Children at daycare

425 Daycare Centers in San Diego, California

Browse all 425 daycare centers in San Diego, California. Compare options and find the right childcare for your family.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in San Diego

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

    4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 14 children

    Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.

    Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe
  2. 2
    Little Angels Academy
    4.8 score
    5(20)

    3078 L Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 72 children

    Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.

    Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlerseducational activities (art
  3. 3

    4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 137 children

    Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.

    Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approachpotty training success
  4. 4

    12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

    Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.

    Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to studentsflexible class scheduling with unlimited monthly classes
  5. 5

    3743 Front Street, San Diego, CA · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 95 children

    Parents consistently praise Fleur de Lis as an exceptional preschool that fosters individual growth, confidence, and a love of learning through a dedicated, play-based curriculum. Staff members are described as caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The beautiful natural setting, diverse and welcoming community, and strong preparation for kindergarten are frequently highlighted.

    Individualized attention to each childwarm and caring staffdedicated curriculumbeautiful canyon setting with playgrounds
  6. 6

    1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 60 children

    Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.

  7. 7

    9855 Erma Road Ste. 128, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 36 children

    Parents consistently praise Scripps Exploring Academy for exceptional childcare with attentive, caring staff who genuinely bond with children. Families report their children are happy, well-prepared for kindergarten, and experience smooth transitions. The facility is described as clean, welcoming, and homey with strong parent communication.

    Caring and attentive teachershappy childrensmooth transition to kindergartenacademic preparation (reading and writing)
  8. 8

    5075 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 90 children

    Chinese Bilingual Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its bilingual Mandarin-English curriculum, caring and patient teachers, and strong sense of community. Parents highlight the school's commitment to child development, flexible scheduling, and on-site prepared meals. Children show advanced academic preparation and develop lasting friendships.

    Bilingual Mandarin-English immersioncaring and patient teacherson-site fresh meals (breakfastlunch
  9. 9
    Wee Wisdom Preschool
    4.72 score
    5(13)

    8999 Activity Road, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 50 children

    Wee Wisdom Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring, knowledgeable staff, clean facility, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, innovative teaching methods including yoga and meditation, and children's enthusiasm for attending school.

    Caring and knowledgeable staffclean and well-organized facilityindividualized attention to each childdevelopmentally appropriate activities
  10. 10
    Al-Rribat Academy
    4.72 score
    4.9(20)

    7183-A Saranac Street, San Diego, CA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 23 children

    AL-RRIBAT Academy appears to be an Islamic center (masjid) rather than a daycare facility. Reviews praise it as a welcoming community space with clean facilities, active programming including classes and events, and knowledgeable religious leadership. Parents describe feeling a strong sense of belonging and community support.

    Clean facilitieswelcoming and friendly communityactive programming (classeslectures

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in San Diego based on parent reviews

Montessori Child Development LLC

5(20)

4754 Sea Tern Court, San Diego, CA

Montessori Child Development LLC receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the caring, attentive staff and effective Montessori curriculum. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, independence, academic skills, and social development. The school is highlighted for its welcoming environment, strong communication with families, and dedicated leadership.

Caring and attentive staffeffective Montessori curriculumhe

Little Angels Academy

5(20)

3078 L Street, San Diego, CA

Little Angels Academy receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and attentive staff, smooth transitions for children of all ages, educational activities, and communication through their parent app. Children show strong development and look forward to attending.

Loving and nurturing staffbilingual teachers availablesmooth transitions for infants and toddlers

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool

5(20)

4895 Saratoga Avenue, San Diego, CA

Sacred Heart Academy Preschool in San Diego receives universally positive feedback from parents who praise the caring, dedicated staff and comprehensive curriculum that balances play-based learning with kindergarten readiness skills. Parents consistently highlight the school's effectiveness with potty training, social-emotional development, and strong teacher-parent communication through the Brightwheel app.

Caring and dedicated teachersstrong kindergarten preparationplay-based learning approach

Manna'S Martial Arts INC.

5(20)

12285 B World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA

Manna's Martial Arts is a highly-rated martial arts studio in San Diego with consistent 5/5 star reviews. Parents praise the quality instruction, strong emphasis on discipline and life skills, and community atmosphere that extends beyond martial arts training. Multiple families report long-term enrollment (8-13 years) and significant positive impacts on their children's confidence, self-defense abilities, and character development.

Excellent instruction qualityemphasis on safety and respectpersonal attention to students

Fleur De Lis Nursery School

5(18)

3743 Front Street, San Diego, CA

Parents consistently praise Fleur de Lis as an exceptional preschool that fosters individual growth, confidence, and a love of learning through a dedicated, play-based curriculum. Staff members are described as caring, professional, and genuinely invested in each child's cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The beautiful natural setting, diverse and welcoming community, and strong preparation for kindergarten are frequently highlighted.

