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

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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

Great Foundations Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools

Great Foundations Montessori receives consistently high praise from parents across multiple locations. Parents highlight the caring, loyal teaching staff, strong Montessori curriculum, warm community environment, and excellent communication. Children are described as happy, confident, and thriving in a well-maintained, nurturing setting.

Dedicated and loyal teachersMontessori curriculum and philosophywarm and supportive environment
Address
4980 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 389-9500
Great Foundations Montessori
Child Daycare & Preschools

Great Foundations Montessori-Woodbury receives consistently excellent feedback from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents praise the caring, dedicated staff—particularly Ms. Laure, Ms. Patty, Ms. Maria, Ms. Viji, and Ms. Tina—and report strong academic and social-emotional development in their children. The school is noted for its warm, welcoming environment and in-house meal services.

Caring and dedicated staffstrong academic curriculum (reading
Address
6304 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 389-2400
Kindercare Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Learning Center in Irvine receives mostly positive reviews praising warm, professional teachers and engaging activities, though two negative reviews cite strict food policies and medication administration issues. Parents generally report children are happy, safe, and develop well academically and socially.

Warm and professional teachersengaging daily activitiesorganized and caring environment
Address
3661 Michelson, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-7330
Kindercare Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Irvine receives consistently positive feedback from parents across all reviews. Parents praise the caring and attentive staff, effective curriculum, and strong communication through the mobile app. The facility's low closure days and inclusive environment that supports children of diverse backgrounds are highlighted as major advantages.

Caring and professional staffresponsive director and assistant directordaily updates and photos via app
Address
5396 Walnut Ave, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 551-6808
Kohitsuji Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
15 Orangetree, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 843-0004
Prestige Preschool Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
16498 Royal Oak, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 559-6810
Spectrum Montessori At Woodbury
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5725 Trabuco Road, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 825-5589
Rainbow Rising - Culverdale
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2 Paseo Westpark, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 296-6296
Kiddie Academy Of Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools

Kiddie Academy of Irvine receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, nurturing environment and strong teacher-child relationships. Parents report their children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, with staff showing patience and individualized attention even for children with special needs. Families feel welcomed and supported, viewing the center as a second home rather than a service provider.

Caring and patient teachers
Address
16655 Noyes Avenue, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 660-0005
Northwood Montessori School Of Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12100 Yale Court, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 508-0400
Olam Jewish Montessori Of Beth Jacob
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3880 Michelson, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-5230
The Children'S Center At Taco Bell
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
One Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 863-3800
New Horizon Elementary School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
1 Truman, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 552-5411
Kindercare Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Learning Center in Irvine receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the caring staff, clean facility, and nurturing environment. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, good communication via their app with daily updates, and children's happiness and readiness for kindergarten. One negative review cited concerns about portion sizes, sleep accommodation, teacher approach, and holiday event inclusivity.

Caring a
Address
1 Bearpaw, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 552-3222
Kindercare Learning Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

KinderCare Learning Center - Westpark location in Irvine receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from most parents, with praise for caring staff, educational curriculum, and strong communication. However, two negative reviews raise serious concerns about child treatment, staff professionalism, and management practices.

Caring and attentive teachersstrong educational curriculumclear daily communication with parents
Address
855 Paseo Westpark, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 262-0260
Vista Verde Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6 Federation Way, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 726-0834
U.C.Irvine - Infant Toddler
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
533 California, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 824-4754
Club J
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1 Federation Way Suite, #200, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 435-3400
Village Montessori School Of Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4552 Sandburg Way, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 786-7494
Deerfield School Age Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2 Deerfield Avenue, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 552-5871
Creeker'S Club
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2 Stone Creek South, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 857-1694
Bright Horizons Irvine
Child Daycare & Preschools

Bright Horizons Irvine receives highly polarized reviews split between center-based care and backup care services. Parents praise the center-based program for caring staff, detailed daily reports with photos/videos, and engaged children. However, the backup care service is heavily criticized for frequent cancellations, no-shows, poor customer service, and lack of alternative provider arrangements.

Caring and professional staffdetailed daily reports with pictures and videosfriendly communication
Address
2010 Main Street, #120, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 261-1200
The Dolphin Club Day Care Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
155 Eastshore, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 651-0152
Turtle Rock School Age Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
5151 Amalfi Drive, Irvine, CA
Phone
(949) 854-5060
Canyon View School Age Cdc
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12025 Yale Court, Irvine, CA
Phone
(714) 730-5194

Page 3 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.