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

Dream Land Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
5101 Walnut Avenue, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 551-3367
Rainbow Rising - College Park
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
3700 Chaparral, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 552-0366
Leport Schools
Child Daycare & Preschools
4
Address
26 Lake Road, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 551-9020
South Coast Chinese Cultural Association
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.8

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.

Responsive and communicative staffcaring teachersstrong community atmosphere
Address
9 Truman, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 559-6868
Rainbow Rising-Greentree
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5
Address
4200 Manzanita, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 552-5628
University Montessori School Of Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.4
Address
101 Russell Place, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 854-6030
Mariners Church Preschool
Church Daycare
3
Address
5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 854-7030
University Park Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4572 Sandburg Way Portable, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 653-0352
Springbrook School Age Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
655 Springbrook North, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 559-8388
Plaza Vista Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
670 Paseo Westpark, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 653-6405
Stonegate Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
100 Honors, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 476-2445
Kids Stuff Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1 Liberty, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-0049
Rainbow Rising-Beacon Park
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
200 Cultivate, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 398-8352
Rainbow Rising-Meadow Park
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
50 Blue Lake South, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 651-0678
Rainbow Rising-Westpark
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
25 San Carlo, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 252-1657
Rainbow Rising - Alderwood
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2005 Knollcrest, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 856-3018
Rainbow Rising - Cypress Village
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
355 Rush Lily, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 333-1488
Woodbury Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
125 Great Lawn, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 726-5120
Spectrum Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
8673 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 783-5331
U. C. Irvine-Verano Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3300 South Verano Road, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 824-4755
U.C.Irvine-Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6533 Adobe Circle Road, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 824-4752
Myford Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3181 Trevino Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 508-1480
Rainbow Rising - Portola Springs
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12100 Portola Springs, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 387-3374
U.C.Irvine-Extended Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6537 Adobe Circle, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 824-4753
Verano Childcare Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3300 Verano Place, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 824-5383
Kids Stuff Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
29 Christamon West, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 832-2874
Oak Creek Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1 Dove Creek, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 551-3275
Orchard Hills Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
11555 Culver Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 734-3699
Canyon View Preschool Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12025 Yale Court, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 730-5194
Childtime Children'S Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools

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.

Caring and patient teacherssafe and nurturing environmentclean and well-organized facility
Address
4876 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 551-4533

Page 2 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.