Individualized attention to each childwarm and caring staffdedicated curriculum

Manchester Family Child Development Center

5(16)

1752 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA

Manchester Family Child Development Center receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise its caring, professional staff, safe and welcoming environment, and focus on child development and learning through play. Parents highlight excellent communication through daily apps and photos, strong parent community engagement, and successful preparation for kindergarten and school transitions. The center has a long-standing positive reputation in the San Diego community.

Map

Daycare Centers in San Diego, California

There are 425 daycare centers in San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego

Showing 425 results

Balboa State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1844 South 40th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 362-4100
Barnard Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2445 Fogg Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 800-5700
Bright Horizons At Del Mar
Child Daycare & Preschools

Bright Horizons at Del Mar receives consistently excellent reviews from parents whose children attended for multiple years. Parents praise the warm, caring staff, strong curriculum, and exceptional teachers—particularly Ms. Angel in the kindergarten/TK classroom. Children reportedly develop strong academic skills, confidence, and social-emotional foundations while feeling genuinely loved and supported.

Experiencedcaringand warm teachers; Director Ms. Sandy is han
Address
3720 Arroyo Sorrento Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 509-0419
Bright Horizons At Tierransanta
Child Daycare & Preschools

Bright Horizons at Tierrasanta has received 10 five-star reviews and 1 one-star review. The positive reviews consistently praise the warm, experienced teachers, strong curriculum, secure environment, and individualized attention to children's development. One parent reported being denied enrollment after a trial visit, citing concerns about how the center handled disclosure of their child's behavioral challenges.

Experiencedcaring teachers with low turnovermultip
Address
6090 Santo Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 467-1800
Burbank State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2146 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 652-4500
Cadman Preschool Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4370 Kamloop Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 273-3003
The Cambridge School
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12855 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 484-3488
Carmel Valley Montessori School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
3800-A Mykonos Lane, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 720-2181
Carson State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
6905 Kramer St., San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 397-6900
Central State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4063 Polk Avenue, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 344-6100
Ymca Teens In Motion-Clairemont High
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4150 Ute Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 273-0201
Ymca Teens In Motion Rb High
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
13010 Paseo Lucido, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 521-3055
Ymca Barnard Elementary Program
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2445 Fogg Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 672-6932
Pacific Beach Klassic Kids
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1234 Tourmaline Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 534-0446
Kce Champions Lcc @ Walker Elementary
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
9225 Hillery Drive, San Diego, CA
Phone
(805) 234-2183
Chavez State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1404 South 40th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 362-3200
Cherokee Point State Preschool/Head Start Program
Headstart Programs
Address
3735 38th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 641-3400
Children'S Growing Center-First United Methodist
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
2111 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 295-1915
Childtime Children'S Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Childtime Children's Center in Mira Mesa, San Diego receives uniformly positive feedback from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and experienced staff, clean and well-organized classrooms, educational curriculum, and strong communication through apps and daily updates. The center serves children from infants through school-age with multiple program options.

Experienced and caring teachersclean and well-maintained facilityengaging curriculum aligned w
Address
8111 New Salem Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 586-0721
Chollas Mead State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
401 N 45th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 362-3300
City Tree Christian School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
320 Date St, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 232-3794
Creekside Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
12362 Springhurst Dr., Room A22, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 679-9601
Del Norte High Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
16601 Nighthawk Lane, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 487-0877
Del Sur Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
15665 Paseo Del Sur, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 674-6200
Delmar Highlands Kindercare Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents overwhelmingly praise Delmar Highlands KinderCare for its caring, dedicated staff and nurturing environment where children are happy and engaged. Teachers are noted for going above and beyond, and the center maintains excellent communication through an app and responsive leadership. One parent reports difficulty accessing toddler spots despite being on the waitlist for years.

Caring and dedicated staffwelcoming environmentstrong teacher-child relationship
Address
12863 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 794-7710
Discovery Isle Child Development Center
Child Daycare & Preschools

Discovery Isle Child Development Center receives universally positive reviews from parents. Parents consistently praise the caring and knowledgeable staff, engaging curriculum, strong communication through daily updates, and child development outcomes. Children reportedly feel comfortable, happy, and well-prepared for kindergarten.

caring and passionate teachersengaging activities and curriculumexcellent parent communication with daily updates
Address
10125 Azuaga Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 538-4800
Dmusd Early Childhood Development Center(Ecdc)
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
10830 Calle Mar De Mariposa, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 793-0071
Eastgate Christian School
Before or After School Daycare
Address
4377 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 453-7430
Edison State Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
4077 35th Street, San Diego, CA
Phone
(619) 344-5400
English French Learning Academy
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
3219 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA
Phone
(858) 274-2890

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Frequently asked questions

There are 425 all daycares in San Diego, California. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
When choosing a daycare in San Diego, 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
San Diego offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 372 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 29 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 7 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 17 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 San Diego for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in San Diego 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.