 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-3997
University Synagogue Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
3400 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 553-3535
Irvine Child Development Center - Infant
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
2 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 724-6700
U.C.Irvine-Early Childhood Education Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
5
Address
501 Adobe Circle, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 824-2100
Learning Lab Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.9

Parents consistently praise Learning Lab Preschool for its caring, nurturing teachers and Christ-centered curriculum that balances academics, creativity, and social-emotional development. Families highlight the school's modern facilities, engaging activities, regular photo/video updates via Brightwheel, and exceptional support for both children and parents. Children show measurable growth in confidence, academic skills, and emotional development.

Loving and caring teachersChrist-centered environmentSTEAM-based interactive learning
Address
5000 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 355-3071
Chai Tots
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

The reviews appear to be for a Chabad synagogue and Hebrew school, not a daycare center. All 10 reviews are overwhelmingly positive (5/5 stars) and praise the rabbi, community atmosphere, and Shabbat services. There is a significant mismatch between the daycare listing and the actual reviews provided.

Welcoming communityknowledgeable rabbispacious facility
Address
5010 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-5000
Iusd Early Childhood Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Parents consistently praise IUSD Early Childhood Learning Center for its caring, professional staff and engaging curriculum. Children reportedly enjoyed attending and learned important academic and social skills in a well-organized, structured environment.

Warm and caring teachersengaging activitiesstructured curriculum
Address
One Smoketree, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 936-7579
Westpark Montessori School Of Irvine INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8
Address
11 San Leandro, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 262-0500
Irvine Community Nursery School
Before or After School Daycare
4.7

Irvine Community Nursery School is a highly-rated cooperative preschool where parents actively participate in classroom activities. Parents consistently praise the play-based learning approach, exceptional teachers (especially Ms. Donna and Ms. Bushra), nature-focused outdoor environment, and strong sense of community. Children reportedly show significant social, emotional, and developmental growth.

play-based learningexperienced and caring teachersoutdoor/nature
Address
14341 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-2687
Leport School
Before or After School Daycare
4.7

Parents overwhelmingly praise LePort School's Mandarin immersion program combined with Montessori methodology, highlighting exceptional teacher quality, strong language acquisition results, and a supportive community atmosphere. Multiple families report significant academic and social-emotional development in their children, with particular appreciation for the school's responsive communication and cultural engagement. One negative review mentions observing a child crying and

Address
3935 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 525-9998
Shining Stars Christian Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.7

Parents consistently praise Shining Stars Christian Preschool for its nurturing, safe environment and qualified staff who support both academic and emotional development. Children reportedly advance academically, develop strong social skills, and leave well-prepared for elementary school. The Christian values, engaging activities, and responsive leadership are frequently highlighted as standout features.

Warm and nurturing environmentqualified and caring teachersstrong academic preparation
Address
10 Goodyear, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 632-7001
Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

Parents consistently praise Tutor Time Irvine for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment across all age groups from infants through preschool. Children are reported to be happy, engaged, and well-cared for, with strong communication between teachers and parents. The facility is described as clean, safe, and organized with enriching activities and special programs throughout the year.

Warm and caring teachersattentive and patient staffclean and safe environment
Address
12860 Central Park Avenue, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 389-9999
Irvine United Church Early Childhood Center
Church Daycare
4.5

Parents consistently praise IUCC Early Childhood Center for its warm, family-like atmosphere where children feel genuinely cared for and loved by staff. The facility is noted for dedicated teachers, clean environments, nutritious meals, and a curriculum focused on individual child development and emotional support. Children reportedly enjoy attending daily and thrive both academically and emotionally.

Warm and caring staffdedicated teachers with long tenuresmall
Address
4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 733-0228
Leport School Of Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

LePort School of Irvine receives uniformly positive feedback from parents who praise the Montessori curriculum, caring staff, and strong academic and social development outcomes. Parents consistently highlight excellent communication, convenient operating hours, on-campus extracurriculars, and inclusive support for children with diverse needs. Multiple families report their children thrived academically and emotionally, with noticeable improvements in language, focus, indepen

Address
1055 San Marino, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 833-8474
Leport Schools
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

LePort Schools in Irvine receives consistently high praise from parents, with all recent reviews rating the facility 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the Montessori approach, Spanish immersion program, caring and patient teachers, and strong focus on child development and independence. The school is noted as expensive but considered worth the investment by families.

Montessori philosophy and methodologySpanish immersion programindividualized and attentive teacher car
Address
1 Technology Drive, Bldg. A, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 427-3968
Leport School
Before or After School Daycare
4.4

LePort School in Irvine is highly regarded by parents, with all recent reviews giving 5-star ratings. Parents consistently praise the Montessori approach, Spanish immersion program, caring and attentive staff, and noticeable developmental growth in their children. The school is noted as more expensive than typical childcare but considered worth the investment for quality education and individualized attention.

Spanish immersion programMontessori philosophycaring
Address
1 Technology Drive Ste. H100, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 525-9922
Turtle Rock Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.4

Turtle Rock Preschool receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, attentive staff, strong curriculum, and tight-knit community atmosphere. Parents consistently report that their children are happy, engaged, and thriving academically and socially at this center-based preschool in Irvine.

Excellent and passionate teacherslow teacher-to-child ratiosstructured curriculum with intentional learning
Address
1 Concordia West, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 854-7611
Good Shepherd Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3
Address
4800 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 552-1967
Irvine Montessori School
Before or After School Daycare
4.3

Parents consistently praise Irvine Montessori School for its caring, professional staff and warm learning environment where children thrive academically and emotionally. Multiple families report significant child development, excellent teacher-child relationships, and appreciate the daily communication and enrichment activities offered.

Caring and professional teachersclean facilitychild development and academic growth
Address
17575 Cartwright Road, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 752-7217
St. Andrew'S Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

St. Andrew's Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring and attentive staff, well-rounded educational program, and quality facilities. However, a couple of recent reviews cite concerns about staff professionalism and inconsistency in teacher quality. The center serves ages 2 months to 5 years and offers extended hours from 6:30am-6pm.

Kind and caring teacherseducational programmingmusic and yoga classes
Address
4400 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 651-0198
Milestones Montessori Of Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.3

Milestones Montessori of Irvine receives predominantly positive reviews praising the Montessori curriculum, dedicated teachers, and strong academic outcomes. However, two 1-star reviews report serious concerns about child supervision, teacher engagement, and negative behavioral impacts on their children.

Montessori curriculumpassionate teachers who care about studentsclean and organized facility
Address
16601 Armstrong Avenue, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 553-0555

Page 1 of 3· 85 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 85 all daycares in Irvine, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in Irvine, 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
Irvine offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 76 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 2 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 7 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 Irvine for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Irvine 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.