Best Daycare Centers in Irvine, CA
Compare 85 daycare centers in Irvine. Average rating: 4.54/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Irvine, California at a glance
- Daycares
- 85
- Avg rating
- 4.54/5
- Parent reviews
- 439
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 22
Irvine has 85 licensed daycares with 439 parent reviews averaging 4.54/5.22 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 59% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 92617 (avg 5 stars), while 92604 has the largest selection (19 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
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.
- 1Jenny Hart Early Education Center4.77 score5(17)
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 - 2Leport Montessori School4.71 score5(12)
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 - 3Learning Lab Preschool4.65 score4.9(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 - 4Chai Tots4.59 score4.8(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 - 5Iusd Early Childhood Learning Center4.58 score4.8(13)
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 - 6Shining Stars Christian Preschool4.55 score4.7(19)
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 - 7Irvine Community Nursery School4.49 score4.7(12)
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 - 8Leport School4.45 score4.7(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
- 9Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Center4.4 score4.5(20)
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 - 10Irvine United Church Early Childhood Center4.37 score4.5(14)
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
Rating Distribution
Based on 37 daycares with Google ratings in Irvine
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 439 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Irvine, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Irvine zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92617 | 6 | 5 | 1 | |
| 92603 | 5 | 5 | 1 | |
| 92602 | 5 | 4.83 | 3 | |
| 92620 | 14 | 4.6 | 2 | |
| 92606 | 7 | 4.6 | 3 | |
| 92618 | 10 | 4.5 | 1 | |
| 92614 | 8 | 4.5 | 1 | |
| 92604 | 19 | 4.44 | 6 | |
| 92612 | 11 | 4.4 | 4 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Irvine (8–340 children)
Small
up to 30 children
6
Medium
31–75 children
26
Large
76–150 children
40
Very Large
150+ children
13
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Irvine based on parent reviews
Jenny Hart Early Education Center
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.
Leport Montessori School
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.
Learning Lab Preschool
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.
Chai Tots
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.
Iusd Early Childhood Learning Center
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.
Shining Stars Christian Preschool
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.
Map
Daycare types in Irvine
Browse by type in Irvine
Daycare Centers in Irvine, California
Irvine offers 85 childcare options, ranging from traditional centers to specialized programs like Montessori. Parents consistently highlight clean facilities and warm, caring teachers as key priorities when visiting these sites. The 92617 zip code stands out as a particularly strong neighborhood for finding highly rated care.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Irvine have an average rating of 4.54 out of 5 across 37 rated facilities, with 59% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.68 stars. Our analysis covers 439 parent reviews.
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
One parent describes a highly positive experience with loving staff and engaging teaching, noting their children's excitement to attend. In contrast, another review cites severe neglect regarding hygiene, specifically reporting that a child suffered a bad diaper rash due to lack of potty training assistance.
- Address
- 5101 Walnut Avenue, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 551-3367
- Address
- 3700 Chaparral, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 552-0366
Parents highlight exceptional teachers, specifically citing one as a nurturing and outstanding asset who fosters social and academic growth. While the program is described as truly Montessori with great staff, some note that the cost is a bit high.
- Address
- 26 Lake Road, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 551-9020
South Coast Chinese Cultural Association receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the responsive and caring staff, strong sense of community, and quality Chinese language instruction. The facility is noted for its modern amenities and diverse programming including martial arts, sports, and cultural activities that help children connect with their heritage.
- Address
- 9 Truman, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 559-6868
Parents highlight the exceptional care and dedication of specific staff members, including the director and manager, who are praised for being patient, kind, and going above and beyond. While families appreciate the loving environment and high staff turnover being managed well, some older children express frustration with rigid rules, mandatory group activities, and limited access to electronics.
- Address
- 4200 Manzanita, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 552-5628
One parent describes a wonderful preschool environment with happy children and warm, well-run operations. Conversely, another parent reports a frustrating application process characterized by inconsistent explanations for non-enrollment and a lack of transparency from the director. A third review simply notes a very bad experience without further detail.
- Address
- 101 Russell Place, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 854-6030
- Address
- 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 854-7030
- Address
- 4572 Sandburg Way Portable, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 653-0352
- Address
- 655 Springbrook North, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 559-8388
- Address
- 670 Paseo Westpark, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 653-6405
- Address
- 100 Honors, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 476-2445
- Address
- 1 Liberty, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 786-0049
- Address
- 200 Cultivate, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 398-8352
- Address
- 50 Blue Lake South, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 651-0678
One parent highlights the program as an amazing option for after-school care and camps, noting that their children enjoyed the experience. The reviewer praises the staff for being kind, supportive, experienced, and professional.
- Address
- 25 San Carlo, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 252-1657
- Address
- 2005 Knollcrest, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 856-3018
- Address
- 355 Rush Lily, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 333-1488
- Address
- 125 Great Lawn, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 726-5120
- Address
- 8673 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 783-5331
- Address
- 3300 South Verano Road, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 824-4755
- Address
- 6533 Adobe Circle Road, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 824-4752
- Address
- 3181 Trevino Drive, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (714) 508-1480
- Address
- 12100 Portola Springs, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 387-3374
- Address
- 6537 Adobe Circle, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 824-4753
- Address
- 3300 Verano Place, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 824-5383
- Address
- 29 Christamon West, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (714) 832-2874
- Address
- 1 Dove Creek, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 551-3275
- Address
- 11555 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (714) 734-3699
- Address
- 12025 Yale Court, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (714) 730-5194
Childtime Children's Center in Irvine receives consistently high praise from parents, with all recent reviews rated 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the caring and professional staff, strong sense of community, and their children's visible growth and development. Families emphasize feeling welcomed and supported by the center's leadership and teaching team.
- Address
- 4876 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA
- Phone
- (949) 551-4533
Page 2 of 3· 85 results
Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 76 facilities
- Church Daycare — 2 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 7 facilities